I Am African And I Can: April 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Felix Anaman

Advocating African-Inspired Print

Now, more than ever, African print is leaving a memorable mark on runways across the globe. Having recognized this growing fond that people have for African print, Felix Anaman has come up with what could be a solution to develop Africa's economy, and it is knitted right within his garments.

"I see myself as a promoter more than fashion designer," expressed the Ghanaian native designer. A promoter of African-inspired print, that is.

He explained that, "most of the African prints are not produced in Africa and done by Africans." That if Africans become the leading producers of African print, Africa could reap greater "economic return" (jobs will be created and Africans will have the opportunity to fill those positions).

Social entrepreneur Eileen Reilly, Vice President of Economic Development at CAMBA (a Brooklyn-based Human Services organization), commented on Anaman's work: he uses fabric structurally...and "tradition technologies that needs to be both championed and preserved, because it is in danger of dying in Africa."

To Anaman, it doesn't matter whether people wear Anaman Felix Clothing, or creations by other designers. As long as "everyone" wears African print, African print will continue to leave a staple on the fashion industry.

Speaking about the fashion industry with such knowledge and passion derives from year's experience.

Anaman attended a fashion school in Ghana called Vogue Style School of Fashion, after graduating from the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. He dived into the fashion pool in the 90s; starting off as a model, then gradually working his way up to becoming a trusted designer for Miss Ghana "numerous times." He had also been "in charge of protocol for Mr. Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, the first ever Independent Presidential Candidate for Ghana's Presidential elect, in 2008." And in 2012, Anaman had models grace the runway with Felix Anaman Clothing's vibrant Spring Summer collection at Brooklyn Fashion Week (BFW).

Usually, there is a moment in ones life when the world seems to stop revolving. For Anaman, that moment was when the provider of his family,his father, passed in 1997. There were moments when he starved himself, walked long distances in order to save up enough money to purchase tools to design. His financial breakdown, though, did not put his dreams to stop, because his desire to succeed was far greater.

He couldn't cut, stitch or design during the developing stage of his designing career, but continuous practice, faith, "great teachers who put [him] through great training," and working persistently to get his name known in "every household," gave him a big push towards the finish line.

Since Anaman believes in "sacrificing for the bigger things," he is stretching to expand his brand, Felix Anaman Clothing, in Iowa because "Iowa city has the potential of becoming a fashion hub." Winners, like Anamam, don't rest after having reached the finished line, they continue to stretch for even bigger things.

A Glimpse of Anaman's World:

Felix Anaman Clothing

"Sometimes it's not just about the money, it's the appreciation people have for your work."-Anaman

Felix Anaman Clothing

"Once you bond with your true love [passion], there is nothing that can separate you."-Anaman

Felix Anaman Clothing

"You have to show the world what you can do."-Anaman

Felix Anaman Clothing

"African print tells stories. The colors symbolize moods."-Anaman

Felix Anaman Clothing

"[African print] makes your day interesting."-Anaman

Felix Anaman Clothing

"By the grace of God I was able to do this...I pray over every garment."-Anaman

Felix Anaman Clothing

"When God is doing something, human beings have no understanding of it."-Anaman

Felix Anaman Clothing

"You go through experiences when you are destined to succeed. There is no successful person without experiences."-Anaman

Ways to reach Anaman:

Twitter: @anamaning
Facebook: Felix Anaman Clothing / Felix Anaman
LinkedIn: Felix Anaman
Email: anamaning@gmail.com

Monday, April 21, 2014

Rabiatou Wann Bah

Engineer Gets Promoted to Management Level

When her classmates went out to enjoy college life's enticing parties, Rabiatou Wann Bah, for long hours, stayed in studying. Her loyalty to her studies had not been in vain, for today she is reaping what she sowed.

Mrs. Bah, 28, earned her Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering with honors in 2008, from Old Dominion University within a three-year period.

Two years into the field as a Process Engineer, she realized that she had an interest in leadership --most Engineers usually do not have an interest in leadership/management-- and embarked on a leadership training program that lasted approximately a year.

Management seemed rather challenging, but she still went for it. Out of the 10 people that were interviewed, Mrs. Bah ranked as "the best candidate" for the position.

Today, she works in the management sector for Micron Technology, Inc., managing "two separate groups of engineers that are merged into one."

As manager, she has learned one vital lesson about leadership: leadership is taking care of my people...I can not be successful if my team is not successful, and my team can not be successful if I am not successful.

Since Mrs. Bah works for a company that manufactures semiconductor devices --memory that goes into products ranging from computing, server applications to mobile, embedded automotive industries-- it is crucial that she makes sure her team does things the right way.

In her opinion, work is a lot easier and less challenging than school, because she had already completed in school what was most challenging (long hours of studying and solving hard problems).

Mrs. Bah is not the typical Engineer. At work she wears her serious hat, but as soon as she clocks out, that hat goes flying to Mars and on goes her fun hat. Traveling to any country she aspires to visit and eating extraordinary dishes that drive her taste buds insane.

She left Guinea, Conakry at the age of 18, settled in America where she was faced with having to learn a new language all over again, graduated and became a respected engineer. This overachiever did it all before the age of 30. Her plate is half full, thus still has more room for even grandiose projects.

A Glimpse of Mrs. Bah's World

Mrs.Bah in traditional attire

"I work in a field dominated by men, but I don't feel looked down on, because I focus on what I need to do. My parents always taught me that I could have anything I want if I worked for it."-Mrs. Bah

Mrs. Bah in Mexico

"I am a foodie and politics junkie."-Mrs.Bah

Playoffs in Atlanta (2011)

Hawks vs. Magic

Mrs. Bah rock climbing

Mrs. Bah in Puerta Vallarta

"Life is too short, so make the best of it."-Mrs.Bah

Ways to reach Mrs. Bah:

Twitter: Miss_Raby
Facebook: Raby Wann Bah
LinkedIn: RABY WANN BAH

Email: rwann001@odu.edu

Monday, April 14, 2014

Flory Ramoreboli

Breaking the Rules of Fashion

From Lesotho, Southern Africa, Flory Ramoreboli has festooned many closets with her distinctive, over-the-top designs. Eeney meeny miny moe, which one of you fashionistas want to wear Allfo?

"I served a bigger purpose than I thought I was," said the designer.

Ramoreboli doesn't just want to create desirable designs, she wants to create designs that stand out. Behind her cheery, teddy bear personality lies a rule breaker, a woman who takes pride in daring to be different.

Her work "embraces every culture," entrenching African and European print in it --a reflection of her culture and adventures in Germany.

It has been two years since the launch of Allflo Couture. Rather than sitting on her couch and hoping that the heavens will spear her pocket an overflow of cash, 80 percent is her spending money. Which is why her advice to those who want to get rich quick is, "don't get into it just for the money."

There is a lot of investing, a lot of "time, blood and sweat" that goes into designing attire through which people find comfort in. But it all unravels positively: seeing her clients wear her designs with ownership, and her models feel gratitude.

Allfo model Fanta Camara revealed that wearing the designs and showing them off on the runway has allowed her to express herself and passion while showcasing her "black beauty."

Despite Ramoreboli's changing endeavors in the past --being a hair stylist, make-up artist-- and now a fashion designer, her mother has always supported her. But that is not the case for some.

"Back home your talent is your hobby and what you learn in school is your career," said the Southern African designer. Her cousin, whom she loved dearly, was "beyond" talented and never acted upon it. When he passed away in 2011, "the question that rushed through Ramoreboli's mind was, "how do you live and not share your talent?"

One thing for sure, the designer has promised herself to share her talent with the world as abundantly as she possibly can. Her cousin may have not lived his dream, but she is living hers and also helping bring to life an endeavor which her cousin hoped to achieve: helping the youth realize and tap into their talent through her organization "Les ARTS."

A Glimpse of Ramoreboli's World

Allflo Designs

"Since I am not following rules, that's what will make me different from everyone."-Ramoreboli

Allflo Designs

"I make my own patterns."-Ramoreboli

Alflo Designs

"I design from my soul."-Ramoreboli

Allflo Designs

" [Allflo Couture] talks to certain people in this world."-Ramoreboli

Allflo Accessory

"Fashion is like when you get your hair done. You have a vision of how you want to look."-Ramoreboli

Allflo Swimwear

Allflo Models

Ramoreboli at a fashion event

"I keep it real with myself."-Ramoreboli

Ways to reach Ramoreboli:

Twitter: allflo

Instagram: Allflo_Couture_ny

Facebook: Allflo Couture The Brand

Email: allflocoutureny@gmail.com / allflo@hotmail.com

Website: www.allflocouture.com

Monday, April 7, 2014

Zaina Diallo

Young Lady Chooses Designing Over Nursing

Seven years ago, Zaina Diallo was faced with the pressure of proving to her mother that designing, not nursing, was the route that wholeheartedly she believed was best to follow. Today, she is traveling from city-to-city, sewing garment-to-garment while hollering with pride "Africa made me, USA raised me."

From 2007 to 2009, Diallo attended nursing school. Her mind was submerged with scientific terms, but her heart was pumping of a desire to make art.

She always imagined herself shopping for fabric, cutting it and creating a beautiful gown. Her imagination, though, was not left wandering through clouds without a destination, for she had figured out a way to get to her destination.

She had plans of proving to her mother --who had high hopes of seeing her daughter become a nurse-- art was her knack.

She won her mother's support and applied to top five art schools in the United States, and in 2010 got admitted into one of them, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). There, she learned vital skill-sets that gave her a boost when she decided to launch her clothing line, ZDW Boutique (Zaina Designer Wear).

"I feel like I am blessed." expressed Diallo, owner of Atlanta-based boutique ZDW. "I use my little talent to inspire other people."

ZDW designs are made using African textile, with pattern-like apparel tailored to complement a woman, man or child's unique style.

"I love Zaina's work. She makes her customers her priority," said Anita Safo (NitaPop), a blogger based in Atlanta and loyal ZDW customer. "I am a friend, not just a customer."

Last year, ZDW had its "big year," booking 6 fashion shows. And this year, Diallo is coming back with full force, adding a different look to her third collection --one inspired by a recent trip she took to Guinea, Conakry and The Gambia.

After a few years of building her brand in Atlanta and having solid customer retention from nurtured relationships, the designer looms having ZDW Boutique expand to New York, because "New York is home and [she] has to start there."

A Glimpse of Diallo's World