Esther Ojo is a purpose-driven leader whose journey beautifully blends compassion, culture, and community impact. Based in Canada, she is a registered nurse, cultural entrepreneur, and community wellness advocate, committed to making a difference both inside and outside the healthcare space. With a successful career in nursing, Esther brings empathy and excellence to every patient encounter. Beyond her work in healthcare, she is the visionary founder of Teoafrocarib Market, a vibrant cultural store that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Africa and the Caribbean. More than just a marketplace, Teoafrocarib serves as a hub of identity, connection, and belonging for immigrant communities navigating new beginnings. Ojo is a true Woman of Rubies, leading with heart, rooted in heritage, and impacting lives with purpose and power. She shares her story in this interview. 

My inspiration to become a nurse comes from God and growing up with a person who has a chronic disease. I saw firsthand how much of a difference compassionate, skilled nurses made in caring for the person’s life not just through medical care, but by offering support and dignity during difficult times. That experience sparked my desire to be that kind of person for others. Over time, I also became aware of the health disparities affecting people with chronic illnesses, and that pushed me further. Becoming a registered nurse is more than just a goal, it’s a calling. It’s rooted in my personal experience, shaped by a desire to help others, and driven by a commitment to provide the kind of care that brings healing beyond medicine.

The idea for Teoafrocarib Market was born out of both necessity and love for culture, community, and connection. As someone with deep ties to African and Caribbean heritage, I often found it difficult to access authentic ingredients, products, and cultural staples that are part of daily life in our communities. When I moved here last year, I noticed there were no African stores around, and to help my community, I decided to close the gap.

Working in healthcare has deeply shaped the way I approach entrepreneurship, especially within the community. As a nurse, I have been trained to listen first, to see the whole person, not just the symptoms. That mindset naturally carries into how I run my business. I don’t just see customers, I see people with cultural needs, emotional connections to certain foods or products, and a desire to feel seen and valued. Healthcare also taught me the importance of equity and access. Just like in nursing, where we advocate for patients who may not have a voice, in business I aim to create a space where people from African and Caribbean backgrounds can access goods that reflect their identity without feeling like outsiders in a mainstream market. Another key influence is resilience and problem-solving.

Teoafrocarib Market has had a meaningful impact on the local community by creating a space that feels like home for people who often feel underrepresented and close the gap of not having an African/ Caribbean store around. For many African and Caribbean immigrants, finding familiar foods, products, and cultural items is about more than convenience, it’s about identity, connection, and belonging. One of the most rewarding things has been seeing customers walk in and light up when they find something they haven’t seen since leaving home. Beyond products, my market has also become a community hub; a place where people come to share stories, ask for health advice, recommend recipes, or just feel seen. Most importantly, Teoafrocarib Market sends a message: our culture belongs here too. And that message has resonated with elders, youth, newcomers, and second-generation Canadians.

Balancing my roles as a nurse, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate requires intention, flexibility, and a deep connection to my why. At first, it was overwhelming, each role demands time, energy, and care. But I’ve learned to create balance by aligning them around a shared purpose: community well-being. In nursing, I care for people in vulnerable moments. As an entrepreneur with Teoafrocarib Market, I serve people by providing access to culturally relevant products that support not only physical health but emotional comfort and cultural pride. As a wellness advocate, I educate and empower, bridging gaps in knowledge and encouraging people, especially from African and Caribbean backgrounds, to prioritize their health in ways that resonate with their culture. Instead of seeing these roles as separate, I see them as extensions of one mission: to uplift, heal, and connect. I use time management tools, set clear boundaries, and stay rooted in self-care. I’ve also learned the power of delegation and community, asking for help, building a strong support network, and collaborating with others who share the vision.

The legacy I hope to leave is one of healing, empowerment, and cultural pride. I want people, especially those from African and Caribbean communities, to feel seen, valued, and supported, whether that’s through healthcare, wellness, or simply finding a familiar product on a store shelf that reminds them of home. Through my work as a nurse, I hope to be remembered as someone who treated people with dignity, who listened when it mattered most, and who advocated for patients who often go unheard. Through Teoafrocarib Market, I want to leave behind a lasting space that celebrates culture, supports Black-owned businesses, and builds economic and emotional resilience in our community. But most of all, I want young people, especially Black girls and women to see that it’s possible to wear many hats, to honor your roots, and to create impact on your own terms. I want them to know they can be the caregiver, the CEO, the changemaker, all in one.

My advice to immigrant women is this: your story is your strength. The experiences, struggles, and values you carry are not obstacles, they’re your foundation. Don’t shrink them to fit in. Build from them. Start where you are, with what you have. Purpose-driven businesses are born from a deep connection to your community and your “why”so trust that. Even if you don’t have all the resources, you have resilience, creativity, and the lived experience to solve problems in a way no one else can. Surround yourself with people who believe in you- mentors, allies, other women walking the same path. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Progress matters more than perfection. And when doors don’t open for you, don’t be afraid to build your table. Lastly, take care of yourself. As women, especially in immigrant communities, we often carry everything for everyone. But sustainability matters. Your wellness is not a luxury, it’s your power source. A purpose-driven business can only thrive if you’re thriving too. You are enough. You are needed. And your voice, your vision, and your work have the power to change lives including your own.

My mother is my first and deepest inspiration. She’s shown me what true strength, grace, and perseverance look like. She never gave up on showing love, holding our family together, and pushing forward. Her resilience is a daily reminder of why I chose both nursing and entrepreneurship, to serve, support, and uplift others just like her. Esther from the bible- inspires me because she reminds us that purpose is often bigger than fear. She risked everything to speak up for her people, showing boldness, wisdom, and humility. As a woman of faith, I see her story as a powerful reminder that we are placed in certain positions, whether in healthcare, business, or community for a reason. “For such a time as this,” we are called to lead, protect, and make a difference. Sarah Jakes Roberts inspires me that despite my challenges, with the help of God, I can rewrite my story, focus on holistic transformation, break generational cycles of trauma, and achieve personal and professional growth.

For me, being a Woman of Rubies means I am enough, valued and loved. Also, embracing every part of my journey, including the challenges I’ve faced in life, and turning those experiences into sources of compassion and purpose. Above all, being a Woman of Rubies is about recognizing my worth, celebrating the worth of others, and shining my light boldly even when the path isn’t easy because I know that my strength and resilience can inspire change.