Jessica Laditan is the Founder and CEO of Pop Up Africa, a pop up events company that runs African-inspired events across London. She’ll be one of the many participants at SheHive London (which is now just 8 days away!). SLA intern, Lamin recently talked with Jessica about her work and her expectations for SheHive London.
Thanks for speaking with us. Can you please introduce yourself, tell us who you are and what you do?
Hey guys, my name is Jessica Laditan. I’m the Founder and CEO of Pop Up Africa. Pop Up Africa is an African inspired pop up events company. We curate and run African-inspired events across iconic spaces in London. The idea is to bring diversity to the space whilst celebrating culture and giving traders who sell African inspired goods a platform to promote their brand to a wider market. Our events vary from trade events, to street food markets, cultural festivals, private functions and networking seminars.
I’ve been featured on the Women4Africa ‘100 Gold List’ 2016. Earlier this year I was a Judge in the ‘Next Star in African Food’ Initiative launched by Red Magazine in partnership with publishers Harper Collins. I also regularly share my knowledge and expertise on pop up retail for African brands at events, on radio, online and via print features.
Is this where you thought you would end up?
Haha no, definitely not where I thought I’d end up. In school I had dreams of becoming an actress until my dad quickly told me to think of a more serious career. I studied Marketing at University and wanted to go into Fashion PR.
I dabbled in that for a bit until it quickly became apparent that I wanted to own my own business. Having my first child gave me that push that I needed and a few poor business ideas later I came up with Pop Up Africa and haven’t looked back since.
What’s your big idea that you’re looking to achieve in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I’m praying that the business will grow to higher levels with an international presence.
What professional organisations are you associated with and in what ways?
Over the past few years, I have developed and worked in partnership with a few organisations including, Spitalfields Market, The Southbank Centre, Farm Africa, Red Magazine, Google Campus…
What made you want to attend SheHive London?
I’ve been tracking She Leads Africa and the SheHive events and couldn’t wait for it to come to London! The founders are inspirational and I love events where African women come together to empower each other so I decided that I definitely had to attend SheHiveLondon.
Who are you looking to network with and meet at SheHive London?
I’m open to networking and meeting anyone at the SheHiveLondon event. I’m looking forward forward to hearing and learning from others. Also to meeting anyone that’s interested in Pop Up Africa and the work that we do.
What skill are you most proud of that you believe can add value to another attendee at the event?
I’m most proud of my event management skills, my knowledge of the London pop up scene and my skills in helping brands raise their profile.
Meet Jessica at SheHive London! Buy your pass here!