Meet Akua DeGannes | Entrepreneur, Philosopher and Host.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Akua DeGannes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Akua, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business originated with the flexibility of my time. A lot of people look at being an entrepreneur as kicking the 9-5 time frame, but when you own your own business your working 24/7, if not physically, then definitely mentally. It’s the flexibility and the self-discipline that I was after to know that even though I had the same 24 hours in my day as before, I could move on my own time and prioritize different parts of my life as I choose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d like to say that I sell confidence. I’m honest and down to earth with the people who come to me looking for something to enhance the natural beauty that they already carry with them daily. I don’t sell anything to anybody that I wouldn’t dare catch myself wearing and I show interest by getting to know them as people, what they like, their discomforts, and how they like to feel. More than a boutique owner, I’m also like a personal shopper. I wouldn’t throw you in anything and feed you to the dogs If I knew I’d catch second hand embarrassment seeing you in the streets.

I got to where I am today by asking questions and naturally being interested in what makes people feel their best. I wouldn’t say that it was easy but clear communication and out right intentions are always best when your asking for peoples money. I don’t rush people, and I also don’t encourage them to spend money on anything they can’t see being put to use on multiple occasions because I believe in versatility and good looks for a fair cost!

I overcame a lot of challenges by looking at the bigger picture. A lot of people can make sales, but a lot of people can’t keep customers. I tailor my boutique with my fashion preferences and show people why it can work for them as well. I would say the more difficult part is trying to communicate professionally as a business owner with people who aren’t professional customers and it is as simple as being honest in a way that they can understand but letting them know that this is not a show ran by the consumer. I give respect and expect it in return, that can make these professional relationships go a long way.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I am a small black business that is open to knowledge and growth. Like many other growing businesses we have small hiccups but If you can come to us and help with suggestions that is much better than shooting us down, the consumer is our muse.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sooooo I’m from Jersey and everyone treats us like little New York but we are beautiful and unique!

Cuban Petes – Cuban food, drum celebrations and BYOB. In the heart of Montclair.

Absolute zero- My favorite rolled ice cream in the heart of Montclair as well.

Brownstone Pancake Factory- Delicious food, beautifully put together, loaded milkshakes & loaded French toast. Nuff said

Sojo Spa- An indoor/outdoor spa, Heated pools, Multiple Saunas, a dope cafe with good food, a view of the city .

Glorias, on a Thursday- Thirsty Thursdays, Latin in the front , Soca, Reggae & Hip-Hop in the back. Hookah, Free Entry, its lit.

American Dream Mall- theme park , rollercoasters, a Ferris wheel , ski-ing, ice-skating, glow in the dark mini-golf, a food court AND shopping? In a MALL? oh yeah.

Essy’s House- the place where my closest friends gather. Networking, Sundays dinners, drinking, movie nights, face beating (Esther is a makeup artist), deep conversations, and comfy couch sleeping. I love it there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my family and my friends. My Mom Christine of course for letting me run all of my crazy random hustle tactics through her house, my sisters Shani, Antonia, Dikiya and Latoya and nieces Ashantah, Skye, Mariyah and Quenasia for encouraging me to do anything and everything that my heart desires and being the emotional support that I can’t see myself without. I want to thank my Aunt’s Marlene and Joan for showing interest in what I do even if they don’t relate but still finding ways to support me and cheer me on over time. I would like to thank my late Aunt Earlene who always encouraged me to spread my talents and interests, she never failed in helping me to do so and my Dad, Sam the man for instilling that spunk in me, for his endless encouragement of maintaining my individuality and reaching for the stars, we miss you two dearly.

I want to thank my friends for motivating me, staying up late night with me, brainstorming ideas, paying attention to social media trends, and reminding me why I started in the first place. You guys have opened my mind up to endless ideas and pushed me to keep going when you started to feel me get discouraged and for that I am ALWAYS grateful to have you in my corner. Esther, Sonja, Naomy, Ruthy, Keith, Tayler, Kat, Crystal, Kinah, this one is for you.

Lastly but CERTAINLY not least. All of my customers and clients. When you start a business you soon realize that even your family and friends are not always part of your consumers. I’ve gained supporters from all over the United States over the years that TRUST me, someone they don’t know from a can of paint to deliver what they ask for with quality and integrity and I promise you all, that is something you can always bank on with me. You guys are my family and I can’t wait to keep making you proud.

Website: wednesdayshopofficial@gmail.com

Instagram: Personal: @HeyyKuu Boutique: @TheWednesdayShop

Twitter: @KuShotCha

Facebook: Akua Degannes

Image Credits
@Tmaxtt @picturesbykeith @tip.raw