My name is Francisca (Elike) Quansah. I work full time in a UK based educational charity and I'm also the founder of Kasa Kasa TV, an edutainment platform promoting Ghanaian languages and culture. Kasa Kasa TV was born through a blessing in disguise, my daughter, Nana Adwoa. It is part of my legacy. I did an undergraduate degree in Politics & International Relations followed by a Masters in Violence, Conflict & Development. People tend to imply that you need to have a step-by-step plan to be successful in life and that not having a plan sets you up for failure. I’m more of the thinking that life is all about being able to identify and pursue opportunities that align with your values, interests and passions.
Instagram & Facebook: @kaskasatv
Youtube channel: Kasa Kasa TV
Website: www.kasakasatv.com
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them?
My biggest initial hurdles when starting Kasa Kasa TV were financing it and finding an animator.
Financing is still a big hurdle I’m trying to overcome but to begin with, I used my savings. After all, if you don’t value your vision enough to invest your own hard earned cash in it, why should somebody else?
I had no idea about animation and where to find an animator but this is where I saw the beauty of networking. I asked those around me and fortunately I knew someone who knew someone. I tried setting up some meetings with the initial contacts I was given but it was difficult pinning them down. One company came through and that’s who I went with to start the vision.
What books are you currently reading?
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz and An Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Ibioma.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started?
Two things mainly:
You don’t need to wait until you know everything before you take the leap! You can and will learn as you go.
If YOU don’t do it, somebody else will!
What advice would you give to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
Invest in your passion. Although it’s hard in the beginning you'll see the fruits of your labour eventually. They may start off as small fruits but those small fruits will be your motivation to keep going through the hard times. And when I say passion, this isn't necessarily something you have to already be “good” at or have skills in. It can be something you really believe in. Most importantly, don’t fear failure. It’s just a learning curve.