Lakeisha Annang
Lakeisha Annang (Law 2012) is the founder of WithinHer Coaching, through which she helps women turn their skills and expertise into a successful side hustle.
Lakeisha's story
Lakeisha graduated with an LLB in Law from Sussex in 2015 and then went onto complete a Masters in Security Studies, Political Science and Government at UCL. After graduating, she worked in the government until launching her coaching company, WithinHer, in 2023.
What made you choose Sussex?
I wanted to study Law, and I saw that Sussex was a good opportunity to do that outside London. When I visited for an Open Day, it just felt like a warm, friendly environment.
Tell us more about WithinHer Coaching and the services you offer.
I am a side hustle coach. I specifically work with high achieving ladies to turn their skills and expertise into a profitable side hustle. It’s about empowering women in terms of financial assurance and creating opportunities with the skills and expertise that they have.
For example, one mother I am working with is also a stylist. She’s creating a coaching programme to help working mums level up their wardrobe, and boost their confidence.
What drove you to start your own coaching business?
I've always been someone that's all about making an impact. From a young age, I always wanted to think about how I could help people.
I have always attracted women who wanted help with career advice, and I also wanted to start a business on the side, which led me to really follow that passion and kick off WithinHer.
Tell me about your involvement with the charity Revive Congo.
Alongside my work at WithinHer I also run an international award-winning charity that I co-founded in my first year of Sussex.
We focus on providing primary education to orphans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and provide young people with IT skills to enhance digital literacy. Seeing my work impact the lives of many is what keeps me going, and I urge you to really think about the impact you want to make not just whilst you're studying, but also beyond your time at Sussex.
How has your previous work contributed to your skills as a coach?
I started working in government in a policy role and then really got interested in project management as well. I am someone who lives to take action and start something from zero to the end, which is why I love transferring those skills to helping people start their businesses.
How have your early experiences of mentoring others impacted you?
Shortly before coming to Sussex, I got involved in a mentoring programme that was designed to help inner London schools who weren’t achieving as well as they should. At the age of 17 I was involved as a mentee learning about leadership skills from corporate leaders, and it made a huge impact in my life.
While I was at Sussex, I then gave back and became a mentor in that programme to students in an inner London school. That’s what really helped my coaching and mentoring skills to grow.
The idea of starting a side hustle or business can seem overwhelming, as it goes against the status quo. But a business is ultimately about offering a service and finding a solution to someone’s problem.” lakeisha annang
LLB Law
You’ve helped numerous women get started with their side-hustle. What top tips would you give to those looking to get started?
The idea of starting a side hustle or business can seem overwhelming, as it goes against the status quo. But a business is ultimately about offering a service and solving a solution to someone’s problem.
I want you to focus on what problem you can solve as if you are just going to help one person. A lot of the time we overthink, but you’ve probably already been helping people. So, think about how you continue doing that.
You’ve spoken about the importance of resetting, reflecting and recharging when working on your goals. How do you recharge outside of work?
I believe recharging should be on a regular basis. For me, that sometimes just looks like having five or 10 minutes away from my phone, where I just pause and switch off.
I went away to New York recently and was walking a lot and now I’ve decided that I’ll regularly go out and have a walk. As a full-time entrepreneur, it’s helpful to get out of my environment.
You gain a lot from volunteering so think about what opportunities there are.” lakeisha annang
LLB Law
What advice would you give to students and recent graduates who are struggling to get started on setting goals for themselves?
- Stay true to who you are. There's a reason that you decided on the topic that you studied. Although, some people do find a job in relation to their studies and others don’t; there is usually a core reason why you chose your subject so really explore that.
- Sometimes, the journey is about making the most of what is around you, even if that is something that you don’t want to pursue forever.
- I always say you gain a lot from volunteering so think about what opportunities there are. It may be an opportunity in your community, or you can offer your support back to Sussex for example. It's one thing to study, but it’s another to be a skilled individual and that comes with taking action and making the most of opportunities.
Soundtrack to your time at Sussex?
I am a Christian and at Sussex I used to be a night owl, going to the Library at 10pm and leaving at 5am. I had a playlist of American gospel rap artists, it was quite high energy which helped with working to my deadlines.
Favourite place at Sussex?
I lived in Northfield and I actually stayed on campus for all three years so really liked the accommodation. I also liked the gym and going for runs on the hills.
And I always say the best nachos I ever had were from Falmer Bar.
Find out more about WithinHer Coaching, including the free resources Lakeisha offers.
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