We were lucky to catch up with Kwame Sarfo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kwame, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.
Yes, we proudly donate a percentage of our sales to small organizations in Kumasi that are dedicated to helping children with essential school supplies. These organizations provide backpacks, books, uniforms, and assist with transportation costs to and from school. We chose this cause because we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. By supporting these children, we aim to help them achieve their dreams and build a brighter future.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Welcome to Obrempong Home, the best luxury home decor brand from Ghana. We’re redefining modern home luxury by blending African artisanal craftsmanship with the opulence of Kente, one of Africa’s most recognized textiles. Each product we offer carries the talent and deep-rooted cultural heritage of Ghana.
Our Journey and Mission
Our journey began with a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ghana and a desire to showcase it to the world. We entered the luxury home decor industry with a commitment to honor and elevate the extraordinary talents of our local artisans. Driven by a profound mission to foster economic empowerment within Ghana, we aim to provide sustainable livelihoods for our craftsmen and women.
Products and Services
Obrempong Home offers a range of luxury home decor products, including:
Handwoven African Blankets: Crafted with the finest materials and traditional techniques.
Kente Decor Pieces: Luxurious items that integrate the vibrant patterns of Kente cloth.
Artisanal Home Accessories: Unique and beautifully crafted items to enhance any living space.
Solving Problems and What Sets Us Apart
We solve the problem of finding unique, high-quality home decor that embodies both luxury and cultural significance. Our products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also tell a story of heritage and craftsmanship. What sets us apart is our dedication to:
Authenticity:
Each piece is handmade by local artisans, ensuring authenticity and uniqueness.
Quality: We use only the highest quality materials to create durable and luxurious products.
Cultural Preservation:
We are committed to preserving and promoting Ghanaian culture through our designs.
Our Pride and Goals
We are most proud of our impact on the local communities. By providing consistent work for our artisans, we help them achieve economic stability and improve their quality of life. We want our potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when they choose Obrempong Home, they are not just buying a product; they are supporting a mission. A mission to empower local artisans and keep the vibrant Ghanaian culture alive.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
Ecommerce Sales Channels
At Obrempong Home, we currently sell our luxury home decor products on our own website, ObrempongHome.com, and on Etsy. We are also in the process of gearing up to sell on Amazon. Here’s a look at our choices and the pros and cons from our perspective:
Selling on Our Own Website
Pros:
Full Control: We have complete control over the user experience, branding, and customer interactions.
Better Margins: Without marketplace fees, we can maintain better profit margins.
Direct Customer Relationship: We can build and maintain a direct relationship with our customers, which is crucial for customer loyalty and repeat business.
Cons:
Traffic Generation: Driving traffic to our own website requires significant investment in marketing and SEO.
Technical Maintenance: We need to handle all technical aspects, including website maintenance, security, and updates.
Selling on Etsy
Pros:
Established Marketplace: Etsy provides access to a large, established customer base looking for unique, handcrafted items.
Ease of Use: Etsy’s platform is user-friendly, making it easy to list products and manage sales.
Community and Trust: Etsy is known for its community of artisans and buyers who appreciate handmade and unique products.
Cons:
Marketplace Fees: Etsy charges listing and transaction fees, which can eat into our profit margins.
Limited Branding: We have less control over branding and the customer experience compared to our own website.
Gearing Up to Sell on Amazon
Pros:
Massive Customer Base: Amazon provides access to one of the largest online customer bases in the world.
Fulfillment Services: With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), we can outsource storage, shipping, and customer service.
Increased Visibility: Amazon’s search and recommendation algorithms can significantly increase product visibility.
Cons:
High Competition: The vast number of sellers on Amazon can make it difficult to stand out.
Marketplace Fees: Amazon charges various fees, including referral fees and FBA fees, which can impact profit margins.
Control and Branding: Like Etsy, there is limited control over the customer experience and branding.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Best Sources of New Clients
For Obrempong Home, the best sources of new clients have been:
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest showcase our luxury home decor and engage directly with customers.
SEO (Google): Optimizing for keywords like African artisanal craftsmanship and handwoven African blankets has driven organic traffic to our site.
National TV Features: TV appearances have boosted our brand visibility and credibility, leading to increased traffic and sales.
These strategies have been crucial in sharing the beauty of Ghanaian luxury and empowering local artisans.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ObrempongHome.com
- Instagram: Obremponghome__
