We had the good fortune of connecting with Efua Amissah-Aggrey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Efua, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Joseph Campbell’s quote, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are,” profoundly influences my life philosophy. It encapsulates my commitment to living authentically as Efua, regardless of external opinions. This quote reminds me that the richness of life lies in genuine self-expression and grants me the privilege of self-acceptance. It enables me to confidently navigate the world with an unwavering commitment to my true self, acknowledging that not everyone may connect with it—and that’s perfectly okay—because none of it alters the truth of my identity unless I allow it to.  The quote serves as a constant reminder to celebrate my unique qualities, recognizing that authenticity is a rare and valuable privilege. Ultimately, it inspires me to live a life that authentically reflects who I am at my core—a true and unapologetic expression of Efua.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hello, I’m Efua Amissah-Aggrey, a fashion designer, and my journey into the world of fashion is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s true passion. I began working at the age of 15, gradually advancing in my career and eventually stepping into the corporate world. However, the routine left me grappling with a sense of unfulfillment, as I felt many of my skills and talents were left untapped. It was then that I recognized my true calling lay in the realm of creativity, whether through writing, photography, graphic design, or, most significantly, fashion—a space where I truly thrive.

My love for fashion has been a constant source of joy throughout my life, starting from the meticulous planning of my outfits in childhood to styling others in my early 20s. Fashion became my medium for expressing the intricacies of my personality, emotions, and ideas. Despite feeling a profound connection to it, I initially believed pursuing it as a full-time career wasn’t realistic due to societal expectations, especially within an African household emphasizing STEM careers.

The turning point in my journey came during a fashion show in October 2021. Amid the runway lights, I envisioned my future show, from the models’ walk to the emotions people would feel, and most importantly, the exquisite garments and the stories they would share. This sparked a determination to choose the unconventional path, embracing the uncertainty that came with chasing my dreams.

Fast forward to 2023, and my vision board became a reality with the presentation of my debut collection, “Triumph in Technicolor,” at both The Lady Lounge “Women Matter Fashion Show” and “Passport to Fashion” during Fashion Week Columbus. This collection is not just about expressing creativity; it’s a living testament to my personal growth and transformation. Each piece carries a part of my journey, a fusion of hope, resilience, and triumph, interwoven seamlessly with the rich heritage of Ghana.

The collection reflects the victories achieved through perseverance as we navigate life’s challenges. Within this remarkable collection, we embark on a fashion-forward exploration, beckoning us to embrace the essence of African culture. Here, fashion becomes a vibrant celebration of life, allowing us to revel in the depth and intricacy of our existence and experiences. This collection holds a special place in my heart, and I take immense pride in every facet of its creation. The journey from conception to realization required a significant investment of time, energy, and, above all, love.

My inspiration stems from fashion being a profound teacher, guiding me through the challenges of severe depression and anxiety during my childhood. Rediscovering my love for fashion and reestablishing my relationship with God became transformative turning points along my journey. Every day, I wake up to actively pursue my dreams, using fashion as a medium to promote a message of radical self-love and acceptance for myself and others.

At Baddest, our mission is to use fashion as a tool for a radical self-confidence movement. We believe in wholeheartedly embracing and expressing yourself through your unique personal style. Fashion became my means of overcoming struggles, guiding me to discover and embrace my true self, flaws and all. We aspire to inspire people of all sizes, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and more to confidently express themselves. This journey hasn’t been easy, but the lessons learned along the way have shaped me into the resilient and passionate fashion designer I am today. Remember, the clothes are just the accessory—the confidence is all you, and you wear it well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Efua’s Columbus Itinerary:

Monday:

  • Start the day with breakfast at Northstar Café.
  • Enjoy games at Pins Mechanical Co.
  • Take a leisurely walk and have a picnic at Sciota Mile.
  • Explore the vibrant Franklinton Arts District.
  • Wrap up the day with dinner at The Eagle.

Tuesday:

  • Begin with brunch at Woodbury.
  • Visit the Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Stroll through the enchanting Topiary Gardens.
  • Catch a show at Short North Stage.
  • Dine at ROOH.

Wednesday:

  • Brunch at High Banks Distillery.
  • Explore local art galleries, including the 934 Gallery.
  • Immerse yourself in the Short North Arts district.
  • Engage in a painting session at Brush Crazy.
  • Conclude the day with dinner at KPot Korean.

Thursday:

  • Brunch at Kitchen Social.
  • Head to HighBanks Metro Park for a refreshing hike.
  • Visit Hayden Run Falls.
  • Enjoy dinner and karaoke at Budd Dairy.

Friday:

  • Start our day with breakfast at Fox in the Snow.
  • Explore the immersive experience at Otherworld.
  • Stroll through the scenic Schiller Park.
  • Discover the charm of German Village.
  • Have lunch/dinner at Lindsey’s.
  • Attend a show at the Ohio Theatre.

Saturday:

  • Experience a drag show and brunch at Union.
  • Visit The Kee.
  • Try our hand at axe throwing at Dueling Axe.
  • Enjoy dinner at Mandrake.
  • Conclude the day with a show at Ginger Rabbit Jazz.

Sunday:

  • End the trip with a relaxing brunch at Fireproof.
  • Indulge in a spa day at Panacea.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my two incredible sisters, Justina and Irene. These past four years have been an emotional rollercoaster—challenging, transformative, yet undeniably rewarding. I genuinely couldn’t have navigated this journey without their unwavering encouragement, patience, and love. During my toughest moments, they brought clarity and light into my life, illuminating the darkness and uncertainty. Through every twist and turn, they held my hand, reminding me of my strength. Even when I’ve made less-than- ideal decisions or lost my way, caught up in the uncertainty and self-doubt, they’ve gently steered me back with a loving embrace, reinforcing that I’m never alone in this journey. So much of the woman I am today is a testament to their influence. They introduced me to the true beauty in sisterhood, teaching me to embrace self-love by loving me as I am. We’ve prayed together, cried together, and laughed until we couldn’t laugh anymore. They are my safe spaces, the anchors in my life. In their presence, I can be myself without hesitation, express freely without doubt. Time slows down, and everything outside of that moment fades away. I leave with a renewed spirit and consider myself incredibly blessed to experience life alongside them. To my two favorite people, Irene and Justina, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you and am so grateful for you; words alone cannot express how much I appreciate you two. This is for you <3

Website: Www.ShopBaddest.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/justefua?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://instagram.com/baddesttrends?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efua-amissah-aggrey-150044219?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Tony Bentivegna Photography

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