From private dinners to viral TikToks — and now Netflix.In this episode of NEXUS Talks, we sit down with MsJoyceK, the self-taught chef whose journey from hobbyist cook to culinary entrepreneur is as inspiring as her recipes.

Joyce shares how a spontaneous trip to Congo turned into a two-year adventure that sparked her passion for food, how posting her home-cooked recipes online led to a job offer from The Ivy, and how she found herself competing on Netflix’s Five Star Chef — all while staying true to her authentic, flavour-driven style.

We dive into:

🍴 How she built a thriving food career without formal training

🌍 The lessons she learned from cooking across cultures

📱 Turning simple recipes into viral content

💡 Finding balance between creativity, business, and burnout

🔥 Her tips for aspiring food creators and private chefs

This is a story about passion, perseverance, and purpose — and what it really takes to turn what you love into a sustainable creative career.

Instagram: @msjoycek

TikTok: @msjoycek

Twitter/X: @imjoycek

NEXUS Talks is where founders, creators, and innovators share their journeys — the real stories behind building something from nothing.

Hosted by Deana Soni and powered by NEXUS Creative HQ, we connect creative and tech entrepreneurs with ideas, funding, and community.

👉 Subscribe for more founder stories, creative lessons, and startup inspiration.

🔗 Connect with MsJoyceK💬 About NEXUS Talks

✨ What no one tells you about being a founder… until it’s too late.

In this episode of NEXUS Talks, Adaora Oramah — CEO & Founder of Amaka Studio — gets brutally honest about the reality of building a startup in the creative industry. From the tears and near-burnout moments to redefining what success actually means, Adaora shares the lessons that most founders only learn the hard way.

🚀 You’ll hear:

* Why being *obsessed with the problem* is the secret to scaling

* The hidden struggles African creatives face in the global creator economy

* What “success” really looks like when you’re in the trenches

* The one founder skill no one prepares you for (but makes or breaks your business)

This isn’t your typical glossy founder story. It’s raw, unfiltered, and packed with insights that could save you months — or even years — on your own journey.

🎧 Don’t miss this one. Founders are already talking about it.

Got it — since Spotify doesn’t have teasers at the beginning, we’ll start the timestamps from **00:00**. Here’s a clean, **Spotify-friendly timestamp list** that listeners can use to jump into key parts of the episode:

00:00 – Welcome Adaora Oramah

Introduction to the Founder & CEO of Amaka Studio.

00:59 – From Singer to Startup Founder

Adaora’s creative journey and why she built Amaka.

02:58 – The Problem with Representation**

How African creatives are misrepresented in global media.

05:00 – From Tears to Triumph**

The struggles, pivots, and lessons behind building Amaka Studio.

07:02 – The Advice Every Founder Needs**

Why being obsessed with the problem matters more than anything.

11:53 – Barriers African Creators Face**

The payment and access challenges — and how Amaka solves them.

14:23 – A Proud Founder Moment**

Helping a young creator get closer to her dreams.

16:23 – Founder Burnout Is Real**

Learning the hard way to take breaks.

18:55 – Redefining Success**

Why Adaora doesn’t feel “successful” yet — and what that really means.

23:42 – The Lesson No One Prepares Founders For**

Why business is all about people management.

26:01 – You Can’t Be Everything for Everyone**

How to stay focused when representing a whole continent.

28:31 – The Power of Mentors**

Why mentorship has been key to Adaora’s journey.

30:25 – Overcoming Self-Doubt**

The mindset shift that keeps her moving forward.

33:46 – What’s Next for Amaka Studio**

New features and campaigns on the horizon.

35:09 – Staying Authentic as a Founder**

How Adaora stays grounded in her mission.

36:47 – Final Message to Founders**

Adaptability, persistence, and being obsessed with the problem.

💥 Four years to land one deal?!

Founder Ashley Ainsley, co-founder of Colour in Tech, reveals the unfiltered truth about building partnerships with big brands — and why most founders get it wrong.

From being one of only 32 Black students at Oxford to leading a movement that’s transforming diversity in tech, Ashley shares the lessons, setbacks, and wins that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

* The patience and strategy behind multi-year deals

* How to turn diversity into a competitive advantage

* The realities of running a sustainable nonprofit

* Why transactional networking is killing your chances

* The nationwide AI upskilling initiative is changing the game

Connect with Ashley:

LinkedIn: Ashley Ainsley

Twitter / X: @AshleyAinsley

Colour in Tech: @colourintech | colourintech.org

💥 57% pay gap in influencer marketing?! Founder Charlotte Stavrou of SevenSix Agency reveals the shocking truth brands don’t want you to know – and how she built a thriving agency by taking a leap of faith and disrupting the industry.

In this episode, Charlotte drops unfiltered insights on the mistakes founders can’t afford to make, how to scale with limited resources, and the diversity and inclusion gaps threatening the creator economy. If you’re a startup founder or creative entrepreneur, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

Connect with Charlotte:

• Instagram: @charlotte76

• LinkedIn: Charlotte Stavrou

• SevenSix Agency: @sevensixagency | sevensixagency.com

Klaus Heller, a social media marketing freelancer and founder of the Creative Lunch Club, discusses his journey in the industry and the changes he has witnessed over the years. He emphasizes the importance of using social media strategically to achieve business goals and the need for a media budget. Klaus also shares insights on creating good content, including the importance of engaging the audience and being authentic. He talks about the motivation behind starting the Creative Lunch Club and the goal of building a global community for creatives. Klaus encourages aspiring freelancers to take the leap and start their own ventures.

Takeaways

• Klaus Heller has been in social media marketing since its inception.
• The organic reach of social media has significantly declined.
• Investing in paid media is essential for business success on social platforms.
• Good content resonates with the target audience and encourages engagement.
• The Creative Lunch Club was born out of a desire for community among freelancers.
• Building a community helps creatives connect and share experiences.
• Klaus emphasizes the importance of authenticity in content creation.
• Freelancing offers flexibility and autonomy in work.
• Starting a freelance career can be done gradually alongside a full-time job.
• Networking and community engagement are crucial for creative professionals.

Find Online:-

Klaus Heller: Web | LinkedIn | Instagram

Creative Lunch Club: Web | LinkedIn | Instagram

Find Us:Web | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

#socialmediamarketing #freelancing #CreativeLunchClub #communitybuilding #contentcreation #authenticity #marketingstrategies #networking #digitalmarketing #creativeindustries

In this episode of Nexus Talks, Laila Begum, an actress, filmmaker, and content creator, shares her inspiring journey in the film and theatre industry. Laila discusses her early fascination with performance and imagination, her experience trying out various artistic avenues and ultimately finding her true passion in acting. She reveals the challenges and rejections faced in the industry, the importance of continuous learning, and how she broke through with her first on-screen role. Laila also highlights the significance of networking, having a good agent, and the value of diversifying skills within the industry. Tune in to hear her candid insights and tips for aspiring actors and filmmakers.

Follow Laila Begum:

Web | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Find Us: Web | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

In this podcast episode, Ria Boss, a multifaceted Ghanaian artist, delves into her artistic journey, the challenges she faces in the music industry, and her commitment to fostering community through her initiatives. She discusses her background, her return to Ghana to reconnect with her roots, and the importance of creating supportive structures for artists. Ria reflects on personal hardships and her approach to time management amidst her many roles. She also talks about the Cat Mama persona, the importance of authenticity, and teases upcoming projects. The episode wraps up with Ria's encouragement to trust one's intuition and a spotlight on her community work.

Follow Ria Boss:

Web: https://www.theriaboss.com/

Instagram:https://instagram.com/theriaboss

X: https://x.com/theriaboss

Find Us: Web | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

In this podcast episode, Saliah, a DJ and music producer, shares her journey from a 15-year-old in the UK rave scene to a music industry mentor and innovator. She recounts her early days of mixing drum and bass on vinyl, overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, and her passion for teaching and supporting other women DJs. Celia discusses her evolution from drum and bass to creating a unique blend of Arabic sounds with club music, her experience learning music production during the pandemic, and the unexpected success following her Boiler Room set. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, persistence, and authenticity for aspiring artists. Saliah hints at upcoming shows and collaborations, inviting listeners to follow her on social media for updates.