Tag: Ghana

  • How I Started / Registered My Business in Ghana

    How I Started / Registered My Business in Ghana

    When I started this business journey, which was the summer of 2020, I noticed how challenging it was to find concise information on how to start, register, and set up a business in Ghana effectively and legally. In this video, I share behind the scenes how I created the concept behind Bandele Muse, who I worked with to make this lifestyle / media / fashion business a reality, and what steps were needed to register a company in Ghana. I hope you find this information helpful. Please keep in mind that there is no one way to do business. This is what worked for me.

    Research Phase

    As I said in the video, the very first step on this journey was my research phase. I listed all of the ideas, products, services, experiences, and ultimate results I was interested in and felt my skills are aligned with. The themes I took note of included media, fashion, education, technology, sustainability, animation, holistic lifestyle, Africa, and Futurism. I proceeded to learn through YouTube, blogs, books, and webinars about eCommerce, African manufacturing, and consumer behavior. This lead me to clarifying what I wanted to create, which really helped when it came time to invest in myself.

    There were two virtual panels by Lagos Fashion Week that enabled me to push further on this journey. The first one was an interview with the founder of Tongoro, Sarah Diouf. I loved hearing her story on how she started her brand in Senegal and how she has maintained and expanded her eCommerce made in Africa brand. The second one was a panel with the founder of African Fashion Guide, Jacqueline Shaw. I was encouraged by her mission to empower and showcase African fashion trade and her services to contribute to sourcing and manufacturing fashion through out the continent. This was a big thing for me. Up to this point, my own inquiries in Ghana about how to produce fashion in Ghana was met with responses for trial and error with independent tailors. In my own experience, I have had clothing made for me in Ghana that was nice, but not the cut or standard I wanted to sell or mass produce. I knew there had to be a more modern and efficient way to produce in Ghana that still showcased original and traditional artisanship. This is what I found by working with African Fashion Guide.

    The manufacturing process thus far has been a learning curve for me. My patience has transformed to a bigger super power. For example, I have been ready to produce since April. It is now September and the first sample is half complete. Time has been chewed up by what everyone complains about here: finding the right person + lack of equipment or materials. This is where the definition of progress starts to morph. First, you find the right person. Yeah, celebrate. Then you both grapple with the environment we are producing in. Would you like to hear more about this process? Let me know in the comments so that I can elaborate more in a video and post.

    Later, I purchased the domain name and e-mail names (through Google work space). I also created the social media accounts. I kept all of these private for the mean time. Then, I signed up with FloDesk for my newsletter. Would you like to hear more about the tech I am using for this business? Let me know in the comments so that I can elaborate.

    Registration Phase

    Next, the registration process. The business options to register and forms to apply can be accessed online. As I said in the video, I was looking for something similar to an LLC, which is considered a hybrid to those outside of the US. Again, asking around did not get me the full responses I needed. Thus, I got legal guidance from Agency77, a firm dedicated to small / medium size businesses and creatives. I came across their brand last year after they had hosted a workshop in Accra. I also felt drawn to their website because the image they are using at the moment reminds me of Afrofuturism, which is totally my thing. Carla Olympio is the managing partner at the firm. I really appreciated her guidance in understanding which type of business I should register and making the registration process efficient. At the end, they also gave me a packet with information on how the different business taxes work here and what I should look out for with bookkeeping. Once I submitted all the information needed to them, registration was complete within a week.

    Now, let’s pause for a moment. Do you notice a theme here? I did not do everything alone. People relations are an interesting factor to maneuver. If you do not belong to a high school, university, or church community here, it feels as if you are always on the outside looking in. Putting myself out there with my super detective research skills has enabled me to find people I can work with. They may not be family or friends (yet), but they are people I will continue to support and they will do business with me again.

    I hope you find this information helpful. Share with me in the comments about your experience starting or registering a business. Let’s continue the conversation.

    Also, remember to join the Bandele Muse newsletter. I am sharing even more behind-the-scenes and surprises with my community there.

    Take care and be safe.

  • Bandele Muse: Introducing My Business

    Bandele Muse: Introducing My Business

    Are you ready to time travel with me? I am so excited to introduce you to my first business Bandele Muse. In this video, I share how you can enter the Bandele Muse universe, the inspiration behind the brand, and what to expect: from fashion, Afrofuturism stories, insightful discussions on sustainability and community, and fun with me.

    I’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with you. Make sure to join the Bandele Muse newsletter here.

  • Healthy Lifestyle in Ghana ft Ben Asamani + Tatale Vegan Restaurant

    Healthy Lifestyle in Ghana ft Ben Asamani + Tatale Vegan Restaurant

    Eat well + Live well is easier said than done. In Ghana, we have most of the ingredients for this, but access and knowledge on how to use it are needed. In this video, I introduce you to Ben Asamani, founder of Tatale Vegan Restaurant. We have an insightful discussion on thriving in Ghana, the restaurant and hospitality business in Ghana, and the mindset needed to eat well and live well in Ghana. We also get an exclusive experience cooking some of Tatale’s signature dishes with Ben.

    Tatale Vegan Restaurant is located in Osu, Accra and offers a menu of Ghanaian traditional dishes reimagined for a healthy lifestyle. You can find more information about Tatale Vegan Restaurant here.

    What do you think of this experience? Are you coming to eat at Tatale Vegan Restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

  • Q+A: Stay in Ghana? Wakanda who? Host a tour?

    Q+A: Stay in Ghana? Wakanda who? Host a tour?

    My first Q+A! Thank you! I want to give a big shout out to you who sent in your questions. This was fun. Did anything I shared surprise you? Do you have any questions to add? Let me know in the comments.

  • How I Thrive In Ghana ft Michelle Konadu x Villa Diaspora

    How I Thrive In Ghana ft Michelle Konadu x Villa Diaspora

    There is more than one way to thrive in Ghana. I believe the mindset behind defining success and maneuvering reality is so important in developing the path that works for you. In this post, I introduce you to Michelle Konadu, founder of Villa Diaspora. We have an insightful discussion on her experience building Villa Diaspora in Accra, cultivating community in Ghana, and defining success. Have you heard of the “Republic Boys?” Do you know how to “face your front?” Do you know what success and family have in common in how to thrive in Ghana? We drop all the gems and spill some tea in this post.

    Villa Diaspora is a co-living apartment and community space that provides a “soft-landing” to returnees, repatriates, and expats in Ghana. In this video, you also get to see an exclusive tour of Villa Diaspora. If you are looking to move and experience Ghana, you need to connect with Michelle.

    I also asked Michelle what she appreciates about Ghana and what she needs Ghana to improve on. Here’s what she shared.

    Things I appreciate about Ghana:

    The culture

    “I’m an Akan person. So, everything I thought I knew about Ghana was really just my parents’ village. But, living in Accra, it’s like a melting pot. It’s just that the pot itself is a Ga pot. Living here I’ve learned a lot about the Ga people. Our caretaker here is from the North but is not really from the North. You just learn so much about migration, culture, and people that are matrilineal versus patrilineal. Especially as a woman, I see our strength and the power we’ve always had. The woman with the baby on her back and the load on her head is self-sufficient. She is not a victim. She prioritizes. I’ve learned a lot about the women who came before me and the woman I am meant to be. We never lacked anything. We’ve been voting since voting started. We’ve owned property, sometimes even more than men. We’ve married multiple people. I love the culture.”

    The pace

    “I love the slower pace. I think people usually look at a slower pace as if people are slow or don’t know anything. But it’s the best thing you could do. I’ve been able to come back to my humanity. Being in Ghana keeps you on your toes. You never know when you are going to have light, water, or anything else. You might have it the majority of the time, but you’re always on your toes in case you don’t. But we don’t panic. Things happen and we sit back and say …hmmm… but it will solve itself. I think we are also great manifesters because we never speak negatively. We say “it shall be well” or “everything will be ok.” We then wait for it to be ok. I think that has a lot to do with why we are still here. Despite all that has transpired here, we are still here.”

    It’s Ghana

    “It’s got everything that you ever want. Whatever your lifestyle, you will find it here. If you want to be natural, you’ll find it here. If you want to be bougie, you’ll find it here like 10 times. It’s such a multifaceted place that no matter what you want in the place you can definitely find it, as long as you don’t limit yourself. Ghana will definitely not limit you.” (que…snapping fingers!)

    Things I need Ghana to improve on:

    The system

    “One thing Ghanaians have been able to do is to find their place in the system. It would be great if the system did work. If we had the infrastructure everyone keeps talking about and complaining about. It would be great, but we found a way to fit ourselves into things. It would be great if we could utilize our energy in other ways and didn’t have to scheme.”

    Year of Return / Beyond the Return

    “The Year of Return was a great idea. One thing I had an issue with though was that all of the marketing and speeches and conferences and panels were done outside in the States or London or other places. The people here who you are sending people to come and meet have no idea about what’s going on and those people who do are like ‘we’re scamming to make some cash.’ So instead of being in a position where you are educated and also heart is softened and ready to embrace these people who are coming 400 years later…because Ghanaians, we like these things…long lost siblings and stuff like that. Hence ‘sankofa,’ to go back and get is not considered taboo. I think they could have done a much better job with that and we can still do a much better job than that. Educating people on the ground so it’s a better union. We can be better educated on the diaspora to not see them as money bags or strangers. That part breaks my heart because the faces are there…our noses are the same. It’s like Don Cheadle. If I draw African, it’s you I’m drawing. I think we can do a better job of embracing each other. Educating ourselves on who we are and where else we are in the world and how much we have been able to endure. There is more of us out there than everything leads us to believe.”

    It was a pleasure sharing time and learning insight from Michelle. Isn’t Villa Diaspora beautiful? I love how she has decorated the place. Sitting outside was so peaceful. I’m excited to see how Phase 2 turns out. Building community is easier said than done, but when people invest their energy and resources to create a space to house community, it makes all the difference.

    What do you think of our discussion and the tour? Are you coming to stay at Villa Diaspora? Share with me in the comments.

    Also, remember to connect with me wherever you spend the most time. YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook…I’m there. I love hearing from you.

    Take care and be safe.

    Disclaimer: this post is not sponsored.

  • My Fun Day in Accra: Dance + Paint +Journal with Roxanne at Eleven15

    My Fun Day in Accra: Dance + Paint +Journal with Roxanne at Eleven15

    Let’s go outside and have fun. In this post, I take you with me to dance and paint with Roxanne at Elevent15 Restaurant / Lounge.

    This event was hosted by Roxanne, who is the founder of Dance 4 Mental Health. She is a life coach who produces content to demystify mental health and hosts activities to uplift mental health. During this event, we did some dancing, journaling, and painting.

    This was also my first time at Eleven15 Restaurant and Lounge. It is located in East Legon and is a really nice spot to enjoy the outdoors and colorful art. They also host different activities.

    We started with a short Kizomba dance. I look forward to dancing more next time.

    Part of the event included a writing exercise where we wrote about what pivotal moment has happened in our lives recently and what beliefs and consequences came out of that. We read each out loud anonymously.

    Overall, the main feeling in the group was deep frustration. There has been a disruption in important parts of their lives within the past year and things are not looking up. It was beautiful to be part of this circle as we shared encouragement and insight.

    This reminded me of how the heaviness we are carrying from last year has yet to be released. Rather, it’s being further compounded with the continued heaviness of this year.

    For what it’s worth, to those who feel this way and are keeping it bottled up inside, I want you to know I feel it too. This time last year I was also frustrated and sad. Maybe it was a good thing I had to stay home. I cried a lot. But, as time passed, I felt like my tears were part of a transformation. Like, you know how a butterfly turns into a butterfly? It’s not a pleasant experience, but the destination is beautiful.

    Just like the butterfly, no one can fix you or take action for you. I made a pivot, took action, and surrendered. Released my grip on control or what I thought was right. Fast forward now, I’m not crying as much and I’m balancing different frustrations. Life happens for you. These waves of feelings happen for you. The growth will happen for you if you take action and surrender. If you can do it alone, go for it. If you can’t, please reach out to the right people.

    Take care of yourself. You are worthy.

    Lastly, we painted a ballerina dancing. It was nice to see how we all customized our ballerinas at the end.

    I enjoyed spending time outside and meeting a lovely group of new people.

    Would you attend this type of event? What kind of activities would you like to see more of in Accra and Ghana? Share with me in the comments.

    Also, remember to connect with me. I love hearing from you.