Today we’d like to introduce you to Efua Amissah-Aggrey.
Hi Efua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Oh gosh, where do I begin? I guess I should probably start by introducing myself huh? Hi, my name is Efua Amissah-Aggrey. I am a first-generation Ghanaian American & I am going to be a Fashion Icon.
Fashion has always been a major part of my life. My mom and my aunt Liz were my greatest fashion inspirations growing up. I loved to watch my mom get ready for events because every time she would, it would be a production. From the hair to the outfit, down to the shoes & her painted toes to match. My mom made sure she stepped into every event looking her very best & with each step she took you could see the confidence radiating from her body. Fashion at its core is art. It’s the visual expression of your identity. Our bodies are the canvas, and the clothing & accessories are the paint. When I finish getting ready, I just sit back and admire how crucial every single piece was to creating the final look. With fashion, I am able to express myself in a way I sometimes can’t do with words.
I’ve learned so much about myself and what true confidence is and looks like through fashion. For a long time, I held on to this limiting belief that I was only beautiful when I finished painting my canvas. When my canvas was painted my true self would emerge with a larger-than-life personality and a level of confidence that only God could touch. But when the canvas was blank or incomplete, I felt invisible and small. It wasn’t until I silently said to myself “I wish I could feel like this all the time” that the light bulb moment happened. Who said I couldn’t? Because at the end of the day, canvas painted or not, I was still the same person. The personality, confidence, and warm spirit were still there however, I had to learn to unlock that energy regardless of if my canvas was painted or not. At the end of the day, I had to realize that the confidence was always within me, and the “paint” was only the accessory that helped unlock it. From then on, I made the intentional decision to always show up as my authentic self, canvas painted or not.
Society and beauty standards attempt to impose their ideas of how we “should” dress, how our bodies “should” look, how much hair we “should” have, and so on. It’s no surprise many people struggle deeply with feelings of insecurity. As someone who has grappled with low self-esteem & insecurities most of my life, I am fully aware of the devastating effects it can have on your mental and physical well-being. Fashion helped me combat these feelings and guided me on a journey to discovering and embracing my authentic self, flaws, and all. It’s motivated me to help others embark on that same journey and discover their inner confidence. I am currently working on my first collection with hopes to debut it on the runway during Columbus Fashion Week this Fall. I want to inspire people of all different sizes, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and everything in between to be loud and proud with their confidence. The clothes are just the accessory, the confidence is all you and you wear it well.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road but rarely is it ever. Growing up I struggled a lot with depression and anxiety. For a long time, I felt as if I was simply existing, just trying to make it through each day, never really planning or thinking about the future. It wasn’t until I reignited my relationship with God that things started to turn around. When I did it finally felt like I wasn’t on this journey alone and that there was & is a purpose for my existence. Through my relationship with God, I learned about faith, resilience, and the power of relationship over religion. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wondered if I’m on the right track or if all of the pain and trials had been in vain. My connection with God provides me with the reassurance and redirection I need to keep going.
Over the past 3 years, I have been prioritizing my mental health, community and working toward my purpose. Although it has not been an easy journey, it has been a necessary one. I am happier than I’ve ever been & have an amazing community of friends and family that support and love me. I’m crystal clear on my vision and purpose, and for the first time in a long time, I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m well known for my eye for style. I love designing outfits that suit a wide range of personalities, body types, and budgets. It brings me joy to see my clients’ faces light up after they see how great they look in their newly curated wardrobes. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone unlock a new level of confidence as they strut back and forth admiring their reflection in the mirror. That’s what sets me apart from the rest, my sincere desire to use fashion as a means to promote a radical movement of self-confidence. To unapologetically embrace and express oneself through their personal style and presence in the world.
My journey from personal stylist to fashion designer has been a long time coming. I have eagerly anticipated the day when I can turn the creations in my head into tangible, wearable designs that grace a runway stage. My first collection is heavily influenced by my African Roots. It’s my way of paying homage to the beautiful culture and people that have inspired me my entire life. This collection is a love letter to Africa, and I cannot wait for the world to see it.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My best networking advice is to simply put yourself out there. To begin, I would recommend looking for individuals and spaces that are relevant to your interests. This is an excellent way to connect with others and share experiences while developing genuine and meaningful relationships. It is critical to prioritize authenticity over impressing others. That may sound intimidating, but it’s important to remember that many people are eager to connect and share their knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justefua/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/JustEfua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justefua?_t=8Yn9h5dGKDe&_r=1
Image Credits
Aperture Obscura llrvisuals
