Efe Alasa is a dynamic entrepreneur, artist, and seasoned business consultant with over a decade of experience driving innovation and value across industries. As the Co-founder of myEKI, she combines her expertise in technology and market dynamics to create impactful solutions that inspire change, foster economic growth, and enhance quality of life. Known for seamlessly blending technology with creativity, Efe crafts unique strategies that resonate with communities and businesses alike. Beyond her professional endeavors, she channels her passion for music to fuel her creative process, leaving a lasting impact through her fusion of artistry and innovation. In this interview, she shares her story with Esther Ijewere.
The inspiration behind myEki.market
myEKI was born out of a passion for bridging local businesses and communities with global opportunities through technology. I noticed a significant gap in e-commerce for an all-encompassing platform that caters not just to large enterprises but also to small vendors, riders, and shippers. myEKI stands out because it’s more than a marketplace—it’s an interconnected ecosystem empowering SMBs to scale globally while creating opportunities for logistics providers. This vision is about connecting dots, fostering collaboration, and driving inclusive economic growth.
Being a Business Consultant
My career as a business consultant has provided invaluable insights into understanding market dynamics and creating user-focused solutions. This experience was pivotal in identifying pain points and designing myEKI to address them. Some of our proudest milestones include the successful launch of our platform, its evolution with enhanced features, and the growing participation in our MEK Directory, which amplifies visibility for businesses of all sizes.
How myEki is empowering Women
We’re committed to supporting women entrepreneurs by offering tailored onboarding programs, equipping them with tools to manage their businesses, and providing e-commerce training. Looking ahead, we plan to highlight their success stories, establish mentorship initiatives, and provide grants to help women scale their ventures globally. Our aim is to create a vibrant community where women feel empowered to thrive in the digital economy.
Integrating Art and Technology
Creativity is at the heart of both art and technology. My background as a gospel artist has honed my ability to think innovatively and connect emotionally with users. This perspective influences myEKI’s design and storytelling, ensuring it remains engaging and user-friendly. Beyond the platform, this blend of artistry and tech inspires me to encourage others to embrace their creativity while harnessing innovation to achieve their goals.
The Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp and myEki Partnership
The Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp equipped me with tools to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. It helped me refine how I communicate myEKI’s mission and impact, ensuring our story inspires and attracts more users, partners, and investors. I’ve learned how to harness the power of media to amplify our voice and showcase the transformative potential of myEKI for businesses and communities.
3 Women Who inspire Efe Alasa
Sara Blakely: Founder of Spanx, Sara’s journey from door-to-door fax machine sales to building a billion-dollar brand exemplifies resilience and innovation. Her story inspires me to embrace unconventional ideas and persist through challenges.
Dija Ayodele: Founder of the Black Skin Directory, Dija’s work in advocating for diversity in the beauty industry and creating inclusive platforms resonates with my commitment to representation.
Jessica Anuna: Jessica Anuna’s work with Klasha is more than just a business success; it is a movement. She represents the possibility of transforming an entire continent’s approach to global commerce through innovation, perseverance, and inclusion. Her story is a powerful example of how determination and creativity can create opportunities that uplift entire communities and inspire others to dream big.
Each of these women demonstrates courage, determination, and the power of aligning purpose with impact. My focus is to support Africa’s local artisans and producers, showcase the richness of local resources, create economic opportunities for communities, prove profit and impact can go pari passu and exemplify how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change that paves the way for a more ethical and innovative future.
Long term vision for myEki Market
My vision for myEKI is to make it the go-to platform for empowering local and global commerce. I see it as a hub where vendors can thrive, riders and shippers can earn sustainably, and communities can access diverse opportunities. To achieve this, we’ll continue to innovate, integrate advanced technologies, and expand our reach into underserved markets. Ultimately, myEKI will not just be a marketplace but a movement that bridges borders, fosters growth, and transforms lives.
The retail tech space
Retail tech requires agility and foresight. My approach is to combine a deep understanding of market needs with innovative, customer-focused solutions. Staying ahead means adapting to change, leveraging data-driven insights, and maintaining a commitment to solving real problems. It’s about staying curious and evolving with the ever-changing landscape.
My Motivation
I stay motivated and resilient by focusing on my purpose and the bigger picture of why I started myEKI. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. myEKI was first launched in 2021, as EKI Market and renamed after the setback I experienced. I remind myself that failure is part of the journey and not a reflection of my worth, so I always focus on turning my ideas into solutions that resolve real issues. Surrounding myself with a supportive network, practicing self-care, and celebrating small wins also help me maintain perspective and keep moving forward with determination.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Build solutions that address real challenges, remain adaptable, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Use technology creatively, surround yourself with like-minded individuals, and always align your efforts with your purpose. Success comes from dreaming big, starting small, and staying relentless in pursuit of your goals.
