AfriBlocks Network
Mairo Ahmadu, a Nigerian-born creative and website designer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, never set out to become an entrepreneur. Yet today, she finds herself at the helm of a growing business that helps solopreneurs, professionals, and small business owners build an online presence. In addition to her work as a website designer, Mairo is also the author of the blog Spillage, where she explores her passion for writing in a style she describes as “unapologetically messy with words.” Her journey is one of creativity and dedication, and she continues to grow her business with a hands-on approach.
The Accidental Startup
Mairo’s entry into the world of website design wasn’t a carefully planned venture but rather, as she describes it, “an accidental mess—in a creative way.” It all started when she was helping a friend launch their therapy business. The friend needed a website to showcase their services, and Mairo, who had some prior knowledge of website design, decided to lend a hand.
"I was supporting a friend who was in the process of setting up their therapy business and needed a website," she explains. "Even though I had limited experience, I knew enough to get started. I learned more as I worked on that project, and before I knew it, I had created a beautiful website for them."
What began as a favor soon turned into a business. The success of her friend’s website led to referrals, and soon, Mairo found herself designing websites for other clients. "My business has grown primarily through word of mouth," she says. "It’s been bliss because I’ve hardly had to do any marketing." Her organic growth is a testament to the quality of her work and the relationships she builds with her clients.
The Joy of Helping Clients Thrive
For Mairo, the most exciting part of her business isn’t just about designing websites but about helping her clients succeed. “I am excited by the prospect of building my business to a point where it is sustainable for the life and lifestyle I am working to have,” she shares. However, the deeper fulfillment comes from knowing that her work makes a tangible difference in the lives of her clients.
"I immensely enjoy seeing my clients' businesses thrive, all because of the small part I played in building their websites," she says. Whether she is helping a solopreneur establish their first online presence or working with a small business to refine its digital identity, Mairo takes pride in the role she plays in helping others achieve their dreams.
Managing a Team of Contractors
As her business grows, Mairo has chosen to keep her operations streamlined by working with contractors instead of hiring full-time employees. "I primarily work with contractors currently—they are easier to manage, in my opinion, being at my size," she explains. This approach allows her to remain hands-on with her clients and maintain the personal touch that has been key to her success.
While she enjoys being closely involved with her projects, Mairo does have aspirations to step back from the day-to-day tasks in the future. "Would I like to take more of a step back from doing things at the level I am today in the next two or three years? Yes, absolutely!" she admits. For now, though, she is content with the balance she has struck between managing her team of contractors and delivering high-quality work for her clients.
Scaling the Business
When asked about her plans for scaling the business, Mairo’s response is simple: she sees her team of contractors as the ideal solution for the current stage of her company’s growth. “Same answer as above,” she says with a laugh, referring to her hands-on management style and reliance on contractors.
As her business continues to grow, however, she remains open to expanding her team and taking on new challenges. Mairo's focus on staying agile and adaptable is central to her business philosophy, which she believes is key to long-term success.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Founders
Mairo’s journey has taught her valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, and she has advice for those who are thinking about starting their own business. "Don’t procrastinate starting your business because you don’t know enough," she advises. "You will learn as you build. Being agile is key, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who are at the level you want to be."
Her own experience, from helping a friend with a website to running a successful design business, shows that learning on the job is not only possible but often necessary for entrepreneurs. Mairo’s message to aspiring founders is clear: don’t wait for the perfect moment to start—dive in, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Connecting with Mairo
Mairo is active on social media and encourages readers to follow her journey and explore her work. "You can follow me @spillage_by_mairo," she says, referring to her Instagram handle. Through her social media presence and her blog Spillage, she continues to share her insights, creativity, and passion for design with a growing audience.
Mairo Ahmadu’s path to entrepreneurship may have started by accident, but her success is anything but accidental. With a passion for helping others, a hands-on approach to managing her business, and a commitment to continuous learning, Mairo has built a thriving website design company that reflects her creativity and dedication. As she continues to grow her business, Mairo remains focused on building meaningful connections, both with her clients and the broader creative community. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to embrace the unknown and create something beautiful out of the mess.
