Molly Okolonji, 36, is the CEO and founder of Barking-based charity Women of Substance. The mum-of-three tells Kay Atwal about the vision that inspired her to set up the charity in 2008

My inspiration was growing youth unemployment, and the London riots three years later motivated me even further. I wanted to encourage as many youngsters, especially girls, off the streets and into something constructive and fun-filled.

When I was teaching I saw a lot of girls falling into the cycle of having children when they were young. It was something I wanted to do for the girls so they could break this cycle.

I focused on under-represented 16- to 25-year-olds, with the goal of encouraging them to reconsider learning and acquiring new skills, rebuilding their confidence. I wanted to give advice and training as well as provide an entrance to possible job opportunities to give them access to a better life.

The project also aims to support young women who have shown a definite interest in training and working in the hair, fashion and beauty industry and made an effort to attend group sessions.

Women of Substance is growing and expanding by the day and is helping an array of youngsters and women who get trapped in that never-ending circle of despair and hopelessness.

It’s also helping break them out of this circle and give them focus.

Women of Substance has helped more than 300 women unlock their potential through coaching and mentors. About 150 women were supported to start small businesses, 80 were helped to go back into education and more than 100 into employment.

It hasn’t been easy. I had to go through a lot of paperwork and challenges that can set you back, but with perseverance and the right people behind me – I prefer to call them my ‘confidantes’ – it all worked out.

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