From Dropout to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Jason Kwao
Early Life and Challenges
Jason Kwao’s journey is one defined by resilience and ambition. Growing up in a less affluent part of Croydon, London, he faced many challenges, including a neighborhood rife with crime. Despite early struggles in school and even a suspension during his crucial year 11, Jason persevered, managing to perform well enough to gain admission to Coventry University in 2017, where he studied pharmacological science.
However, within a year, he realized that university wasn’t leading him down a path of fulfillment. Feeling that he was “wasting his potential,” he made the bold decision to drop out, inspired by a burgeoning dream to become an entrepreneur. This pivotal choice set him on a radically different career trajectory.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship
With the university experience behind him, Jason began a series of part-time jobs, juggling roles as a cashier, phone repairman, and pizza delivery driver. This eclectic mix of work enabled him to pay rent while navigating the challenges of adulthood, especially as he and his wife, Sumekka Selliah-Kwao, learned they were expecting their first child.
Jason’s breakthrough came unexpectedly when he discovered that a housemate had a warehouse selling homeware products on Groupon. He began working there, gaining hands-on experience in inventory management and e-commerce. Soon, he started independently buying and selling products on Amazon, initially borrowing items from his housemate to sell and then paying him back. His persistence paid off, and before long, Jason recorded his first significant achievement: a £10,000 month in net sales.
Transitioning to High-Value Accounts
In 2022, Jason’s ambition led him to join an agency focused on consulting and selling on Amazon. He found himself working on high-value accounts worth millions, a dream come true for someone passionate about e-commerce. However, the excitement came with its own set of challenges. Despite the financial success, Jason experienced burnout. Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, he and Sumekka decided to embark on a transformative journey.
A New Life in Dubai
In search of a new beginning, the couple made a dramatic lifestyle change. They packed their suitcases and moved to the Dubailand area of Dubai, drawn by the city’s promise of sunshine and the allure of a new culture. Their relocation was not just a physical move; they saw it as an opportunity to recalibrate their lives and careers.
By December 2023, with the couple expecting a second child, Jason and Sumekka took another leap of faith: they invested their savings into launching a business, Intermast, in January 2024. Their objective was clear: to assist clients in effectively selling on Amazon while leveraging their expertise in data analysis, keywords, and advertising.
The Birth of Intermast
Launching Intermast came with its set of risks. Cash flow was tight, and the couple often found themselves late with rent payments when sales invoices didn’t arrive on time. But their commitment to their venture was unshakeable. Jason remarked on the emotional toll the early days took on him, admitting, “Sometimes I’d end up in tears from stress.” Yet, he remained hopeful, as witnessing the positive impacts of their efforts brought him joy.
Networking played a crucial role in securing their first set of clients, leveraging connections they had built in the industry. As Intermast began to gain momentum, their posts on social media started capturing attention, leading to new clients, some of whom were much larger than they had ever anticipated.
Experiencing Rapid Growth
By January 2025, just a year after its launch, Intermast blossomed into a thriving business with a valuation of £1 million. The couple now managed a team of five employees, allowing them to step back from the daily grind and focus on strategic growth. Their client base primarily included businesses in the beauty, supplements, fitness, and wellness sectors.
Unlike many startups that rely heavily on elaborate websites for marketing, Jason’s approach differed. They opted for a direct outreach strategy, using carefully crafted pitch decks to win over potential clients, which proved remarkably effective.
Life in Dubai and Future Aspirations
Living in a spacious three-bedroom villa alongside their two children, Sofia and Amias, Jason reflects on how far he has come. The warmth of the Dubai climate and the serene lifestyle contribute to their overall happiness. He speaks candidly about his past experiences in London, acknowledging the tough neighborhoods he grew up in, but contrasting that with the opportunities and endless possibilities Dubai presents.
“Coming here felt like endless possibilities,” he said. The transition has not only offered them a favorable living environment but has also allowed them to balance their personal and professional lives more harmoniously.
Jason and Sumekka’s story is one of grit, innovation, and vision—a testament to what can be achieved through determination and adaptability in the face of challenges.
