Start-up culture is growing in Ghana and around the world thanks to social media. There are 1001 entrepreneurs out there finding nice and interesting ways of making money and providing services at the snap of the finger. These individuals who would have otherwise have not been able to do what they are currently doing in years past, just snap, post and sell to a market that is wider than the 28 million population of Ghana. The following are some of the best ‘Social Media Start-ups’ around;
Harmattan Rain: identifying that the young Ghanaian loved their heritage, wanted to show off their culture and express themselves artistically, the music collective and has ensured that independent and alternative artistes in Ghana and Africa have a unique voice. In its 3rd year, the platform has become one of the biggest advocates for the alternative scene in Ghana. With over 6,000 followers across social media platforms, the collective led by Benewaa Boateng (a recent graduate of the University of Ghana) continues to inspire artistes while influencing followers.
Prietique: Instagram might be about the style and slay but at times, it is more than just a nice picture and a pretty dress. Prisca Dede Quarshie, a recent graduate of the University of Ghana upon realizing, she could channel her over 109,000 followers online into starting a business venture. She has now turned her passion for sketching and looking good into a business that combines her personal designs and other designer products in demand.
So Her: as the number of mobile phones in Ghana continue to grow (grew by 2 million new active social media users from 2016), startups are also picking learnings from them. SO HER with their assortment of wigs, accessories and shoes have devised a WhatsApp operations that have made life on KNUST campus as easy as just a text.
Biishville: the advent of social media has changed how a lot of things used to run. Now, you don’t have to own a restaurant to be a cook. Kwame Amfo-Akonor, a recent graduate of Presbyterian University College has been the head chef and owner of Biishville, a nomadic dining and event outfit. Having been a lover of food and the cooking experience, Biishville has become the most sort after private chefs in Accra. His Instagram tells the stories of his journey and continues to grow with each post.
Kelvincent: last year, he picked the award for ‘Stylist of the Year’ at the GLITZ Style Awards 2016 and that didn’t come easily. With over 12,000 followers and a clientele list that includes Deborah Vanessa, Berla Mundi, Zynell Zuh and Selly Galley proves that Kelvin Vincent has a way with style and fashion. His styling moves from celebrity styling to editorial to commercials and fashion shows.
These are just a few of the success stories that have come to life because social media afforded these individuals the chance to turn their creativity, innovation and passion into businesses they could earn from. They are some of the stories to be shared from September 11th to 15th during the Social Media Week, Accra.
