Talmond is the first company to produce tropical almond milk – a real alternative to dairy products rich in protein, made from a nut that is often overlooked.
Talmond is also an exemplary product in terms of sustainable development since tropical almonds hardly require water to grow and are grown locally, without any pesticides.
The Ashiaki’s business creates long-term jobs and has transformed communities in Ghana. And soon the rest of the world, perhaps.
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[Alumni Story] Ashiaki WILSON-TEI founds Talmond, the first company to produce tropical almond milk
11/19/2021
Over the past ten years, Ashiaki WILSON-TEI (who graduated the Master in International Business in 2014) has come a long way: from the United States to Ghana via Lille, she has patiently built a career path that is as exciting as it is meaningful. As a Francophile and someone who is passionate about international business, IÉSEG provided her with more than just training: she formed friendships that endure to this day and found it gave her everything she needed to launch Talmond, her brand of tropical almond milk.
What was your background before and after joining IÉSEG?
I studied at Davidson College in North Carolina in the United States where I majored in French, with a focus on international relations. I then taught for a year before moving to Lille for the MSc in International Business at IÉSEG! After graduating, I joined the “Ethics and Compliance” department at Airbus in Toulouse before returning to Ghana, the country where I was born…
What was your ambition when you joined the Master in International Business at IÉSEG?
I wanted to join a program that would give me a better understanding of global trade. As a student of French, the choice of country made perfect sense. A teacher at Davidson College came from Lille and recommended IÉSEG and its programs to me. I looked into it and I particularly liked the fact that you could get onto this Master in International Business program without necessarily having a background in business.
What do you remember from your time there?
I was lucky to be in the best year class you could dream of. We were a very diverse group, a real melting pot! Everyone brought their own culture, their experiences, their perspectives. We had some unforgettable times, whether on campus or outside, and became like a little family. We would discuss everything, we would go out together and study together: this created an unbreakable bond of friendship. And I should also mention our teachers, all passionate about their subjects, but who never took themselves too seriously!
Did the MIB help you to launch your own business?
Absolutely! It allowed me to acquire an all-round vision of business, but also the self-confidence necessary to launch the Talmond venture, especially in Ghana where it is unusual to sub-contract: you have to be all over everything, from researching raw materials, production, through to the financial aspects and customer satisfaction. This comprehensive understanding doesn’t stop you from making mistakes, but it’s certainly a great starting point and saves you a lot of time…
Talmond : a delicious and wholesome drink
This article was written by Luna Créations for IÉSEG Network’s magazine, IÉS #11.