Jumoke Michael-Ojo, founder of Mandies Cocktails, has secured her second consecutive spot on the 2026 Event Industry Power List, underscoring her pivotal role in reshaping Nigeria’s event and hospitality landscape. After leaving KPMG Nigeria in 2012, she transitioned from corporate consulting to building a business that redefined the cocktail industry, a sector once viewed as a peripheral element of events rather than a specialized craft. Her journey reflects both personal ambition and the evolving dynamics of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Michael-Ojo’s decision to leave a stable career at KPMG was driven by a vision to create a category rather than merely fill a gap. She observed that cocktails were often treated as an afterthought in event planning, lacking the recognition of a distinct industry. “I saw an opportunity to build something that didn’t yet have a fully defined category,” she explained. This insight led her to establish Mandies Cocktails, which has since earned four Cocktail Company of the Year awards, navigating economic fluctuations and shifting consumer expectations over 14 years.
The Nigerian consumer, Michael-Ojo noted, has evolved significantly. “People are more exposed, informed, and willing to question what they’re paying for,” she said. This sophistication has shifted spending patterns, with consumers prioritizing value over price. “They’re selective about where they spend, but they’re willing to pay a premium for meaningful value—whether it’s quality, convenience, or emotional connection,” she added. This shift has forced businesses to rethink their strategies, moving beyond cost-cutting to focus on delivering unique, experience-driven offerings.
Mandies Cocktails’ longevity, Michael-Ojo emphasized, stems from its commitment to reinvention. “We’ve never assumed that what made us relevant yesterday automatically makes us relevant tomorrow,” she stated. The business has continuously adapted to market demands, questioning which practices create value and which are merely habitual. “Success can breed complacency,” she warned, stressing the importance of staying agile and avoiding attachment to outdated formulas.
The distinction between survival and endurance, Michael-Ojo argued, lies in relevance. “Survival is about resilience; endurance requires reinvention,” she said. This philosophy has guided Mandies through economic downturns and industry changes, allowing it to remain a leader in a sector that has grown from a niche to a professionalized ecosystem. “The business you start may not be the business you end up with,” she reflected, highlighting the necessity of evolving with market needs.
Michael-Ojo’s personal journey mirrors her business’s evolution. Early in her career, she focused on operational execution, but over time, she shifted toward strategic leadership. “The founder must ask: What does the business need from me now that it didn’t five years ago?” she said. This transition required her to develop new skills in leadership, people management, and long-term planning, illustrating the personal growth demanded by entrepreneurship.
The Nigerian event industry’s growth, Michael-Ojo observed, reflects broader economic trends. “There’s a significant economy around experiences that deserves more attention,” she noted. Events now involve a network of professionals across hospitality, technology, logistics, and creative services, signaling a move toward professionalization. “We’re seeing specialization, clearer propositions, and a recognition of experience as an economic asset,” she said, advocating for a shift from relationship-driven to system-driven operations.
Recognition on the Event Industry Power List, Michael-Ojo said, is less about personal achievement and more about contribution. “After 14 years, what matters is the body of work behind the recognition,” she emphasized. Her persistence has not only solidified Mandies’ reputation but also influenced industry standards, training talent, and shaping consumer expectations.
As an industry builder, Michael-Ojo believes success is interconnected. “Every business contributes to the environment in which others operate,” she said. By setting standards, training professionals, and introducing innovative ideas, she has helped create a more robust ecosystem. “It’s not about being the loudest in the room, but leaving it different from how you found it,” she added.
When asked about advice for young entrepreneurs, Michael-Ojo urged caution against romanticizing the path. “Don’t leave a job simply because entrepreneurship looks glamorous,” she advised. Instead, she emphasized the importance of conviction, financial literacy, and understanding customer needs. “Build a life and business that can compound,” she said, stressing long-term sustainability over quick success.
Looking ahead, Michael-Ojo’s focus is on significance over fame. “I’m building businesses, ideas, and platforms that have a life beyond a particular moment,” she said. Her next chapter, she explained, involves tackling meaningful problems, developing talent, and creating opportunities that align with her evolving vision.
Reflecting on 14 years of entrepreneurship, Michael-Ojo distilled her journey into a single lesson: “Don’t confuse the version of yourself that started the journey with the person you need to become to finish it.” This mantra encapsulates her belief in continuous learning, adaptation, and growth as the key to long-term success.
The broader implications of Michael-Ojo’s work extend beyond her business. Her approach to reinvention and industry building offers a blueprint for Nigerian entrepreneurs navigating a dynamic economy. By prioritizing value, resilience, and systemic growth, she has demonstrated how businesses can thrive amid uncertainty and contribute to national development.
As Nigeria’s event industry continues to professionalize, Michael-Ojo’s story underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability. Her journey from KPMG to industry leader highlights the potential for Nigerian entrepreneurs to shape global standards while addressing local challenges.
The recognition on the 2026 Event Industry Power List is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Michael-Ojo’s contributions have redefined what is possible in Nigeria’s hospitality sector, inspiring a new generation of leaders to think beyond immediate gains and focus on sustainable impact.
Michael-Ojo’s legacy, she believes, lies in the systems and opportunities she has created. “It’s about leaving the room different from how you found it,” she reiterated, emphasizing the ripple effect of her work. As Mandies Cocktails continues to evolve, so too does the industry it helped shape, reflecting a broader shift toward professionalism and value-driven growth in Nigeria’s economy.
The story of Jumoke Michael-Ojo and Mandies Cocktails is a microcosm of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit. It illustrates the challenges and triumphs of building a business in a dynamic market, offering lessons on resilience, reinvention, and the power of long-term vision.