UMAR HAKIM DEY shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi UMAR, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my days are spent in devotion, at fulfilling the second Pillar of Islam which is prayer. After devoting, I hit the gym for physical fitness routine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Inkerij (pronounced Encourage) is a dynamic social enterprise built on a threefold business model: **Advisory, Community, and E-commerce**. Founded and led by **Umar Hakim-Dey**, a native of Compton, Inkerij channels inner-city insight into entrepreneurial strategies that advance social justice.” Recognized by the **LA Civil Rights Department, Inkerij holds meaningful social capital in Los Angeles, described as “an authentic force for progress and forward movement of communities.”
Originally conceived in 2016 as a fellowship proposal at Cambridge University, Inkerij emerged in response to the evolving landscape of nonprofit funding. As traditional philanthropy faces constraints—exacerbated by economic shifts like the “2.7% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban consumers—nonprofits are rethinking sustainability. Inkerij’s model offers a solution: generating revenue through advisory services, and purpose-driven products that community leaders can wear and use, all available through a secure online platform.
Today, Inkerij is actively engaged in voter mobilization across Los Angeles and focused on **empowering local leadership**. The organization believes in the untapped potential of Angelenos to shape a more vibrant and equitable urban future.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
In 1965, Mary Reynolds, an immigrant woman from Guyana, South America, arrived in the United States with a clear goal: to become a registered nurse. She made her home in the City of Compton, where she began her educational journey at a local community college before advancing to a nearby university. As she grew older, her unwavering work ethic and determination left a lasting impression on me, profoundly shaping my understanding of life beyond high school and what it truly takes to move forward and succeed.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
A deep trust in the Creator has always been my driving force—guiding me through every mental, physical, and spiritual chapter of life. From childhood, I was raised to believe in the Promise of the Most High for those who embrace His Oneness. That faith remains a foundational element in nearly everything I pursue. The strength found in piety has sustained countless individuals—whether in faith, business, or leadership—through moments of transformation. For Inkerij, as a social enterprise, that same spiritual grounding continues to shape its journey and impact.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
This organization was founded with a clear intention: to enhance the personal and professional space of purpose-driven individuals and organizations. Success has no shortcuts—many popular trends demand financial investment in books, workshops, or lessons that often lack alignment with your unique vision. True transformation begins when your intentions take shape, rooted in your own blueprint and entrepreneurial creativity. While external resources can certainly enrich your journey, it’s essential to ensure that they contribute to a meaningful and beneficial outcome that reflects your authentic path.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
In 2002, I made the pivotal decision to step away from a 13-year career in telecommunications to explore new possibilities in the emerging dot-com era. During this transformative period, I earned a business degree and began translating business tools into powerful personal development strategies. As I’ve come to realize, true alignment happens when I’m following my own path—not someone else’s. That’s when I feel most deeply connected to my inner purpose and potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inkerij.net
- Instagram: @inkerij1970
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inkerij/
- Twitter: @whoopwoop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkerij1970
Image Credits
Umar Hakim Dey
