Key Takeaways

- Chichi Yakubu transitioned from corporate HR into entrepreneurship in Ghana after a personal health journey.

- The brand Nyonyo was built from lived experience, not a pre-planned business strategy.

- Business leadership required adapting from employee stability to founder responsibility.

- Investing in people became central to how she built and sustained her business.

- Entrepreneurship involves both operational demands and personal growth.

Building More Than a Brand: Chichi Yakubu’s Journey Into Entrepreneurship in Ghana

Entrepreneurship in Ghana is often discussed in terms of opportunity, but for many founders, it begins with a personal decision rather than a business plan. As part of the 8 Heroes series commemorating WopeCar’s 8th anniversary, Sheena Sue Biney hosted a conversation with Chichi Yakubu on WopeCar Talks, where she shared how her personal lifestyle change led to the creation of her business, Nyonyo and her transition into entrepreneurship in Ghana. What started as a decision to eat differently gradually became something others paid attention to, as people began asking what she was doing and how it was working.

How a Personal Health Decision Became the Foundation for Nyonyo

Her decision was driven by the need to take control of her health. Over time, she changed how she approached food, focusing on meals that were both enjoyable and healthier. As her physical transformation became visible, people around her grew curious. They wanted to understand what she was doing differently and how they could apply the same changes in their own lives.

This growing interest revealed an opportunity she had not initially planned for. Nyonyo was built from that point of intersection between personal experience and public interest. Rather than positioning healthy food as restrictive, she focused on making familiar meals in ways that supported her lifestyle goals.

Today, as founder of Nyonyo, Chichi Yakubu leads a team and manages the operational demands required to sustain and grow the business.

From Corporate Employment to Entrepreneurship in Ghana

Before starting Nyonyo, her career was rooted in corporate employment. She worked in Human Resources, supporting organisational processes and managing people within structured environments. Corporate work provided stability and clear expectations.

Entrepreneurship introduced a different reality. The responsibility shifted from contributing to an organisation to building and sustaining one. Decisions now affected not only business outcomes but also the people working within it.

Her transition reflects a common pathway into entrepreneurship in Ghana, where individuals move from structured employment into building independent ventures.

Understanding the Responsibility That Comes With Business Leadership

One of the most significant adjustments was understanding the weight of business leadership. Moving into entrepreneurship meant becoming responsible for operational continuity, financial sustainability, and team stability.

Her background in Human Resources influenced how she approached leadership. She understood that business growth depended not only on systems and processes, but also on people. Supporting her team became part of sustaining the business itself.

Her experience reflects the realities many founders face, where leadership involves both operational management and responsibility for others’ livelihoods.

Building People as Part of Growing the Business

Her approach to leadership extended beyond managing daily operations. She introduced exposure as part of her leadership philosophy, recognising that experience shapes perspective.

On WopeCar Talks, she explained that exposure helped her team understand broader possibilities and improve how they approached their work. This reflected her belief that business growth and people development are closely connected.

This approach strengthened the internal foundation of Nyonyo, allowing the business to grow while maintaining stability.

How Experience Strengthened Her Confidence as a Founder

Transitioning into entrepreneurship required adjusting to uncertainty. Corporate employment provided predictable income and defined roles. Entrepreneurship introduced variability, requiring her to manage financial planning, operational continuity, and long-term sustainability.

Over time, experience helped her develop confidence in managing these demands. What initially felt uncertain gradually became familiar.

On WopeCar Talks, she explained how leadership became clearer as she adapted to the responsibilities of running a business and supporting a growing team.

What Chichi Yakubu’s Journey Reveals About Entrepreneurship in Ghana

Nyonyo’s growth illustrates how entrepreneurship in Ghana often develops through lived experience rather than formal planning. Her journey began with solving a personal problem, which gradually evolved into building a structured business.

Her story reflects a broader reality within Ghana’s business landscape. Entrepreneurship involves adjustment, responsibility, and sustained effort over time. It requires founders to build systems, support people, and navigate uncertainty.

Watch the full podcast episode on our YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.