15 September 2017
08 minutes
Inspired by her Swedish upbringing, west African heritage and vintage family photos, entrepreneur Maya Njie launched a niche independent perfume brand in east London. She tells us what lessons she’s sniffed out along the way.
15 September 2017
Share episode
DownloadWant more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Entrepreneurs - latest episodes
Why innovation in helmet safety is so slow moving
We discuss the 10-year long development process behind the world’s first inflatable cycle helmet and how Ventete spotted the cultural shift toward active, eco-friendly commuting. Plus: how to stay ahead of trends in 2025…
Eureka 420: The smart design behind plant pots that fit through letterboxes
Founder and designer Andrew Flynn talks about the origin for his green-thumbed venture, Potr, a smart line of origami-like plant pots that are self-watering and made from waste-materials. He discusses the product’s design…
Why Finland is great for business
We discuss how Finland's stability, trust in institutions and exceptional quality of life cultivate an environment that supports a skilled workforce, advanced technology and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Eureka 419: Is this the world’s first office rollercoaster?
Petter Kukacka, founder of the Stockholm-based creative studio, The Great Exhibition, talks about his childhood dream of building an office rollercoaster and the design challenge his audacious project posed.
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings on creating a “skiable art museum”
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings talks about his latest venture, Powder Mountain, a pristine ski resort in Utah that’s also an outdoor art museum. Plus: we head to an elite business school in Lyon that’s celebrating 40…
Eureka 418: Miami Art Week 2024
How do you transform a declining neighbourhood into a destination for global art and retail? Craig Robins, the developer of the Miami Design District, talks about Miami Art Week 2024 and the role of art in enhancing well…
Book special
‘Thinking Bigger’ author Sarah Dusek talks about her mission to help women secure capital to create large-scale businesses that make a difference. And: Tim Duggan discusses his new book, ‘Work Backwards’, a powerful guide…
Eureka 417: Can smart toy design foster child development?
We meet Nuria Torras, the founder of Lekkid, a Barcelona-based toy brand focused on promoting creativity and imagination in children through educational play.
How slowing down can enhance experiences
We meet the co-founder of European Sleeper, a railway company reviving night trains and connecting great cities across the continent. And to ensure we’re travelling in style, we’ll hear from the founder of Tom Àdam, a…
Eureka 416: How paddleboarding on the Ganges led to founding a greentech company
Shilpika Gautam talks about her journey from the trading floor to environmental work. She discusses how a transformative – and record-breaking – experience paddleboarding the Ganges catalysed the founding of Opna, a gree…
How to open a boutique hotel and creative space in historic Havana
Hear insights from two leaders driving cultural change through the power of music. Monocle’s Tomos Lewis heads to Havana’s Cayo Hueso district to meet a Grammy-winning resident of the Cuban capital who restored a grand…
Eureka 415: Sarah Bell on the smell of success in luxury home fragrance
We meet Sarah Bell, founder of Evermore London, a luxury-candle and home-fragrance brand made from sustainable ingredients, nature-inspired scents and fine UK craftsmanship.
Luca Faloni reflects on a decade of his eponymous brand
We explore how heritage and a commitment to artisanal quality builds enduring brands with the founders of two eponymous luxury labels. Luca Faloni reflects on a decade of elevating Italian menswear and Oyuna Tserendorj…
Eureka 414: How do you reach a eureka moment?
We meet the creator of ‘The Future Flip Book’, a creativity tool designed to spark millions of innovative ideas by allowing users to create combinations that align with their unique goals.
Scaling new heights from shopfronts to supply chains
We discuss growth strategies from Sweden to South Africa as we meet the CEO of Peak Performance to hear about the importance of bricks-and-mortar retail for building communities. And: why creating meaningful touchpoints…
