Entrepreneur: Event Planner | Personal Stylist
Hi there! My name is Manuella Frempomaa Ansong, but most people call me Mannie. I was born on September 1st, and I consider myself to be an easygoing and positive person with a high-spirit. I strongly believe that women are change agents for this generation and beyond. In my opinion, women have the power to achieve anything and everything they set their minds to, with a focus on God's guidance.
However, I must admit that I once lacked the courage to start my business or bring my ideas to fruition. I was held back by some fears that I harbored. But, there came a time when I had to make some tough decisions. In that moment, I realized that I loved success more than my fears, and I decided to let go of all crippling thoughts and take a step forward. My passion for women and their well-being motivated me to start the Petrichor Foundation. Our main responsibility is to cater to women with breast cancer by providing them with the needed treatment and attention. Additionally, we seek to help children in our various communities who are in need by providing for them in the little way we can. Fundamentally, our goal is to empower women to become independent, achieve their set goals, and positively impact future generations. In the last two and a half years, I have successfully launched and led an event planning company and a personal styling brand. Looking back, I must say that it has been a rewarding and fulfilling journey for me!
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
As with any new venture, I faced several initial hurdles when I started my event planning company and personal styling brand. The biggest challenges I encountered were:
Lack of Experience: I had no prior experience in the event planning industry or the fashion industry. This made it challenging for me to develop a niche and build a reputation.
Limited Resources: Starting a new business can be expensive, and I had limited financial resources to work with. This made it difficult to hire staff and invest in marketing and advertising.
Building a Customer Base: Finding and attracting customers is always a challenge when starting a new business. It takes time to build trust with potential clients and establish a loyal customer base.
To overcome these hurdles, I took the following steps:
Learning and Networking: I spent time reading books, attending seminars, and networking with other professionals in the event planning and fashion industries. This helped me gain valuable insights and knowledge that I could apply to my own businesses.
Bootstrapping: I adopted a bootstrapping approach by keeping my expenses low and focusing on generating revenue as quickly as possible. I leveraged social media platforms like Instagram to showcase my work and reach a wider audience.
Building Relationships: I focused on building strong relationships with my customers by delivering high-quality services and exceeding their expectations. This helped me build a loyal customer base that referred me to others, which helped grow my businesses.
Overall, perseverance, determination, and creativity were crucial in overcoming these initial hurdles. I learned to be patient and persistent, and I was willing to adapt and pivot my strategies when necessary.
What advice do you have for young people locally and internationally who are just starting out in their careers or pursuing their passions?
My advice to everyone is to take that little idea you have and implement it. Remember that with focus, determination, discipline, and keeping your faith in God, your idea can become a reality and benefit future generations.
Moreover, it's important to acknowledge that turning your idea into a reality won't happen overnight. You will face challenges and setbacks along the way, but it's crucial to remain focused and persistent. Be willing to learn from your mistakes, adapt, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
It's also important to surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and mentors who can provide encouragement, guidance, and advice. Don't be afraid to seek help and ask for feedback from those who have experience in your industry.
Remember that success is not just about achieving your goals; it's also about the journey and the person you become in the process. Stay true to your values and maintain a positive attitude. Be grateful for the opportunities and blessings that come your way, and use them to make a positive impact in the world.
In conclusion, don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Take that first step, and keep moving forward with focus, determination, discipline, and faith. You never know how your idea may change the world!
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @mannie__frempomaa
Facebook: Mannie Frempomaa
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