Business Talk Jade Fletcher : Interview with Stephanie Ijoma, Founder of NNESAGA

In this candid conversation, ALT A Review’s Jade Fletcher(JF) sits down with Stephanie Ijoma, the founder of NNESAGA, a multi-award-winning gaming consultancy and community agency. NNESAGA has been at the forefront of championing diversity, inclusion, representation, and equity within the gaming and IT industries. What began as a personal passion has grown into a platform that challenges barriers, opens doors, and reshapes opportunities for underrepresented groups in technology and entertainment.

With honesty and humour, SO reflects on her journey as a gamer, entrepreneur, and community leader. From her early days discovering video games to founding a company that creates real impact, SO offers insight into how purpose and passion can build legacy.

“NNESAGA saved my life because it gave me purpose—and it proved that we deserve to belong in gaming spaces too.” – SO

JF: Lovely to meet you. NNESAGA has been a trailblazer in championing diversity in gaming and entertainment. What inspired you to start the platform, and how has that vision evolved over time?

SO: I’ve been a gamer since I was about four years old. Gaming has always been my escape, my happy place. But as I got older, I realised that people like me weren’t visible in the industry. I didn’t see many Black women talking about games, and when I applied for jobs—even entry-level—I often wasn’t given a chance. It felt very much like a closed shop, a ‘boys’ club.’

Blue Creator mentor Stephanie Ijoma — Mentor Blue Creator Fund image credit Chelsea FC

At the same time, I was working in the medical field and going through a tough period—struggling with depression and family issues. I noticed that whenever I felt low, I stopped playing games, which had always been my safe space. Starting NNESAGA was a way of saving myself while also creating a safe community for others like me.

At first, I hosted tournaments and community events offline, relying on word of mouth. Then I started a YouTube channel because I wanted to see Black women reviewing games and films, talking about geek culture—so I created that space myself. Ten years on, NNESAGA has evolved into a consultancy and community agency working with global brands. We push for diversity and inclusion, broker talent, create opportunities, and have put hundreds of thousands of pounds into the pockets of underrepresented creators. For me, it’s always about making an impact and building a legacy.

JF: You mentioned starting gaming at age four. What games captured your attention, and how did your family respond to your passion?

SO: The first game I played was Street Fighter II. I was just button-bashing, but I loved it. It was fun and therapeutic. From there I played everything—fighting games, sports, RPGs, shooters, cosy games. I’ve never limited myself, and I think that’s helped in my work as a consultant because I can speak across genres.

My mum was my biggest supporter. She bought us the latest consoles and never dismissed gaming as a waste of time. She didn’t see it as ‘not for girls.’ She just wanted me to be happy. My dad didn’t really understand gaming, but he supported me in sports, which was his world.

Of course, coming from an African household, there was pressure to take a traditional path—doctor, lawyer, nurse. But gaming was my calling. And honestly, the reason NNESAGA works is because we focused on a niche. That’s what gave us staying power.

JG: How did you transition from being a player and content creator to running a consultancy and agency?

SO: It wasn’t planned—I just saw a gap. Brands started coming to me because I was visible, and I had built a community that trusted me. I knew the culture, the language, the people. Slowly, I realised I could turn what I was doing into a business.

I started helping brands reach communities they didn’t know how to connect with, advising them on diversity and inclusion. Over time, that became consultancy work, then talent brokering, then running bigger campaigns. I’ve always been clear that if I’m at the table, I’m bringing others with me. The community comes first.

JF: What has been the biggest challenge on this journey?

SO: Honestly, funding and recognition. When you’re a Black woman in this space, people often underestimate you. Early on, I didn’t get taken seriously. I had to work twice as hard to prove my value. Even now, the gaming industry has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity.

Another challenge is balance. Running NNESAGA means wearing multiple hats—founder, consultant, community manager, content creator. It’s rewarding but also exhausting. That said, I wouldn’t trade it, because the impact makes it worth it.

JF: And the biggest highlight?

SO: Seeing people from the community grow. When someone tells me, “Because of NNESAGA, I got this opportunity,” or “You made me believe I could belong here,” that’s everything.

Another proud moment was when global brands started trusting us to lead on major campaigns. It showed that we had carved out our own space and made them realise that diversity isn’t optional—it’s necessary.

JF: For young people from underrepresented backgrounds who want to break into gaming or IT, what advice would you give?

SO: Don’t wait for permission. Start where you are, with what you have. Create content, build your portfolio, find your community. It might feel like you’re invisible at first, but consistency pays off.

Also, don’t underestimate networking. Reach out to people. Most opportunities I’ve had came from relationships I built by showing up, being authentic, and being consistent. And don’t lose yourself trying to fit in—the industry needs your unique perspective.

JF: What’s next for NNESAGA?

SO: Growth. We want to expand internationally and keep building bridges for underrepresented voices in gaming and IT. That means bigger campaigns, more partnerships, and creating even more opportunities for young people to thrive.

Ultimately, I want NNESAGA to be remembered as a movement that changed the industry for the better.

NNESAGA is a multi-award-winning gaming, sports, and media consultancy built to shape culture, elevate representation, and deliver unforgettable experiences & moments. Since 2015, they have worked with the world’s biggest brands to create strategy, content, events, and campaigns that connect with real communities, online and IRL. Rooted in gaming, driven by culture, and powered by purpose, they turn ideas into impact through bold, tailored execution. From AAA launches to creator campaigns, our work disrupts, innovates, and moves the industry forward. Whilst ensuring diversity, inclusion, representation and equity remains the top priority.

Jade runs Meet the Mentor: Lessons of an Entrepreneur