"I stand before you to share a story about a journey to self-discovery. My path has not been easy, and yet, if I am here today, it is because I have learned one essential truth: it is by looking at our childhood dreams and life challenges that we find our true purpose. 

An Unconventional Beginning: Rewriting My Narrative

I never truly felt like I belonged. I always had the impression that I was capable of so much more than what I was given the opportunity to do. From a young age, I was fascinated by Black American culture, particularly the hustler mentality—the ability to transform struggles into success. Perhaps that was the birth of Sashaa, my survival instinct. Raised by a depressed mother and a working-class stepfather, I was not expected to dream big. And yet, I did. “Why could this not be me?”

Between Instability and Identity Seeking

Despite everything, my mother always ensured that I lacked nothing materially. At school, I was not the model student, yet my intellectual abilities allowed me to achieve above-average grades effortlessly.

The first dream I dared to express at 15 was to become a fashion designer. But when I saw my parents’ financial struggles, I quickly realized it was unlikely to happen. Despite my mother’s encouragement, that realization dimmed my spark. However, she always emphasized the importance of education—that was one of the greatest gifts she ever gave me.

The Escape to Freedom

As soon as I could, I left home. From New York to Martinique, then to London, each journey was more than just a change of location—it was a quest for identity. The greatest revelation of my life came when I met my biological father after more than 20 years. He gave me a different perspective on life. What I had seen as abandonment or injustice was, in reality, a redirection. He showed me that I could choose my path. God knew I needed both perspectives to shape my future.

Entrepreneurship: A Meeting with My Purpose

I arrived in London on September 28, 2019. Six months later, the pandemic hit. While many saw it as the end of the world, I saw it as an opportunity. I created my first brand, Protect But Make It Fashion, with the last £100 in my account. I bought a sewing machine, a friend gifted me fabric, and I started selling facemasks on Instagram. Then, one day, a company ordered 500 masks. The quote was £8,000. I had never seen that much money in my life. I accepted, without having the slightest idea how I was going to fulfill the order. That was when I learned that success always starts with a ‘yes’ before having all the answers.

During this period, I also did a big chop. After a failed blowout that burned my curls, I made a radical decision: to cut all my hair. At first, the transition was a shock. I had always defined a part of my femininity through my hair. But over time, I rediscovered myself. It was a liberation, a rebirth. Looking back, I realize that this hair transformation was an inner transformation. I learned to see myself differently, to redefine myself without attachment to the imposed image of  the “curly-haired mixed-race girl.” When you can no longer hide behind appearances, you discover your true strength. I could finally be myself.

This newfound confidence was reflected in my business. During this phase, I decided to create The Headwrap Crown, inspired by my own need to feel beautiful and powerful without constraints. And so, Malka London was born—a name meaning ‘Queen’ in Hebrew, honouring my father’s origins. A brand that is not just a business but a mission: to help other women feel beautiful and powerful, even in difficult moments like hair loss due to cancer, as my mother experienced. I realized that entrepreneurship is not just about money—it is, above all, about the impact we can have on the world through our creations.

The Power of Faith

I have always believed in God, even though our relationship has sometimes been chaotic. But one thing is certain: He has always placed exactly what I needed on my path at the right moment. My father, my mother, my struggles, my victories—it all had a purpose. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11.

Having faith is not just about believing in something external. It is about believing in a plan, a process, a destiny greater than ourselves. It is understanding that every trial shapes our character and prepares us for what is ahead.

You Have the Power

I won’t lie to you: entrepreneurship is tough. I have experienced moments of doubt, loneliness, extreme fatigue, and sacrifice. But none of that compares to the joy I feel today in seeing the impact my work has on so many women around the world."