Biz Her Way Series: Meet Dr. Obioma Martin
By: Sacha Walton, Business Strategist and CEO of SWI Management Group
Hi, I’m Sacha Walton, founder and editor of Biz Her Way. My mission is to celebrate women business owners and entrepreneurs who are disrupting their industries, trailblazing the norm, and impacting change within their communities.
Women are making an impact worldwide in business ownership. Whether they are Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs, Authors, Speakers, Creatives, or Intrapreneurs as C-suite employees; they are playing by their own rules and creating their narratives.
According to the Small Business Association (SBA), “over 13 million women own businesses in the US.” Women are taking their place in society and scaling businesses with ideas, talents, passions, and skillsets while staying focused on legacy building.
My heart desires to see women win and I’m excited about sharing the amazing stories of these phenomenal women.
Let’s lift up and applaud all the amazing, talented, inspirational, and diverse women worldwide who are making their voices heard.
Recently, I had a wonderful interview with Dr. Obioma Martin, founder of OmazingYou and OMAXInstitute, One of Biz Her Way’s Top 25 Women to Watch in 2024.
Thank you for having this interview with me. I’m excited about sharing your story in our Biz Her Way Series here on Medium.com.
Our readers would love to learn more about you. Please tell us who you are and a little something about yourself.
I’m Dr. Obioma Martin, a visionary leader renowned for my unwavering dedication to empowering others. With a background spanning education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, my journey is characterized by a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a difference. As the CEO of the OMAX Institute and OmazingYou Publishing, I pioneered innovative approaches to early childhood education and leadership development.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a compassionate advocate for women’s rights and social justice, founding OMART Women Supporting Women to provide vital support to those in need.
My multifaceted expertise, coupled with genuine empathy and authenticity, has earned the recognition as a trusted mentor, speaker, and role model. Through my work, I continue to inspire individuals to unleash their full potential and create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Now, everyone has a story behind the beginning of their business. What inspired you to start your own business, and how has your journey been so far?
My entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in my passion for education, empowerment, and social impact. The inspiration to start my own business stems from a desire to create meaningful change and provide transformative opportunities for others.
As an educator with a master’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in leadership, I recognized the profound impact education has on individuals and communities. However, I also saw the need for innovative approaches to learning and leadership development, particularly in underserved areas.
This realization fueled my determination to establish the OMAX Institute, a center dedicated to early childhood education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Through the institute, I aim to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential and become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Additionally, my commitment to social responsibility and women’s empowerment led me to found OMART Women Supporting Women, a non-profit organization that provides vital support to battered women with children and teen parents.
By combining my passion for education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, I created a holistic platform for fostering personal and professional growth, resilience, and community empowerment.
Throughout my journey, I have been faced challenges and obstacles, but having an unwavering determination and vision have propelled me forward. Leveraging my expertise as a certified business strategist, educator, and author enables me to inspire and empower countless individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.
As I continue to expand my business ventures and social impact initiatives, my journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, entrepreneurship, and servant leadership. I remain dedicated to creating a brighter future for generations to come, one empowered individual at a time.
Tell us about the pivotal moment when you knew your business idea had great potential.
In the early stages of establishing the OMAX Institute, I saw the enthusiasm and engagement of educators and students alike as they embraced innovative teaching methods and embraced leadership principles.
Seeing the tangible results of my educational programs and witnessing the growth and development of the participants affirmed my belief in the potential of my business idea to make a meaningful difference in the field of education.
Similarly, through the work with OMART Women Supporting Women, I have experienced moments of profound impact when providing support and resources to women overcoming adversity.
Whether it was helping a survivor of domestic violence rebuild her life or empowering a teen parent to pursue her education and career goals, I saw the ripple effect of the organization’s efforts in transforming lives and inspiring hope.
These moments of impact served as validation for me, reaffirming my belief in the power of education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy to create positive change. They fueled my passion and commitment to continue expanding her businesses and social impact initiatives, knowing that I was making a difference in the lives of others and leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and transformation.
Which quotes or affirmations inspire you?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs
How are you making an impact with your business or project?
Education: Through the OMAX Institute, we are revolutionizing early childhood education by providing innovative learning opportunities that prioritize holistic development and personalized growth. By offering a comprehensive curriculum and professional development programs, equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to nurture the next generation of leaders.
Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of OmazingYou Publishing and a certified business strategist, I am empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality. Through my coaching programs, workshops, and bestselling books, I provide practical guidance and inspiration to help individuals launch and grow successful businesses. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, I’m driving economic empowerment and creating pathways to financial independence.
Philanthropy: My commitment to social responsibility is evident through her work with OMART Women Supporting Women, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting battered women with children and teen parents. Through advocacy, outreach, and community programs, I am providing vital resources and support to those in need, fostering resilience, and promoting healing and empowerment.
Leadership: As a certified John Maxwell leadership coach and speaker, I’m inspiring individuals to lead with purpose, authenticity, and compassion. Through my transformative coaching and keynote presentations, I empower leaders at all levels to unlock their full potential, cultivate thriving team cultures, and drive positive change within their organizations and communities. Through my visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to making a difference, I’m creating a legacy of empowerment, excellence, and social impact that transcends boundaries and transforms lives.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures?
Have confidence in your abilities and believe that you have what it takes to succeed. Trust your instincts, embrace your unique strengths, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Clearly define your vision and purpose for starting your venture.
What problem are you solving? What impact do you want to make? Having a clear sense of direction will guide your decisions and keep you focused on your goals. Invest in your knowledge and skills. Continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth, whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-study.
Acquiring knowledge in areas such as business strategy, marketing, and finance will equip you to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship more effectively. Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs.
Seek guidance from those who have walked the path before you and learn from their experiences. Having a strong support system will provide encouragement, guidance, and accountability as you navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship inherently involves taking risks, but it’s essential to approach them strategically. Assess the potential risks and rewards of each decision and be willing to step out of your comfort zone when necessary. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and use setbacks as fuel for growth and resilience.
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs. Stay resilient in the face of challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. Cultivate a positive mindset, adaptability, and perseverance to overcome adversity and keep moving forward towards your goals. Collaboration and partnerships can be powerful drivers of success.
Seek opportunities to collaborate with other entrepreneurs, industry experts, and organizations that share your values and goals. By leveraging collective strengths and resources, you can amplify your impact and accelerate your growth. As you build your venture, stay true to your values, integrity, and authenticity. Let your passion and purpose guide your decisions and prioritize creating value for your customers and community.
Building a business that aligns with your values will not only bring personal fulfillment but also foster trust and loyalty among your stakeholders. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
Acknowledge your accomplishments, milestones, and progress along the way. Celebrating your wins will boost morale, motivation, and confidence, fueling your momentum as you continue to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
Lastly, always remember why you started your entrepreneurial journey in the first place. Stay connected to your purpose and the impact you aspire to make. Your passion and commitment to making a difference will sustain you through the challenges and inspire you to keep striving for greatness.
We celebrate women entrepreneurs in our publication. How do you make a difference in the lives of other women entrepreneurs?
Mentorship and Coaching: I provide mentorship and coaching to aspiring and established women entrepreneurs, sharing her expertise, insights, and guidance to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve their goals.
Educational Programs: Through the OMAX Institute, we offer educational programs, workshops, and resources specifically tailored to women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in business.
Networking Opportunities: I facilitate networking opportunities and connections within her community of women entrepreneurs, creating spaces for collaboration, support, and empowerment.
Advocacy and Representation: I advocate for the interests and needs of women entrepreneurs, amplifying their voices and championing policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and support female-owned businesses.
Philanthropic Initiatives: Through OMART Women Supporting Women, we provide financial assistance, resources, and support to women entrepreneurs facing economic challenges or barriers to success, fostering resilience and empowerment.
Visibility and Recognition: I use my platform and influence to shine a spotlight on women entrepreneurs, celebrating their achievements, sharing their stories, and inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Community Building: I foster a supportive and inclusive community of women entrepreneurs, where they can connect, collaborate, and share experiences, creating a network of mutual support and encouragement.
Through these initiatives and more, I am dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive, succeed, and make a positive impact in their businesses and communities.
How do you balance the demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being and self-care?
Establishing Boundaries: Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, designating specific times for work-related activities and leisure. By defining boundaries, I ensure that time is allocated for relaxation, family, and self-care activities.
Prioritizing Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care activities that nurture my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This may include exercise, meditation, journaling, hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones. By making self-care a priority, my energy is replenished, and I maintain resilience in the face of challenges.
Delegating Responsibilities: Delegating tasks and responsibilities to trusted team members or collaborators, allows me to focus on high-priority tasks and projects. Delegating effectively reduces my workload and prevents burnout, while also empowering my team members to grow and develop their skills.
Managing Time Effectively: Utilizing time management techniques such as prioritization, batching similar tasks together, and setting realistic deadlines. By managing time effectively, I maximize productivity and efficiency, freeing up more time for personal activities and self-care.
Seeking Support: Seeking support from mentors, coaches, and peers who understand the demands of entrepreneurship and can provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective. Having a support system allows me to navigate challenges more effectively and maintain a positive mindset.
Practicing Mindfulness: I incorporate mindfulness practices into my daily routine, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful eating. Mindfulness helps me stay present, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of calm and clarity amidst the busyness of entrepreneurship.
Reflecting and Reassessing: I regularly reflect on priorities, goals, and values, reassessing my commitments and making adjustments as needed. This allows me to stay aligned with my personal and professional aspirations while ensuring that I maintain balance and well-being.
By implementing these strategies, I can effectively balance the demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being and self-care, allowing her to thrive both professionally and personally.
Provide words of wisdom in 2 -5 sentences for another woman.
Proverbs 3:5 — Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, mind, body, and soul. Lean not to your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.
What’s next for you?
Expansion of OMAX Institute: I plan to expand the reach and impact of the OMAX Institute, furthering its mission to revolutionize early childhood education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. This may involve launching new programs, partnerships, and initiatives to reach a broader audience and empower more individuals and communities.
Innovative Educational Initiatives: I am committed to pioneering innovative educational initiatives that leverage technology, creativity, and evidence-based practices to enhance learning outcomes and promote holistic development. I am exploring new approaches to curriculum design, instructional delivery, and professional development to meet the evolving needs of educators and learners.
Global Outreach and Collaboration: Seeking to amplify my impact on a global scale by forging partnerships and collaborations with organizations, institutions, and thought leaders around the world. This may involve expanding my network, participating in international conferences and events, and sharing my expertise and insights with a global audience.
Advocacy and Philanthropy: Remaining dedicated to advocating for women’s empowerment, social justice, and educational equity. I plan to continue my philanthropic efforts through OMART Women Supporting Women, expanding its reach and impact to support more women entrepreneurs and survivors of domestic violence.
Authorship and Thought Leadership: I will continue to share my knowledge, experiences, and insights through writing, speaking engagements, and media appearances. I’m considering publishing new books, contribute to industry publications, and engage in thought leadership initiatives to inspire and empower others.
Personal Growth and Development: As a lifelong learner and advocate for personal growth, I remain committed to my own ongoing development. I will continue to invest in my skills, knowledge, and well-being, seeking opportunities for self-reflection, growth, and renewal.
Overall, the future holds endless possibilities as I continue to make a difference in the lives of others, drive positive change, and leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, excellence, and impact.
Sacha Walton, business strategist and owner of SWI Management Group helps entrepreneurs level up their businesses with strategic planning, marketing, and branding, which drive business growth and visibility. If you would like to be featured Biz Her Way Series, email us at info@swimgtgroup.com
