Founder & CEO at NAYA by Africa
Nana Ama Yankah is a visionary entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of NAYA Naturals Limited, and the driving force behind the NAYA by Africa beauty brand. Her journey reflects a relentless pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and social impact, rooted in her upbringing and education. Growing up in Ghana and attending Wesley Girls High School, Nana Ama's academic excellence earned her a scholarship to study in the United States. After completing her BBA in Computer Information Systems and Mathematics, she embarked on a career in software development, spending nearly a decade developing technology solutions for manufacturing companies across the US. However, it was a reintroduction to Shea Butter that sparked a transformational shift in Nana Ama's career trajectory. Recognizing the untapped potential of locally sourced ingredients like Shea Butter and Black Soap, she envisioned a brand that would revolutionize personal care products in Africa while empowering communities and women entrepreneurs.
In 2010, Nana Ama began crafting body butters in her kitchen in Atlanta, GA, as a creative outlet from her software developer career. Four years later, she made the bold decision to relocate to Ghana and fully commit to building NAYA by Africa.
Since its inception in 2014, NAYA has flourished into a renowned African Bath & Body Care product company, offering nearly 50 handcrafted products that celebrate the natural richness of African resources.
With a passion for sustainability and community empowerment, Nana Ama leverages her extensive background in cost management consulting and entrepreneurship to foster collaborations with small-scale suppliers and develop sustainable practices across the value chain.
Through NAYA, she envisions not only raising the bar on the quality of personal care products in Africa but also catalyzing economic growth, promoting women leadership, and inspiring innovation across the continent.
Nana Ama's educational journey culminated in an MBA from Emory University’s prestigious Goizueta Business School, where she honed her skills in operations strategy and entrepreneurship. Her commitment to driving positive change through industry and manufacturing underscores her dedication to transforming Africa's socio-economic landscape.
From her humble beginnings to her current role as a trailblazing entrepreneur, Nana Ama Yankah embodies resilience, vision, and a profound belief in Africa's potential for growth and prosperity.
Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn: Nana Ama Yankah
Instagram: @nayankah.africa @nayabyafrica