Meet Lovia Opoku: Founder of Reform Stigma, the Company That Champions Community and Fights Stigma

Hello Lovia! We're thrilled to be chatting with you today at FEM-START. Could you share what sparked your entrepreneurial journey and the motivation behind launching Reform Stigma?

I’ve always been passionate about creating in the broadest sense. I love being part of the process where an idea becomes a reality

I started Reform Stigma because I was struggling to find a job that suited me. Whenever I found a job opening that I liked, I was either overqualified or underqualified. Eventually, I decided to take my business more seriously and see it as my main source of income. This resulted in various assignments from different employers. The common theme in these assignments was community building and working to eliminate stigma in order to fully unlock the potential of the target group. This still resonates with me to this day. Working towards equal opportunities, helping others, and bringing authentic stories to life through beautiful projects are part of my daily activities.

What are some of the most essential things you did to get your business off the ground?

The 3 tips that I would give: 

  1. Have a clear mission, vision, and annual target, that will help with keeping the focus. 
  2. Start early on by creating a clientele because word-of-mouth is the best marketing you could ever get.
  3. I always kept in touch with old colleagues, teachers, etc. Keep that going on. The network is your net worth. 

 

How did you build your customer base and grow your business?

Before starting my agency, I used to braid hair. I quickly built my customer base by engaging with my clients and using my hair braiding business as a case study for my business. I learned the importance of considering the customer journey and developing a marketing communication strategy around it. While mailing may be considered old-fashioned, it can still be the best approach depending on your target audience.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you made along the way, and what did you learn from them?

I used to think that I could handle everything on my own to save costs, but I didn’t realize that it ended up costing me more in the long run. That’s why I’m now focused on building a team around me, as I realize the importance of having good help to grow my business.

What is your biggest achievement since founding the company, and how did you get there?

I got two assignments within a year with a budget of over €20,000. I achieved this through network recommendations and showcasing project outcomes and endorsements.

What advice do you have for other women who want to start their own business?

Don’t think too long and hard about it. You know you’re passionate, capable, and strong-minded. You got this. I know it is a scary journey, but it is also a beautiful one. Don’t forget you are writing your own life story! 

What's next for you and your business? Anything we can expect in 2025

In 2024, we will focus on preparing for 2025 by organizing two major events. The first event will be a Mother’s Day Brunch featuring keynote speakers to empower women in general. The second event will take place in Amsterdam Southeast and will be for the Ghanaian Community in North Holland.

FEM-START is ready to support you on your entrepreneurial journey.  We provide educational courses on funding, pitching, and finding investors, nurture a growing community of female entrepreneurs, and organize events all year long.

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