JAK BEULA
Jak founded Nubian Jak as a pioneering concept in 1994. It now includes an educational academy that delivers bespoke workshops and learning activities using multi-media, publishing, apps, film, and field trips.
The charitable arm of the company is Nubian Jak Community Trust Ltd, which includes a plaque and sculpture scheme, currently seeking to permanently install the first African and Caribbean War Memorial.
All information and links were correct at the date of original publication on
4 Aug 2015
What was the catalyst that made you decide to go into business?
I was working as a social worker when I realised the youth I was working with did not have enough examples of positive and successful role models.
This was the catalyst for me deciding to produce a board game that would address this gap.
What was holding you back from being an entrepreneur at the time?
Once I decided that I wanted to be self-employed, nothing held me back.
I never gave the barriers or challenges much thought as my focus was on achieving my goals.
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What was the best business advice you were given?
“If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well”
What is the most exciting thing happening in your sector right now?
It has to be the explosion of information! Information! Information!
With the advent of Google even the vaguest of information can be accessed on-line.
This is important for an educational orientated company like Nubian Jak.
Also, the use of social media has allowed information to passed and accessed easier than ever before.
What are your customers demanding more from you at the moment and how are you/the business responding?
The Nubian Jak organisation has been constantly approached by potential customers regarding enquiries for the latest Nubian Jak edutainment board game (which has been out of stock since 2014).
We have responded by producing an app of the game (a world first for black apps) which is due for release on 12th September 2015.
I am excited that a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the app will go towards funding the first war memorial in Europe dedicated to soldiers from Africa and the Caribbean who served in WW1 and WW2.
What social media tool are you using at the moment?
We are using both Twitter and Facebook and have found it useful in introducing our services to a number of valuable international contacts.
What is your take on personal business failures?
It’s important to research the market in which the business is part of.
This is best done by producing a business plan – which should be seen as an operation manual.
A lot of businesses fail within the first 12 months due to cash flow problems. However, it is important to research thorough the sector in which one is planning to trade.
In the end, success usually comes down to supply and demand. If there is a market for the product and service being offered, more often than not the business will succeed!!!
What is difference that is making the difference?
Downscaling and looking at international companies that may be able to offer services at a more competitive rate!
For instance, it may be cheaper for a start up company to use a virtual office instead of having a constant office overhead.
Equally, in the manufacturing sector (applicable to our company when it comes to games manufacturing), companies may find it more competitive to employ a company from other parts of Europe, or the Far East to have a particular product manufactured abroad.
Who are you following on Twitter?
I am currently following Lil Wayne only because he decided to follow me (lol).
What book would you recommend for entrepreneurs?
What is your favourite quote and how are you applying this in your business?
“You can’t fake it” meaning you have to put the work in to get the rewards you deserve…
What next?
We are working to install the first dedicate war memorial specifically to African and Caribbean soldiers who served in WW1 and WW2.
We also are planning to launch the world’s first game app highlighting global black achievement (African American centred edition).
What do you think is the most important characteristics needed to succeed?
Vision and determination (that’s all you need)!