marianne olaleye

I’m a communications consultant and photographer.

I am also one of 5 sisters. Together we run a business called Puff Puff Ministry. We’re on a mission to make puff puff, a traditional West African doughnut, Britain’s next favourite dessert. I grew the brand from 50 to 3,360 Instagram followers in four months. 

Everyone wanted to know how I did it, and wondered if I could do the same for their brand. So I created jaiku.co to help build brands with soul. Brands that have a story. Brands that are doing things differently. 

Over the years I’ve worked in various sectors from the UK government, to tech companies and nonprofits. One thing all my jobs had in common was telling human stories. Stories about real people, doing great things and making the world a more exciting place. 

I spent a few years working right next to 10 Downing Street at the Department for International Trade. My job was essentially to create good news from all over the UK at a time when there was very little to be positive about (read Brexit). I was tasked with producing stories about small businesses achieving big things in international markets, in the hopes that it would inspire other businesses around the country to sell overseas. The quirky and soulful stories were always my favourite.

I’ve written about all kinds of businesses, from haggis producers in Scotland, to a company exporting human tissue for scientific research. I’ve even written about the seaweed business co-founded by a member of English indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs. These stories all ended up in national and international newspapers, magazines, and on radio or TV. 

Long story short, I know where to find good stories, how to craft them and how to sell them. 

I’ve also been a photographer for many years and have won a British Journal of Photography award for my work. I’m currently trying my hand at 35mm film photography which is going well. You can see some of my photographs here. 

When I’m not doing any of the things mentioned above, I’m either listening to a podcast or going on long walks to the fridge until it’s safe to eat at restaurants again. 

Now it’s your turn. I’d love to know more about you. 

Say hello: marianne@marianneolaleye.com