Fashion Storyteller | Fashion Strategist & Stylist | Entrepreneur | Lecturer | Fashion Designer
I am Emmanuel Kelvin Quaye, an inspirational story teller through fashion. I believe in continuous learning and personal growth, always leading with integrity and a tenacious attitude while living a lifestyle of elegance. My passion for fashion began at a young age, and I pursued it by studying Industrial Arts majoring in Fashion at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, with plans to earn a Masters and a PhD in Fashion Design.
Alongside my education, I ventured into various businesses, including selling water, eggs, room designing, event decoration, and participating in top events and beauty pageants. After university, I worked as a Teaching Assistant and did internships before finally focusing full time on my fashion business, MrKels. MrKels is a unisex lifestyle brand with Kelsculture as our ready-to-wear line. Our mission is to promote sustainable ethical fashion through storytelling and to promote Ghanaian fashion (Africa) while building strong partnerships globally. My ambition is to be a trendsetter in the fashion industry and a global icon with excellence, building a lifetime brand that impacts knowledge and builds a team of professionals.
Currently, I work as a fashion lecturer at Gh media and fashion school, hoping to positively impact my students. Finance is a major challenge in my field, but I plan to bring investors on board to help build a global brand. I am motivated by the saying “learn, relearn and unlearn till you become very skilled in your profession”, and I believe that with God's guidance, I can achieve anything.
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
As a fashion entrepreneur and lecturer, I did face financial constraints and had to balance my fashion education with side businesses. I overcame these hurdles through perseverance, hard work, and seeking internships.
What advice do you have for young people locally and internationally who are just starting out in their careers or pursuing their passions?
As someone who has pursued my passion in the fashion industry, I can attest that hard work and tenacity are essential to achieving success. It's important to stay focused and dedicated to your craft, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. In my journey, I have encountered various challenges such as financial constraints, a lack of opportunities, and intense competition. However, I was able to overcome them by being persistent, consistent, and open to learning.
One of the key lessons I learned early on is the importance of networking and building relationships with other professionals in the industry. Attending events, joining organizations, and engaging with others can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. It's also crucial to continuously seek to improve your skills and knowledge by taking classes, attending workshops, and staying up-to-date on industry trends.
In my experience, another essential factor in achieving success is having a positive mindset and believing in yourself. Confidence in your abilities and dreams can help propel you forward, even in the face of challenges. Additionally, having patience and trusting the process is crucial, as success takes time and effort.
Overall, I would encourage anyone pursuing their passion to be dedicated, hardworking, and open to learning. Stay focused, stay positive, and never give up on your dreams.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @mrkelsgh @kelsculture @ekquaye
Facebook: kelvinniiokai
Twitter: @mrkelsgh
LinkedIn: Emmanuel Kelvin Quaye
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