From the ring to the boardroom: Khadijah Safari pioneers entrepreneurial mentorship for women of ethnic minorities
Khadijah Safari
Stereotypes and expectations impose rigid boundaries on women, dictating predefined roles and stifling individual aspirations. But women today know how to break free from these constraints. Such a woman is Khadijah Safari, a Martial Arts Expert and Business Coach who defied conventional norms.
Despite her humble background, Khadijah exhibited confidence in pursuing unconventional paths. Whether it was education or her career, she chose a challenging path. In a mostly male setting, she followed her passion for martial arts, often being the lone female practitioner. In 2009, her life took a significant turn when she embraced Islam. Given the choice between wearing the hijab and adapting her interactions, she confronted the challenge head-on.
In 2010, she established the UK’s first women-only martial arts club, Safari MMA Ltd, alongside her husband, former Cage Rage world champion Master Karim Safari. This was the start of her entrepreneurial journey, where she made notable achievements. By 2020, Safari MMA had 11 locations. Her prominence in this domain is further exemplified by the accolades she earned. For instance, she received the British Empire Medal and UK Coaching of the Year.
COVID-19 prompted her to adapt, leading to Safari Health Hub CIC. This organization focuses on providing comprehensive health and well-being services to people from all walks of life.
While managing these diverse ventures, Khadijah realized that by using her vast experience, she could support women in their business pursuits. This led her to establish Khadijah Safari Coaching LLC. It is a comprehensive Women’s Business Mentoring Program that empowers women from diverse backgrounds to navigate the business world.
“My mission is clear – provide knowledge, skills, and continuous support, enabling women to build successful businesses on their terms. I created a mentorship program that is more than just a guide. It empowers women to explore their entrepreneurial ambitions without compromising their faith or values,” said Khadijah.
Her mentorship services include 1:1 mentorship, group mentorship, and an online catalyst program for business growth. This program caters to both new businesses intending to generate a minimum of $10,000 per month and existing online businesses looking to scale from $10,000 to $100,000 per month.
The 1:1 mentorship, tailored specifically for women facing cultural barriers, is a cornerstone of Khadijah’s approach. It offers personalized guidance and an understanding of each woman’s background, experiences, and goals.
Furthermore, Khadijah’s program goes beyond traditional learning by creating a strong network of women entrepreneurs. Within the membership program, The Women’s Entrepreneur Network Group facilitates collaboration, support, and resource-sharing among like-minded individuals. This community empowers participants to overcome challenges collectively and accelerates their growth through shared experiences and knowledge.
In essence, Khadijah Safari’s mentorship program is not just a space where women of ethnic minorities can find guidance but is introduced by a mentor who understands their unique struggles. Drawing from her own experiences as a woman of minority in the entrepreneurial world, Khadijah imparts invaluable insights and expertise, teaching women to break free from cultural barriers and thrive in the business world without compromising authenticity, faith, or values.
To view insightful content on successful business approaches, follow Khadijah on Instagram.