Today we’d like to introduce you to Ndey Mariam Jobe
Hi Ndey Mariam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Ndey Mariam Jobe is a distinguished corporate executive with over 15 years of experience in banking, business, and legal sectors across national and international markets. Her leadership is known for driving transformative initiatives that promote scientific excellence and innovation globally. She has successfully collaborated with diverse international teams, particularly in advancing legal research processes and spearheading international health initiatives, with a special focus on eradicating sickle cell disease in developing nations.
As a passionate health advocate, Ndey Mariam is the founder and president of the African Sickle Cell Support Foundation (ASCSF). Through this organization, she works tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.
In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Ndey Mariam is the founder of The Jaiye Company, a sustainable baby brand revolutionizing the baby care industry. The Jaiye Company designs and manufactures biodegradable bamboo baby products, including diapers, wipes, swaddles, and mealtime essentials such as bowls, plates, and spoons. These eco-friendly products, made from bamboo—a highly renewable resource—are gentle on babies and kind to the planet. The brand is available in major U.S. retailers like Walmart and Market of Choice, and Ndey Mariam was recently featured on CBS Koin News to share the story behind her company.
Her professional journey also extends into real estate, where she is a licensed agent with Keller Williams. She leverages her extensive background in banking, legal, and finance to expand into property development and real estate.
Ndey Mariam’s educational achievements include a BA/MA in Communication and Business from Portland State University and first-class honors in International Business Law from the University of Oklahoma School of Law. She has been recognized with several accolades, including Phi Sigma Pi and National Honor Roll. Her expertise in cross-functional leadership, cross-cultural management, and global technology strategies solidifies her role as a pivotal force in both corporate and humanitarian sectors.
At the heart of her work is a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and improving lives—whether through pioneering baby care products or advocating for health equity.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a Dream Brand: My Journey of Determination and Sacrifice
Becoming a business owner isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a journey filled with challenges, but one I felt deeply compelled to take. I wanted to build a brand that wasn’t only perfect for my child but also kind to the planet—a mission that led me to create a line of diapers made from 100% bamboo. Finding the right manufacturer wasn’t easy. I sifted through countless suppliers to find partners who not only met the highest standards but who were also transparent and open, willing to involve me in every step of the process. I was relentless in my pursuit of perfection, knowing I had one shot to make this dream a reality.
As a new entrepreneur with limited funding, I faced roadblocks at every turn. Banks turned me down, investors looked the other way, and even some close friends doubted my vision. But I wasn’t willing to give up. I sold my gold jewelry, let go of prized designer pieces, and cashed out my 401(k)—anything to keep my dream alive. Every sacrifice was a testament to my belief in this brand and my commitment to a better future for children and the environment.
Behind every step, my family stood by me, cheering me on. My husband, my family, and a few close friends became my lifeline. Their unwavering support and faith became the backbone of my success. I am profoundly grateful to them; they deserve to share in this success, for it is as much theirs as it is mine.
This journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every challenge, every sacrifice, and every late night. If my story can inspire even one person to hold onto their dreams despite the odds, then I know every step was worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Jaiye Company ?
When people hear about my journey, they often ask, “Did luck play a role?” It’s an interesting question, one that forces me to reflect on the delicate dance between effort, determination, and those moments that seem serendipitously timed.
Luck, I believe, is never the whole story. It’s the spark, but it’s up to you to fan it into a flame. For me, luck appeared in the form of small but meaningful moments. Meeting the right mentor at the right time, stumbling across a supplier who resonated with my vision, or receiving unexpected encouragement on a day I was ready to give up. But these “lucky breaks” only mattered because I had laid the groundwork to recognize and act on them.
Luck didn’t write my business plan or keep me up at night solving problems. It didn’t fill out the applications or make the sacrifices I did. Yet, I won’t dismiss its influence. I was lucky to have a family that stood by me, a community of supporters who believed in my dream, and a child who inspired me to create something bigger than myself.
In many ways, luck feels like a reward for resilience. It favors those who show up, again and again, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Was luck a part of my journey? Yes but only because I worked tirelessly to make space for it.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
When people hear about my journey, they often ask, “Did luck play a role?” It’s an interesting question, one that forces me to reflect on the delicate dance between effort, determination, and those moments that seem serendipitously timed.
Luck, I believe, is never the whole story. It’s the spark, but it’s up to you to fan it into a flame. For me, luck appeared in the form of small but meaningful moments. Meeting the right mentor at the right time, stumbling across a supplier who resonated with my vision, or receiving unexpected encouragement on a day I was ready to give up. But these “lucky breaks” only mattered because I had laid the groundwork to recognize and act on them.
Luck didn’t write my business plan or keep me up at night solving problems. It didn’t fill out the applications or make the sacrifices I did. Yet, I won’t dismiss its influence. I was lucky to have a family that stood by me, a community of supporters who believed in my dream, and a child who inspired me to create something bigger than myself.
In many ways, luck feels like a reward for resilience. It favors those who show up, again and again, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Was luck a part of my journey? Yes but only because I worked tirelessly to make space for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thejaiyecompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejaiyecompany?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
