We recently connected with Bernice Andah-lovely and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Bernice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally was when I was 8 years old. In the 1970’s, my mother was a seamstress and shop owner in Ghana, West Africa. She sewed custom women’s clothing in an area of the capital called Asylum Down. I spent many days watching her take clients and work through the creative phases of tailoring: fabric selection, cutting and sewing. I started off back then making outfits for my dolls using a needle and thread. I fell in love with textiles and learned some of the most compelling designs can flow directly from your starter materials and fabric prints. This realization turned into a passion and never left me. I was certain I wanted to be a creative in fashion design when I grew up.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Bernice Andah-Lovely. I am the CEO and Founder at APAADE, an afro-fusion women’s lifestyle apparel and accessories design brand, focusing on 1 of 1 statement pieces of distinction for all. My goal is to make my customers and clients feel stunning, unique and fully self-expressed.
I studied Accessory Design, Fabric Styling and Millinery at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology. I got my start in industry 30 years ago in design, product development and production with various brands including Barganza, Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Kids Headquarters and others.
I founded APAADE in 2024.
By far, I am most proud of the reception I’ve received to the brand. It’s really wonderful and humbling to see the genuine excitement of customers when they discover and try on a piece.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mother was my first and greatest example of a designer. She never reached her goal of opening a boutique in the US after our family immigrated to New York. My goal is to merge my mother’s dream with my own creative and charitable aspirations.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is being able to bring my visions to life. I have been dreaming of starting my own brand for 30 years and to finally achieve that and create pieces that makes other people happy is priceless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.apaade.com
- Instagram: @houseofapaade
