My name is Belle Yemofio, a Founder and Creative Director of EllenDavis Interior Design. Now based in Accra - Ghana, I started my career life in the United States. I was raised by hardworking parents who were both creative in their own unique ways. My dad as an architect, has been designing his whole life and my mum used to knit and crochet. This kind of design environment created the right creative ambiance which was further enhanced by my two brothers who are also architects and my sister who is a confectioner. I began my career as a banker. Over the years I spent time decorating various apartments spaces for family and friends, and eventually my own home. I have a penchant for scouting through decor shops for creative, antique and unique pieces wherever I found myself around the world. After thirteen plus years in banking, I finally made my transition into the interior design space. I spent the last two years immersing myself in what I consider as my Creative Calling. As an interior designer, you’re expected to know all the latest trends. Regardless of how busy I get, I always try stay up to date on industry news and developments. Everyone's journey is different and this is an insight into mine. I hope others find inspiration in my words. Working towards a dream is a lot hard work, it takes time, life will throw curve balls at you, you'll get knock backs, but when it's something you love doing - never give up!
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business?
How did the idea for your business come about?
The business idea was born out of the banking reforms in Ghana. I used to work for a bank in Ghana that was taken over by a government financial subsidiary. Later, I got a better offer to work for an investment bank. Two years in, that bank was also closed down by the government. So I was hit twice, lesson learned: moving forward I ended setting up my brand - EllenDavis Interior Design.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Initially finding the right team to work with was challenging. My brother happens to be an architect/ contractor/ real estate developer so I pulled him onboard as the general/project manager. He already had relationship with all the tradesmen we require for the business (a win - win situation).
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
Currently reading “The Path Made Clear” by Oprah Winfrey. I recommend “How successful People think” by John C. Maxwell
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
No not all. My family and friends were so supportive. Coming from a family of creatives of course the support came naturally. My dad gifted me an interior design book he owned. My friends knew what I was capable of because they had either seen my
portfolio from my home and some of whom I’ve worked for.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
The God factor. I mean everything happening to me right now, business wise is - by His Grace. Having the brand soar from its inception around April 2018 till date with projects back to back and an increasing number of following on our social media platforms is only by - His Grace.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
I think I got it right from the beginning. With my experience of working in a bank and managing big branches I knew the pros and cons. I knew to minimize my overheads hence I didn’t have a physical location - I was working from home for
now.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
My advise would be to any upcoming entrepreneur is: be passionate about what they do and also to work like there is no tomorrow. Be professional; small jobs can lead to more work and client referrals. Remember that your goal is to build long-term relationships.
