As CEO of Learn with Lolonyo, Vivean draws on over 30 years of early years experience, coupled with a BA, MA in Education, social work qualification, and ex-Ofsted inspector.
With a passion for promoting positive representation and blending education with mental well-being,
- Tell us a little bit about your business or the organisation you work for…
This educational platform committed to promoting positive representation and mental well-being in children’s learning journeys is also aligned with the national curriculum. Creating teaching resources designed for children from preschool to 16 years old, Vivean is dedicated to offering educational resources that empower children as they foster a sense of identity, belonging, and resilience through quality learning experiences.
- How did you get into the industry?
During the lockdown, when Vivean was unable to offer her usual childcare service, she noticed that parents still needed educational resources to support their children’s learning at home. Recognising this need, Vivean decided to channel her expertise in early years education and her passion for promoting positive representation into establishing her business. Through this platform, she aimed to create teaching resources that would empower children and support their educational journey, even during challenging times. With the mantra “from baby steps to brilliance,” Learn with Lolonyo strives to inspire children to reach their full potential and foster a love for learning from an early age.
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
One of the significant opportunities is the potential for partnerships and collaborations. By partnering with schools, educational institutions, and community organisations, can expand its reach and access new markets. Collaborations with like-minded organisations can also lead to joint initiatives, events, and promotions, further raising awareness of our products and mission.
Additionally, the rise of e-learning and digital education presents a vast opportunity to expand its online presence and reach a broader audience. With the increasing adoption of digital learning platforms and virtual classrooms, there is a growing demand for digital educational resources that promote diversity. By leveraging this trend by developing digital versions of its teaching resources and partnering with online learning platforms.
Furthermore, the global focus on mental health and well-being presents an opportunity to position itself to promote positive mental health outcomes through its educational resources. By incorporating mindfulness practices, resilience-building activities, and social-emotional learning components into its products, it can address the growing need for holistic education that supports students’ mental and emotional well-being.
However, along with opportunities come challenges. One of the main challenges for Learn with Lolonyo is standing out in a crowded market. While there is a demand for diversity-focused educational resources, there are also competitors in the space. To overcome this challenge, It must differentiate itself by offering unique and high-quality products that meet the needs of its target audience.
Another challenge is navigating the ever-changing landscape of education policies and standards. This requires continuous research and adaptation to stay relevant and competitive in the market.
- How would you describe your working style?
As a leader, my approach is centred on fostering collaboration. I value open communication and seek input from others. I strive to inspire and empower individuals by setting an example and promoting trust, respect, and accountability. Creativity and innovation are encouraged, ensuring alignment with the businesses goals and values.
5. What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Quality Educational Resources: Providing high-quality teaching materials that align with educational standards and promote positive representation is essential.
Customer Satisfaction: Ensuring customer satisfaction by delivering valuable products and excellent service to parents, educators, schools, and other stakeholders.
Innovation and Adaptability: Staying innovative and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of the education sector, including incorporating digital learning trends and addressing mental health concerns.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Building strategic partnerships and collaborations with schools, educational institutions, community organisations, and other relevant entities to expand reach and impact.
Effective Leadership and Management: Strong leadership and efficient management practices are crucial for guiding the organisation, making informed decisions, and optimising resources.
Marketing and Branding: Implementing effective marketing and branding strategies to raise awareness, attract customers, and differentiate Learn with Lolonyo from competitors.
Financial Management: Ensuring sound financial management practices, including budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring expenses, to maintain financial stability and support growth initiatives.
Continuous Improvement: Embracing a culture of continuous improvement by seeking feedback, evaluating performance, and making necessary adjustments to enhance products and services.
6. How has the past 12 months been for you?
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind of activity for both myself and Learn with Lolonyo. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, we’ve managed to achieve some significant milestones. We’ve exhibited at a number of events hosted by Santander, HSBC, and NatWest, allowing us to showcase our products to a wider audience. Additionally, our products are now stocked in a city centre retail outlet, further expanding our reach and accessibility. We’ve also participated in several local events aimed at raising awareness of our products and promoting positive representation in education. One notable achievement during this time was the successful launch of our Amazon store, which has allowed us to reach a wider audience and make our educational resources more accessible to our customers worldwide. We have expanded our online presence and developed new digital products to meet the evolving needs of our audience.
Further to these achievements we have recently been accepted into the Barclays Eagle Labs AccelerateHER programme which has given me access to mentorship from industry experts, tailored support to scale our business, and networking opportunities with other female-led start-ups. Being part of this programme will provide invaluable resources and guidance as we continue to grow and develop our business. We are excited about the opportunities that this program will bring and look forward to leveraging its benefits to further accelerate our growth and impact.
Overall, while it hasn’t been without its challenges, the past year has been incredibly rewarding, and a valuable learning experience, and we are excited to continue growing and making a positive impact in the coming months.
7. What will the next 12 months look like for you or your business?
In the upcoming year, we are embarking on an exciting journey of growth and innovation. We are actively seeking investors who share our vision and want to be part of our incredible journey to empower children through education. Our plan includes establishing a subscription-based platform to make our resources more accessible and affordable. We aim to develop collaborations with retailers and organisations to expand our reach and impact. Additionally, we are committed to supporting the circular economy through our product development efforts. With these initiatives, we are poised to make a significant impact and reach new heights in the next 12 months.
8. What are the highlights of your career so far?
Some highlights of my career so far include:
-
-
- Founding Learn with Lolonyo and launching a range of educational resources promoting positive representation in education.
- Attaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education, along with qualifications in social work, which have provided a strong foundation for my work in the education sector.
- Serving as an Ofsted inspector for early years, gaining valuable insights into educational quality and standards.
- Achieving recognition as an award-winning milliner, as the founder of Brynels Millinery (brynels.co.uk) and having our pieces featured at London Fashion Week and gracing Ebony magazine.
- Making a positive impact on children’s education and mental well-being through innovative teaching resources and initiatives.
- These highlights reflect my dedication to education, entrepreneurship, and promoting diversity in all aspects of my work.
-
9. What’s the biggest professional / business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
One of the biggest professional/business mistakes that I’ve learned from is underestimating the importance of market research and validation before launching a new product or initiative. In the past, I may have rushed into introducing a new offering without fully understanding the needs and preferences of my target audience. This led to wasted resources and missed opportunities for success. Now, I prioritise thorough market research, customer feedback, and validation to ensure that any new venture is well-informed and aligned with the needs of my audience.
10. What’s the best piece of professional / business advice you’ve been given or would like to give?
The best piece of professional/business advice I’ve been given is to never underestimate the power of perseverance and resilience. Building a successful business requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to navigate through challenges and setbacks. It’s essential to stay focused on your goals, remain adaptable to change, and keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles along the way. Additionally, seeking mentorship and learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights and support on your entrepreneurial journey. Ultimately, believing in yourself and your vision, and staying committed to your goals is crucial for success.
