Today we’d like to introduce you to Elorm Dela-seshie
Hi Elorm, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Adorn Me Africa started as a dream and morphed into a business to help sustainable, independent African artisans and fashion creatives get more exposure in the US market while simultaneously sharing the beauty and creative capital that Africa is packed with; through fashion, art and handmade goods.
I began this project by bringing in designs from different African countries. I did this to show how different and diverse African cultures are and to showcase the works of the talented artist community that is represented on the Continent. This created a space where our diverse African customers could see themselves represented; our customers from diaspora to feel the connection to the Continent ; and for our customers that may not have been at all connected to the African continent by lineage to feel a spark of curiosity and a gentle nudge for them to dive deeper.
I have a heart for Pan-Africanism and Adorn Me Africa allows me to celebrate, to learn more about and to share the knowledge I have with more people. Along with the fashion which we offer on our website and in-person pop up events. In 2023 we launched a travel club (which you can join for free, at www.adornmeafrica.com) where we curate annual group experiences and private trips to African countries for the novice or the experienced traveler.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth, but I say that with a smile because I can literally point back to every single bump and how much I learned from each one.
I think one of the struggles that I’ve had most recently is in pivoting. When I learned that the business model and way that I had been doing things successfully since the start of my business was no longer working well for me, the business, my partners and the brand I started to deal with self-doubt and all of my worst fears felt palpable. And I am very much still in that very place now. What I’m learning here is that the fears are part of the journey. For me they ignite innovation. They push me to dig deep and go back to my “Why”, and they help me to seek out all of the reasons why the feelings of self-doubt are actually not valid. These moments do pass but self-care, rest and a good therapist are important during these moments,
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Adorn Me Africa?
The project I think I’m most excited about is an annual event I started in 2021 called AfroVybe® which is meant to create spaces and experiences where others can join in the celebration of diverse African cultures. During AfroVybe® weekend we have curated dining experiences featuring African cuisine from a select African countries a vibrant art and music festival featuring musicians from across the African continent and a brunch day party featuring artisans and African vendors. While our 2024 iteration is being reimagined, we are looking forward to a bigger and better AfroVybe® Weekend in 2025 in Boston, MA. You can learn more and stay up-to-date on our events by joining our email newsletter list at www.adornmeafrica.com
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Right now Adorn Me Africa is pivoting and focused on our e-commerce store which can be found at adornmeafrica.com .
In 2023 we launched a travel club (which you can join for free, at www.adornmeafrica.com) where we curate annual group experiences and private trips to African countries for the novice or the experienced traveler.
We are also prioritizing growing our in-person events and experiences and spending more time looking for event spaces, promotional and creative partners for our AfroVybe® pop up series to take place in select cities around the country.
We are always glad to connect with like-minded people and open to potential partnerships. If you are interested in being a creative collaborator, performer or promotional partner you can connect with us by email [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adornmeafrica.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adornmeafrica/channel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/163001660859527/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@adornmeafricallc6333?si=fss6jmqJXn70BN5f
Image Credits
Carlie Febo