Ndiho Sean Obedih

Like many of the best business ideas, YnotPlast is based on a concept so simple and so necessary it seems amazing it didn’t exist before. After seeing a friend’s son bullied for wearing a conspicuous white plaster, Ndiho Sean Obedih discovered that there was no elastoplast product designed for darker skin tones. He saw this as an opportunity to fill this gap in the market with a product that he knew would be greatly in demand and, symbolically, would reflect the diversity of British society.

Ndiho has dedicated himself to the product over the past two years and has made many sacrifices along the way. He puts his success down to “pride, passion and sheer persistence”, along with a lot of hard work. He has experience in marketing, merchandising, management and sales, and also runs a retail website.

Seizing every opportunity is particularly important to Ndiho: he was born in Rwanda, and his experiences in the country during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 changed his life and his outlook forever. “Having lost people, childhood friends amongst others, and eventually coming to Britain in February 2000 as a refugee, I learned that life is such a precious commodity,” he says. “No matter what happens to you in life, just keep going because God has saved you for a purpose. We should strive to find our purpose in life and grab all opportunities that come our way.”

He was recently awarded a prestigious scholarship to study business at the University of Buckingham.

Tell us about YnotPlast.

YnotPlast is Britain’s first multi-ethnic brand of first aid products designed to match the natural skin tone, allowing the plasters to seal and conceal. Our product range includes plasters available in five different shades of all shapes and sizes, first aid kits and other products currently in development. These products are aimed at those with African Caribbean and Asian skin types as well those that enjoy a tan. I believe that we need to reflect the diversity of our society, and inspire and encourage the next generation by removing all man made barriers.

How did your business idea come about?

I visited a friend of mine and his son came home from school crying. He had been bullied by other kids for wearing a white a white plaster across his forehead after sustaining an injury in the playground. ”Can’t you find one that matches your skin tone?” they asked. We couldn’t find any in any shops or pharmacies and I realised I could change this. I did some thorough market research and the results I got convinced me that it was a worthwhile niche to fill. It’s a journey that has taken me two years. I looked at what’s available and realised that I could improve the concept and take it to the next level.

What would your advice be to someone thinking about setting up their own business?

I would greatly encourage anyone who wants to start their own business; it’s hard work but it can be greatly rewarding. It can be a big learning curve, but I believe that we only have one life to live so go for your dreams and make the world a better place. Educate yourself in all aspects of your chosen business sector. You must have a burning desire combined with great determination to awaken the financial genius inside you. Then just jump off the cliff and see what happens; that’s what makes life interesting. Choose to use your time well and last, but not the least, choose your friends carefully.