How a 25-year-old businesswoman from West Dulwich ended up on Sir Richard Branson’s private island celebrating the next generation of Impact entrepreneurs

An entrepreneur from West Dulwich was invited to Sir Richard Branson’s private Caribbean island after co-directing an award for young businesspeople.

Yasmina Ellins,  25, from West Dulwich, is a founder of the human dynamics company Aboutly, and co-director of the Maverick Next Impact Award for young entrepreneurs. 

Miss Ellins was headhunted by Maverick 1000, a global network of business leaders, to spearhead Maverick Next and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Maverick Next is an invitation-only network for founders under 30 who are running six and seven-figure companies.

Miss Ellins said: “I am really proud of my accomplishments and what I have achieved, and that feels amazing.

“But what fills me up more is being on my path, getting involved in interesting entrepreneurship projects that light me up, being able to surround myself with incredible people and living a life that I enjoy. 

“I am proud of my success, and at the same time I feel humbled, it just feels good to know that I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”

On Necker Island, Miss Ellins and a group of Maverick 1000 members enjoyed an exclusive Q&A session and dinner with Sir Richard. 

During the session he emphasised that success is not achieved alone, and that impact comes from developing and gaining the support of a group of people. 

Miss Ellins said: “I feel incredibly inspired to be surrounded by such an outstanding group of young lighthouses and am excited to continue growing together.

“Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and it is important for young entrepreneurs to know that there are other people out there just like them who are looking to surround themselves with like-hearted entrepreneurs who can lift each other up and support each other’s dreams and ambitions.”

Miss Ellins has a history of building relationships and developing entrepreneurial skills from her time at Cambridge University onwards.

She has interviewed industry leaders, best-selling authors and CEOs, such as the Founder of Reebok.

Miss Ellins said: “The power of community is immeasurable, and together you too can make a lasting impact in the world.”

Pictured Top: Yasmina Ellins with Sir Richard Branson (Picture: Marko Lamza)