Today, April 4, 2026 is her birthday. For Dr Ambassador Shakirat Ayobami Kareem, it is also a day to reflect on Allah’s goodness in her life. The Group Managing Director, Whiterose Group, this lady is not only fashionable but very intelligent. In fact, it would take a brilliant young woman to delve into real estate, oil and gas, and succeed at it. Her secrets? She reveals all in this interview with Owambevibes magazine on her birthday
Owambevibes: What is your company, Whiterose group into?
Whiterose Group is into Estate Development, Interior Styling, Oil and Gas, Dredging; we have Whiterose Properties, Whiterose Interiors and Whiterose Energy
Owambevibes: You are involved in a male dominated field, do you feel intimidated by the male presence in business?
No, I don’t get intimidated; you would be shocked to know that some men get intimidated by successful women. They even envy successful women! Well, I’ve always had God’s backing. Though it’s a male-dominated industry and many believe you must have a solid back-up, for example, having a godfather. I don’t have any godfather but I have Almighty Allah. I didn’t mind all the stereotypes. Rather, I went ahead in real estate. I started Whiterose Group 15 years ago. I was a realtor and was connecting people to properties and lands. From there, I got commissions for whatever I sold and I was able to procure my first land and I delivered the project. Again, I got another project and it was delivered also. That was how I was able to float Whiterose Properties and more subsidiaries.
Owambevibes: Are there challenges?
Yes, we face many challenges in the real estate sector but if you give up, you return to the lowest rung of the ladder. There are the economic and financial challenges . Don’t forget the inflation rate which is rising daily. Sometimes, I wish I could enjoy a baby girl’s lifestyle but I’m too hardworking to laze around. When I started in real estate, access to finance was a challenge. But with time, I was able to face all these challenges and overcome. Now, our turnover is enviable and banks are running after us to see if they can finance our projects. We thank God
Owambevibes: Don’t men feel afraid approaching a young and successful single lady?
I’m very humble but smart enough to know when some men want to chase me and take advantage of me. I am a single mum of a five-year-old girl and I make sure I am much focused. Any form of distraction can ruin whatever a young woman has built over the years. Sometimes, I want to be a mother, an entrepreneur and a lady. I just discovered that I have to strike a balance and so far, God has been helping me
Owambevibes: Any advice to women in business?
Make sure you invest in real estate and when you do, invest wisely. Buy real estate and wait. No matter how small that land is, buy it and be wise.
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