12 Feb 2024
Entrepreneur Bailah Koroma recently finished his Masters at ARU London, and is now focusing on growing his food and drink business, Koroma’s Kitchen. Bailah gives us advice on studying and starting a business at the same time.
Why did you choose to study here?
After finishing a degree in Graphic Information and Design at Westminster, I was working in a homeless shelter in Islington. I was interested in running my own business, and was offered a place at Anglia Ruskin to study Business Administration, Health and Social Care. When I found out the university was based at Republic I was really impressed by the location and friendly atmosphere.
What led you to start your business?
During the pandemic, I saw an opportunity to support the community by starting a food delivery business. Then when I returned to university, I started sharing my cooking with friends, and more and more people became interested. That’s when I decided to make it professional by registering with the council. I now sell my food and drinks through the campus convenience store, Simply Fresh.
How did studying at Republic help your business?
When I realised this was something I wanted to do, everyone I encountered was eager to help me – the community here feels like a village, it’s a good place to be. Someone in the security team suggested I talk to Simply Fresh, who have since stocked my products and given me lots of advice. Since then, I have been offered a desk space at The Greenhouse to help me run and grow my business.
Do you have any studying or business tips for students?
If an opportunity is given to you, take it with two hands and give it your all. We come to uni to gain knowledge, if you want to do something with that knowledge don’t be scared, just do it! You’ll either fail or succeed, but be brave and take the risk and you won’t regret it.
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