Yimika Plumptre is creating opportunities to build her business and her career
If you have been to the Edwards School of Business main office, you will know Yimika. Yimika Plumptre (BAC 2022) welcomes everyone who visits Edwards with a bright smile and her friendly presence.
Growing up in Nigeria then living in Ireland, Plumptre moved to Canada in 2015 and began working at the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and soon after, the Edwards School of Business. In her current role as an Office Administrator, Plumptre makes sure everything runs efficiently. She is often the first point of contact, answering inquiries via phone, emails and drop-in from anyone interested or in need of assistance, as well as a plethora of other responsibilities.
Plumptre obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and a diploma in Science Lab Technology. Plumptre explained that as a Nigerian you are taught to always be improving yourself and taking on new opportunities to learn and grow. So, with being out of a formal classroom setting for a number of years, Plumptre started looking towards what would be her next step in her educational journey and found the Certificate in Business program.
“I was working, had a family, and needed something that was flexible,” said Plumptre.
A colleague from the College of Medicine recommended the program and it was instantly a perfect fit.
“It was such different learning than I had done in the past, I was excited to start,” said Plumptre.
Although Plumptre found all the course material interesting and useful, it was the finance classes that had the largest impact. “Learning about personal finance was so applicable to where I am in my life. We talked about mortgages, taxes, everything that I am dealing with,” Plumptre explained. “The learning was so timely and relevant for me I could see all the pieces falling into place.”
Going back to school as a mature student posed some difficulties at first, but Plumptre quickly got the hang of it. Returning to the classroom also created a unique understanding between her and her two high school aged children who were busy studying and preparing for tests at the same time as her.
This shared experience proved to be extremely helpful during the lockdown and shift to online schooling. “My kids struggled a bit with online studying but because I was also a student, I was able to say ‘hey, I know how you feel and know everyone is in the same place as you.’ If I weren’t a student, I wouldn’t have been able to understand what they were going through.” Plumptre was thankful she felt comfortable and knowledgeable about what they were going through.
This understanding continues to prove helpful as Plumptre’s oldest child began studying Psychology at the College of Arts and Science in Fall 2022. “I’ve been able to give her advice, encourage her to reach out to advisors, help choose classes, and share study habits. It’s been really fun.”
But it is not just her daughter that has benefitted. Plumptre explained that because she was an Edwards student, she is better able to help when students stop by the office with questions. “It’s like having insider knowledge. I have all the tips and tricks for general problems students may have with PAWS or anything else.”
The completion of her BAC was not the only reason to celebrate in December 2022. After seven years living in Canada, Plumptre and her children became official citizens of Canada.
“It was an important step to take, especially for my children, so we can be active members of society with no limitations. We are able to vote and have a voice as members of Canada,” explained Plumptre. “It is a great achievement for myself and my children. Saskatoon is our home; we love it here,”
In her continuous pursuit of learning, Plumptre is shifting her focus to hone in her marketing skills, specifically through the ever-changing social media landscape to help promote her small business. “When I started it was just Facebook but now there is so much,” Plumptre laughed. “I finally got used to Instagram but now there’s Tik Tok and more and more.”
Plumptre began her small business, Sign Gypsies Saskatoon, in 2021. She always had the goal to start a small passion project business and found opportunity that aligns so well with her personality.
As the type of person who always wants to spread joy and excitement but be behind the scenes, Plumptre found the perfect opportunity in setting up decorative lawn signs that celebrate achievements and welcome guests to events.
“The entire business just came together so naturally. In one of the Edwards courses, we discussed how whatever business you do, it must be able to support and have impact on the community and I feel that something that celebrates the communities’ members and spreads joy definitely does that.”
These experiences helped demonstrate the importance of authenticity in your career and everything you do to Plumptre.
“When I first moved to Canada I was struggling because I felt like a square peg in a round box. But through my career and education, I realized the importance of being yourself and showing up in every situation as your truest self,” explained Plumptre. “Better perspectives and ideas will be the result if you are authentic in all aspects of your life.”
Plumptre reflected on her personal growth since moving to Canada and explained that a lot of it took place while working through the BAC program.
“I gained a lot of knowledge through the program but even more, I gained a lot of confidence and really improved myself,” Plumptre explained. “I’m the type of person who really likes to understand a process and then work with it to make it my own. The learnings gave me the skills to be able to do that in all aspects of my life, both in my current role with Edwards and my new role as a small business owner.”
Visit the Edwards Certificate in Business page to learn more or chat with an advisor. The Certificate in Business is designed for individuals from non-business backgrounds who want to advance their career potential through a foundation in business. Set yourself apart when applying for jobs and expand your knowledge by developing the critical and creative thinking skills needed to become an effective decision maker.
If you are interested in learning more or supporting Yimika Plumptre’s business, Sign Gypsies Saskatoon, please visit:
Instagram - signgypsiessaskatoon
Facebook - Signgypsies Saskatoon
Tik Tok signgypsiessaskatoon