Ontario self-starter’s clothing line begins in Africa

Priscilla Boateng can’t wait for Saturday when her clothing line officially launches.

“It’s been four years in the making,” said the 28-year old Mississauga young entrepreneur, who is set to launch Style Me Ankara this coming weekend.

“My vision has always been to help others and I’m very excited to see this day happening.”

The Toronto-based fashion brand sells handmade, ready-to-wear African inspired garments and accessories for men and women.

Most of the fabric is made and imported from Ghana, and Boateng works with local skilled tailors and artisans to create distinctive outfits with bold colours and textures.

The young entrepreneur was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Ontario Starter Company Program, the first to win the award that supports initiatives by young investors.

Born in Ghana, Boateng’s family moved to Canada when she was only six. But she grew up with a passion for African styles and could not stop thinking about creating some linkage between that traditional elegance and trends from other western cultures.

Shoppers at Style Me Ankara are able to purchase a variety of garbs that include dresses, tops or two-piece sets, she said.

The boutique also sells handmade handbags, African jewelry and other accessories such as bow ties, waist belts, necklaces and bangles.

The process has been a learning experience for Boateng, and she admits it’s been tough and demanding, but also fulfilling at the same time because it’s a result of self-motivation, she said.

“No one is going to wake you up at four in the morning to write that email or project proposal for a grant,” she said. “You have to find that in yourself.”

Source: Metronews.ca

By: Gilbert Ngabo

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