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

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

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

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

"I am proud of my work. I am not just going to keep everything inside."-Diallo

Models flaunting ZDW designs at a fashion show in Atlanta

"Everything I do I put Africa in it because that's who I am."-Diallo

Model Wearing ZDW Designs

"I provide good customer service. I take time out of my life to perfect each garment."-Diallo

  ZDW Designs

"I am passionate about making people look good. I want to bring out the beauty in someone."-Diallo

ZDW Slippers

ZDW Bow Ties

ZDW Children's Wear 

"I love kids. I call them my easiest customers, because they're willing to try anything new."-Diallo

Diallo's First Fashion Show in 2013

 (L-R) Diallo wearing ZDW designs, model

"There is enough space for everybody in this world, for every talent. We shouldn't be hating on each other."-Diallo

Ways to reach Diallo:

Twitter: @Therealzdw

Instagram:  @zdwboutique / @therealzdw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZDWboutique 

Email: ZDWboutique@gmail.com

Website: www.zdwboutique.com

Mariama Cire Keita

The Leading Voice and Advocate for Africa

With a bucket full of hands-on experience in the communication realm, and having 'strategically' planned her future, Mariama Cire Keita has become a distinguished leading voice for Africans. Thus has earned the right to pop her collar. 

There are people who dream about working for the United Nations. And then there is Keita, the Guinean-American  beauty and brain, who never dreamt of or imagined herself working for the UN, but because of her immense will to bring about change for Africans, has carved a path to facilitate the journey for others marching behind her.   

Prior to receiving a Bachelor's degree in Communication (from the University of Maryland at College Park) and Masters of Science degree in Global Affairs --from New York University (NYU)-- and being appointed as a communications strategist for USAID Africa Bureau Office of Sustainable Development, she was dipping her toes in multiple waters to test which best soothed her. 

During the early stages of her career, Keita turned a multitude of internship experiences that include working as a production assistant for Black Entertainment Television (BET), Radio Broadcast Assistant for WPGC 95.5FM and University of Maryland Public Relations department into her first job opportunity out of college working for BET on-air talent.

"These experiences coupled with my extensive travels abroad shaped my ability to wear many hats and incorporate innovative ideas into the development space as a leading voice and advocate for Africa.

Gabriel Adeyemo, Public Health advocate and HIV/AIDS campaigner based in Nigeria, said that he admires Keita's "passion to assisting other African leaders to realize and achieving their dreams wherever they are based."

He added, "distance is not a barrier to her communication network; despite her program and work schedules, Mariama shall always find time to assist you."

Keita is also the founder of HOIMA, How I Make A Difference, "a leadership initiative that empowers and prepares young African women for competitive internship and fellowship programs." 

Being the leader she is, Keita's future is already planned. She created a vision board to zero-in on the things she would like to do within five years: become a TV pundit that positively highlights the economic development of Africa and serve as a Senior Advisor to a Head of State.

She's got her power suit on. As a living example, Keita is willing, without hesitance, to do whatever it takes to help others realize that they, too, can wear a power suit if they work hard.

A Glimpse of Keita's World

"Guinea suffers from a lack of national identity and its citizens need to demand the change it needs. There needs to be a grass roots movement that pushes out those from the top."-Keita 

At the White House
Keita was the first ever student in her NYU graduate program to land a White House internship under the President Obama Administration, in 2011



Keita's trip to Guinea in 2012

"When you invest in a woman, it's a ripple effect."-Keita

Public Speaking at New York University

Keita's vibrant smile 

(L-R) Fab5Freedy, Hip-hop pioneer, Keita at the screening of "Mother of George," an event which she organized for Women's History month 2014, at the United Nations

"I ended up in the UN by creating my own opportunity."-Keita

    Ways to reach Keita:

    Twitter:@mariamakeita

   Instagram: madamkeita

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOwIMakeADifference

  

Akin Akinsanya

A Taste of Africa for Your Taste Buds

Close your eyes and imagine being in a room flooded with plentiful, delicious, mouth-watering African cuisine. Now open your eyes. Voila, Panla! Akin Akinsanya brings you Panla, "a taste of Africa[n]" cuisine. 

Panla, is a name of a fish in Yoruba. Born in Lagos, Nigeria Akinsanya has always been proud of where he came from, with a belief that we must celebrate ourselves if we want people to know who we are, and that "more people need to promote entrepreneurship and diversity."

Music, food, entertainment, and a diverse crowd jumbled in a room to celebrate African culture, is what Akinsanya had in mind when he initiated this food-tasting networking mixer, in 2008.

Akinsanya brings together some of New York City's finest African restaurants and uniquely, skilled chefs to ensure that those who attend the event get the best taste of Africa.

Senegalese, Nigerian, South African, Guinean, Ethiopian, Cameroonian, and Moroccan dishes had been served at past events, giving people "different tastes of Africa." 

Actor and comedian Namo Skee shared that, "[Panla] has been the standout platform for Africans to showcase an aspect of their culture."

Because Akinsanya likes to bring people together for a good cause, a percentage of earnings goes to charity. Some of the not for profit organizations that the proceeds went to in the past are: The Children Cancer and Blood Foundation, The Kenyan Education Foundation, Southern Sudan Initiatives, Kechie Project and Kukindiho. 

The next New York City African Restaurant Week (NYCARW), taking place from April 27 to May 4, is a bi-annual cultural evening event inviting people from all over to celebrate the best of African cuisine, wine, chefs, artisan, and restaurants across the city.

The NYCARW features various events at different venues across the city that showcase Africa as it relates to food, art, travel, fashion and more.

During this week, foodies, travelers, Afropolitans and more, purchase vouchers online or directly at the participating restaurants and are treated to some of the best African dishes served in NYC.

Those that come to this week-long event, will experience the culture from a different perspective. It is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to come and celebrate the best of African cuisine and culture.

As Akinsanya expressed, "come share the table and celebrate yourself." They will also know that they have been part of an endeavor that promotes diversity and partnership. 

Food gives us a window into what a culture is like, and because of Akinsanya more people are being introduced to the beauty of African culture. He brings a taste of Africa to not just Africans, but to people who enjoy exploring and have an appreciation for good cuisine. 

A Glimpse of Akinsanya's World

Akinsanya's Media Director,Tarisai Gombe,on Arise Entertainment 360 talking about African Restaurant Week, in 2013

Akinsanya welcoming his guests at the First NYC African Restaurant Week, hosted on 13 October 2013 at Taj Restaunt and Lounge, in New York City

Akinsanya (right) and some of his guests 

African Artists had the opportunity to showcase their works

Food lovers having a taste of Africa at Taj Restaurant and lounge, during African Restaurant Week

A Taste of Africa just for you

Some of the delicacies served at the event

    Ways to reach Akinsanya:

Twitter: @Panla USA

Instagram: African Restaurant Week

Facebook: Panla "A taste of Africa Event Series" / Akin Akinsanya

N'tifafa Akoko Tete-Rosenthal

Shy Girl Becomes Dancing Queen

Bounce, bounce off she goes swirling across the stage with a glow. Flow. Bow down, bow down here goes dancing queen N'tifafa Akoko Tete-Rosenthal.

As a young girl, N'tifafa's parents tried to get her involved in a variety of activities (soccer, swimming, playing the violin). But none of them swept her off her feet the way dancing has, "dancing stuck." Dancing, especially Ballet, brings her inner Mikhail Baryshnikov out.

Fearless, with a dapper swagger, the stage became her comfort zone at the age of nine.

She was always a shy girl, but that certainly isn't noticeable when she dances. "When I step on the stage, I lose myself," said the Togolese freelance dancer. "It's a happy place for me."

If you happen to bump into her right before she goes on stage to perform, you'll notice that she is just like any other human being --she gets very nervous-- but once she makes her way onto the stage, nothing else seems to matter, but the joy and entertainment  that she brings to her audience.

Belco Maryama Bocoum, Secretary General for US-Africa Synergy expressed that, "N'tifafa is very vibrant and full of life. When you watch her dance it makes you want to get up and dance. It's like watching a free spirit."

Ever heard of giving your 100 percent? This number does not even exist in N'tifafa's world; she believes in giving more than that when she performs. She goes all out.

Dancing, lots of popping, sweating, and sometimes even falling. But none of this seems to be a deal breaker to N'tifafa. She loves every moment because it helps her grow.

She finds great joy and comfort in dancing Ballet, Jazz, contemporary and West African dancing styles.

Since the start of her career, she has danced for dance companies like: Fusha Dance, Ballet International Africans, Les Enfants du Soleil, and ZumaZuma.

Hailing from Flint, Michigan she is proud to have grown up in a city that some consider an undesirable place to raise children, because it gives her an opportunity to prove them wrong at any given opportunity.

Flint nurtured the artist that she is today and made her the woman that she is today, fearless when it comes to voicing her opinion, and more determined to achieve her goals.

During her college days, she majored in dance and minored in physical therapy.

At 29, dancing has allowed her to touch many hearts and she is on a mission to touch even more hearts. Her dream of one day opening a Physical Therapy clinic in her native land Togo, as well as Ghana is only steps away. She will swirl, she will glide, and she will leap until she arrives. She is a dancing queen and queens make things happen with elegance and grace.

  

A Glimpse of N'tifafa's World

Here's a video of N'tifafa stepping (she's on the left, wearing a black top)

N'tifafa posing during a photoshoot for Wealth in Wellness Magazine in New York 

"When I dance, I am just in a different place; mentally I don't know what I'm thinking about."-N'tifafa

N'tifafa(right) and AIKO Dancers

"Being an ensemble dancer makes you aware of what's going on around you."-N'tifafa

N'tifafa playing drums during her performance at US-Africa Synergy's "African Cultural Evening" event, held on 1 March 2014

"A great dancer is someone that can have a balance between technique, emotion and passion."-N'tifafa

"Ballet is beautiful; it's creating a work of art."-N'tifafa

"When I dance, I zone out."-N'tifafa

 Ways to reach N'tifafa:

Instagram: Ntifafatete

Facebook: Ntifafa / N'tifafa Akoko Tete-Rosenthal