Meet Serwah Armah-Koranteng | African Fashion Designer and Fashion Show Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Serwah Armah-Koranteng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Serwah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Most women I have grown around has always portrayed an independent lifestyle. Whether it was reality or just an assumption on my part. There is something about being independent, confidence woman. Gone are the days in African where a woman’s place was believed to be in the kitchen or in the home. In this modern age, some women are the breadwinners of the home.

In the environment I grew in, with women being breadwinners or providers of the home, I had no choice but to immolate those qualities. I had seen hardworking woman who would stop at nothing to pursue their goals and aspirations. I had dreams and aspirations as well; owning a business was not one of them though.

As I grew, I was attracted to the believe that having a profession where you are recognized in the society was more admiring than working behind closed doors somewhere. I wanted to be a nurse. Although, the end goal was to help people, I admired their professional outlook appearance and the value the society placed on their role in the community. That dream died very quick though, when I found out all what it took to become a nurse. At this point in my life, I did not like taking medication, did not like body fluids, needles and anything that came with the profession. Very disappointed!

The older I got, I learnt I could help people in the same capacity without being around needles and body fluids, although I did get to work in the medical field for 6 years living my childhood dream.

I started a business in 2014 at that time as a hobby because I had no idea what I was doing. As mentioned earlier, I had never thought to starting a business especially with no background in entrepreneurship. As time went on and the interest grew from the community in what I was doing, I decided to take this seriously and make a living out of it. Things come easier and naturally when you enjoy what you do.

I enjoy planning events; I do enjoy bringing people together to entertain and I do love the colors and beauty of African fashion, for this reason I decided to incorporate all these into a fashion show.

I like the independence that comes with having your own business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I design and custom make authentic African clothing and accessories for any occasion. Our clothing is tailored with the customer’s input. What sets us apart is, our clothing is uniquely made based on the customers taste therefore it is not something you will find in any store or find another person wearing the same. The fabrics are handpicked, and outfits or accessories are made with love. What also sets us apart is, our business is a ministry that helps provides sustenance and business startups for entrepreneurs overseas. So, when purchasing something from AfricStyle, you are sowing a seed into multiple individuals. These individuals and folks who have the desire to start a trade but lack the finances to either learn the trade or start the business. AfricStyle provides this support with the agreement for them to pay it forward as well.

Others in the ministry, have agreed to make clothing and accessories to sell through our platform with monies returning back to them in their community. What I am most proud off, is the growth I have seen through the many young people we have worked with over the years. These young entrepreneurs have gone on to polish their skills and branded themselves on a larger scale.

My joy of entrepreneurship has not always been easy, but I am always thankful for the growth that came with all the ups and downs. I was determined not to give up regardless of whatever the challenge may be. I have solely financed by business since 2014, and any entrepreneur who is self-financed and also a women will understand the difficulties that comes with this. I always had to work two or three jobs just to make sure my personal needs are met whiles the business is also being sustained. This takes a lot of prayers and encouragements from people around me.

There is a nursery rhyme I learnt long ago, if you try and you don’t succeed, try again. Failure has never been an option for me. There have been some good days, and the memories of the good days, always motivates me to keep going.

What I want the world to know about me is, I am an independent, resilient woman who never gives up on my dream when times gets hard. Even if I have to sail alone! I love my African culture and want to spread this through the world through African fashion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love seafood and I love the beach. My typical weekend visit from my best friend will be breakfast at home as I love to sleep in on weekends. We will have breakfast in the morning at home. Go out depending on the weather to do some window shopping or shopping in Washington, Virginia or New York. Have a quick sandwich for lunch, visit the zoo or a garden with a nice quiet scenery. We will then come home to freshen up, then go for seafood dinner by the ocean, watching the sun set.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This list will be endless if I should start, and some people will take offense if their names are not mentioned which may not be intentional. On my entrepreneur journey I have learnt, people can help you but for a moment. Those who come because they genuinely want to help (God sent), those who come to associate because of publicity and those who come just to occupy space. Through it all, everyone I have encountered has made an impact and I thank God each day for their contribution.

I want to thank my family for stepping in whenever needed; the circle of strong independent women and men who inspires me to never give up and provide that emotional support whenever needed. To the South Carolina Arts commission, for coming to my aid when I needed it the most. It was through their grant; I purchased my mobile boutique.

Website: www.myafricstyleinitiatives.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/africstyleinitiatives

Linkedin: Linkedin.com/serwaharmahkoranteng

Twitter: www.twitter.com/africstylein

Facebook: www.facebook,.com/africstyleinitiatives/

Youtube: www.youtube/nshirabatv

Image Credits
All images are of models and customers of AfricStyle Initiatives. Designs are off AfricStyle Initiatives LLC