Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hawa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hawa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. undefined

One of the most innovative things I’ve done in my career is learning how to build everything I wanted with very limited resources. I used my cybersecurity job to fund my creative projects, but because I couldn’t afford to outsource, I had to teach myself the skills—marketing, sales, self-publishing, ordering clothing samples, even learning trade. That forced me to think differently and become resourceful.

My cybersecurity mindset played a big role too—it’s not just about computers, but about human interaction, problem-solving, and building trust. I applied that same discipline to my author and entrepreneur journey. That’s how I successfully published Petals of My Heart and later You’re a Lover Girl, while also building Hawa Who Shop into a brand rooted in storytelling.

Now, I’ve mastered the process enough that I can replicate it for future books and projects. For me, innovation isn’t a one-time breakthrough—it’s developing a repeatable way to turn ideas into reality, no matter the obstacles.”

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 Hawa, though many know me as Hawa Who—a name that reflects curiosity and individuality. I’m a cybersecurity professional, author, model, and entrepreneur, and I’ve come to see those worlds not as separate, but as different expressions of the same drive: creating, protecting, and storytelling.

I started my career in cybersecurity because I’ve always been drawn to solving problems and building trust in high-stakes environments. But at the same time, modeling opened me up to the world of creativity and the business of it. I’ve been modeling since 2018 which helped me get by before I landed a job in cybersecuirty after graduating university. Working with brands like Zara, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar gave me a firsthand look at how art, commerce, and identity intersect—and it pushed me to start creating platforms of my own.

As an author, I’ve published Petals of My Heart and You’re a Lover Girl, books that explore vulnerability, love, and identity. My writing is for people who crave authenticity and connection, and it allows me to share pieces of myself while inspiring others to embrace their complexity.

That same storytelling instinct led me to found Hawa Who Shop, a lifestyle brand inspired by the elegance of Casablanca and Pucci, infused with the edge of modern streetwear. We create graphic shirts, hoodies, and accessories, but each piece is designed to carry meaning and spark conversation—it’s not just clothing, it’s identity you can wear.

What sets me apart is resourcefulness. I funded my projects through my cybersecurity career and, with limited resources, taught myself publishing, marketing, sales, and trade. My cybersecurity mindset—analyzing patterns, managing risk, and building trust—has been just as useful in writing books or launching collections as it has been in protecting networks.

I’m most proud that I’ve built a repeatable system for turning ideas into reality. Whether it’s a book, a brand, or a creative project, I know how to take something from vision to execution without waiting for permission.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: you don’t have to live in one lane. You can be technical and artistic, logical and emotional, professional and creative. My career—and my brand—are proof that living multidimensionally isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important things I’ve unlearned is the idea that you have to choose one identity, one career path, or one version of yourself. Growing up between Ghana and the U.S., I carried the expectation that success looked a certain way—usually linear, traditional, and stable. For a while, I believed I had to either be a professional or a creative, but not both.

Over time, I unlearned that limitation. I realized that my strength actually lies in embracing my multidimensional self: a cybersecurity professional, an author, a model, and an entrepreneur. Each part of me feeds the other. Cybersecurity sharpened my problem-solving and discipline; modeling exposed me to creativity and the business of storytelling; writing gave me a voice to share vulnerability and depth; and entrepreneurship challenged me to turn vision into systems that work.

My backstory is one of transition and adaptation. I was born in Ghana, moved to New York City at 12, stayed there for 4 years then moved to Texas and lived there for over 13 years and later settled in Pittsburgh in 2022. That shift taught me resilience early—how to navigate new spaces, cultures, and expectations. I used my career in tech to fund my creative dreams, and with limited resources I taught myself the things I couldn’t afford to outsource: marketing, publishing, design, and sales. That self-reliance has become the foundation of everything I do.

Unlearning the belief that I needed to stay in one lane gave me permission to fully step into my identity and create a brand that’s both unbothered and luxurious, thoughtful and playful. My journey isn’t about fitting in—it’s about showing others, especially women and young creatives, that you don’t have to shrink your story to be successful.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a mix of strategy, consistency, and authenticity. When I started, I focused on sharing stories that mattered to me—from my journey as an author and entrepreneur to glimpses into my creative process and personal experiences. I realized early on that people connect not just with products or accomplishments, but with vulnerability and relatability.

I treat my social media like an extension of my brand. Every post, story, or video is intentional: it reflects my aesthetic, my nonchalant yet luxurious vibe, and the values I stand for. I also leverage trends thoughtfully—using them to amplify my voice rather than letting them dictate it. Over time, this approach helped me attract followers who resonate with my story and mission, not just my content.

My advice for those just starting out is: focus on authenticity over perfection, consistency over virality, and value over self-promotion. Know your voice, tell your story unapologetically, and engage genuinely with your community. Growth may be slow at first, but when people feel connected to you and your mission, your audience becomes loyal and meaningful rather than just a number.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hawawho.shop/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawawhoshop/

Image Credits

All images belong to Hawa who hawawho.com | instagram – Hawawho_official