At just 13 years old, Malaki Conteh from Warlingham, Surrey, is believed to be one of the United Kingdom's youngest entrepreneurs, running a successful business that completely funds his private education.
A Business Empire Born from a Dream
The enterprising teenager now pays his £4,000-per-term scholarship fees as a full-time boarder at The Prebendal School in Chichester, West Sussex, with profits from his Caribbean food venture. His remarkable journey began at the age of six, when his father, legal advisor Abdul Conteh, advised him to save up if he wanted singing lessons to become a chorister.
Undeterred, young Malaki started by selling plants outside his father's office in Camberwell. "It didn't discourage me," Malaki recalls. His small enterprise quickly evolved, moving from selling unwanted items to bread and cakes, before finding its niche in authentic Caribbean cuisine.
From Crystal Palace Shop to Cathedral Choir
Today, Malaki operates two branches of Malaki's Food & Drinks. His flagship store is located beneath his father's office in Crystal Palace, South East London, with another operating from the family home. He collaborates closely with his mother, 48-year-old Simone Stephenson, and grandmother, 67-year-old Elaine Stephenson, to prepare popular dishes like jerk chicken and patties, which are available for delivery via Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat.
His business acumen is strict: everything must be approved by him, and even his father must pay for any item he takes from the shop. "I enjoy being my own boss," Malaki states. The venture flourished, allowing him to fund not only singing lessons but also violin and ballet tuition.
This dedication led him to audition for the nation's top cathedral schools. He chose Chichester Cathedral after securing a 50 per cent bursary, citing the friendly atmosphere. In a historic moment, on Christmas Eve, Malaki conducted the choir as the first black head chorister in the cathedral's 950-year history, a role he achieved after joining in year four.
Building a Legacy and Giving Back
Malaki's father, Abdul, 63, expresses immense pride in his son's independent spirit. "I have no involvement at all. Malaki is a true businessman," he says, giving an example of a neighbour who pays Malaki £65 a month to park her 4x4 in their driveway. The teen's shrewd initiatives, like introducing a 'Malaki's Meal Deal' for an extra 50p, demonstrate a natural flair for commerce.
Beyond covering his substantial school fees, Malaki is committed to philanthropy. He donates a portion of his profits to various charities, including an equine therapy initiative set up by a former violin teacher. His popularity surged after a viral TikTok clip, often leading to his products selling out.
Looking ahead, the ambitious youngster dreams of attending The King's School Canterbury and has already delivered a presentation with the global derivatives marketplace, CME Group. While he considers future careers in music or finance, he vows to always continue his business, with aspirations to expand across London and nationwide. "I want to give back and help people," Malaki affirms. "All the hard work is worth it."
