The INSPIRER Issue 4 | Page 20

features EARLY DAYS OF THE BRAND In the beginning, my customers were my friends and my platform was facebook. I started by making small gifts for my friends on campus. I then displayed what I made on my Facebook page and I immediately started getting orders both locally and internationally. With this encouragement, I proceeded to make pieces for several public figures like Ama K. Abebrese, Paulina Oduro among others. The quality and uniqueness of my accessories were immediately noticed by all who made a purchase and the brand was nominated twice as the fashion start-up of the year in 2016 and 2017 at the Ghana startup awards. The brand has also earned a spot in the prestigious Ghana startup club 100 in 2017. ‘ONE GIRL, ONE SKILL’ A few years after starting the ‘Asabea Ayisi’ brand, I started ‘One Girl One Skill Africa’, a charitable foundation whose main aim is to train young girls in basic schools, orphanages and in communities across across the country and give them relevant skills for their own livelihood. Since it was founded, we have trained and mentored over 500 young women nationwide KEYS TO SUCCESS I will say the uniqueness of my crafts, my ability to effectively use social media platforms, and great networking skills among others. FUTURE PLANS In the next few years, I hope to have two showrooms in the country for Asabea Ayisi brand, I also hope to build a skill training center where I can invite other designers to help teach various crafts, this I believe, will not only give workable skills to girls, but will also empower them as young women FINAL WORDS If and when any individual wants to venture into the fashion industry as a whole, I will advice that they first get some formal education since this will make them better as designers. They should also be prepared to be innovative and creative in order to sustain their business and brand. The industry is getting more competitive and many fashion start-ups don’t survive because they lack innovation and creativity. Innovation is key in this industry Shop/ Visit us on : www.asabeaayisi.com and lwww.onegirloneskill.org Pg.20: Inspirer Magazine