Selena Bebaako

From Ghana to The World

SelinaBebisamultiple award-winning made in Ghana fashion brand, that specialises in top of the range African accessories for men, women and children. The brand in 2019 introduced its Ready-to-Wear clothing line for women and men at their flagship shop in Osu, Accra. Selina Beb produces amazing bags, trendy outfits, comfortable footwear, beautiful jewellery and modern accessories. Apart from being a Creative Director, she also offers styling services for individual photoshoots and other campaigns.

What inspired you to be a fashion designer? What motivated you to create ‘’Selina Beb’’?

Well, I will say my deep passion for fashion, especially accessories inspired me to start SELINA BEB in 2012. I was also inspired by the young designers at the time like Christie Brown and Duaba Serwaa who were making clothes with African prints. As a trained Journalist, my experience with hosting programs on air helped me whenever I am invited for speaking engagements. Eventually, people fell in love with what I did and started inviting me to host their events. As time went by, my love for fashion made me venture into that and it has been a great journey so far.

Tell us about the different fashion events and/or other events that you participated in Africa and also outside of Africa?

The brand has participated in numerous exhibitions and fashion shows including GUBA expo 2014 and 2016 in the UK, Africa Fashion Week, London 2015 and Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020, New Orleans Fashion Week, 2018.

What has been your greatest achievement in your career as fashion designer?

My greatest achievement in my career has been running Selina Beb for 10 years. Also, another huge milestone for the brand is receiving Global recognition when the brand was listed on Beyonce’s ‘Black Parade’ Directory, an initiative to support black owned businesses worldwide and being selected by the US embassy to represent Ghana at the Africa Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme which was sponsored by the US government.

What would you like to see change in Africa and more especially the Ghanaian entrepreneurship environment?

One thing that is on my heart that I would like to see change especially in the Ghanaian entrepreneurship environment is trading across other African countries. I want to be able to ship and trade with other African countries so together we can build the Africa we want. But that currently is a challenge which I hope can be solved through the Acfta.

How do you manage your professional life and family life?

I do have a busy schedule because I handle a huge part of the business. From conceptualizing the designs and discussing that with the artisans and liaising with them to make sure the job is done. Although I have other people who handle other aspects of the business, there is a lot I commit to, to make sure my customers are happy when they purchase a Selina Beb piece. That said, I make time to also spend quality and memorable moments with my family. My Dad and Siblings are very dear to me.

Apart from your professional activities, what are your hobbies and your favorite dishes?

My hobbies include inspiring and speaking to young people, traveling, fashion, tennis, listening to music and anything entertainment. And when it comes to food, I enjoy Fufu and Goat light Soup (a Ghanaian local dish).

Ramses Wato for FabAfriq Magazine