Akosua Afriyie-Kumi
A A K S was founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi with the goal of introducing the world to her favourite weaving techniques by the women of Ghana, increasing awareness around ethical production processes and encouraging sustainable consumption in the fashion world. We are excited to share with you Akosua’s latest collection ~ dedicated to sustainable practices and empowering local communities.
What does mother mean to you?
To me, "mother" embodies the essence of nurturing, strength, and boundless love. It's a source of inspiration for AAKS bags, reflecting the craftsmanship and care invested in each creation. Like a mother's touch, our handwoven bags carry a sense of warmth and individuality, making them more than just accessories – they become a tangible expression of love and craftsmanship.
Tell us a little about your background. What led you to start AAKS?
AAKS was established in 2015 after seeing a gap in the market for beautifully hand crafted bags. I grew up around hand woven basket bags as a child in Ghana, I used to give them as gifts and also use them for storage. I remember having a lot of ‘I wish it was more like this, I wish it was more like that’ moments… I wanted it softer, almost foldable and also more colourful with blends of colours which were modern and with a beautiful finish and detail.
Building on this vision, I started researching into bag designs and natural fibres that stood out to me. This led me to create a viable business based on the importance of crafting with locally sourced natural fibres and working with female artisans. I found a lot of attractive sustainable benefits in line with my vision and ethos of my dream brand.
I first interviewed you 9 years ago when you were just starting out.. and with this new partnership it feels like our lives have come full circle. What advice would you give to yourself back then?
I would advise my younger self to embrace the power of beginning and not get too caught up in the planning stages. Taking that initial leap of faith and diving into action can be the catalyst for learning and growth.
How is colour significant for your work?
Extremely important! AAKS relies heavily on colour to embody our brand ethos and it forms an integral part of my creative process.
How do you find flow in your life and multidimensional creative practice?
Self-care is paramount and routine helps me to stay in balance. I dedicate a good chunk of my morning to yoga, meditation and a walk, these practices are grounding, help me to find peace and presence in the moment and keep the wheels of creativity oiled. I’ve found that if I do this groundwork, I’m basically ready to heed the muse when she calls.
I consciously try not to force things too much, ‘inspired action’ is what I aim for, I find I flow better when I’m taking it easy and not being so serious about life. The universe is constantly assuring me that it’s all gooooooood.
This is your 7th season - what is the essence of aaks that continues to shine through?
The essence of AAKS that continues to shine through in our 7th season is our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and vibrant storytelling. Each handwoven bag is a testament to the rich heritage of Ghanaian weaving techniques, celebrating the artisans' skill and creativity. Our dedication to sustainable practices and empowering local communities remains at the core, creating not just accessories, but stories woven with passion and purpose
Who were you inspired by growing up? Who and / or what inspires you now?
I find inspiration in the world around me, drawing from nature, photography, and the diverse people and cultures I encounter during my travels across Africa and Europe. Observing the beauty and creativity in these surroundings greatly influences my design aesthetic and sparks innovative ideas for new products and collections.
Listening to?
A lot of Ghanaian high life music from my youth!
Early bird or night owl?
Early Bird, its pretty hot in Ghana and by mid day the temperatures have risen so I prefer an early start to the day.
What is presenting itself / exciting you in your creative process currently?
Texture is currently a captivating element in our creative process, offering endless possibilities to enhance the tactile experience of AAKS bags.
The future for AAKS looks..
Promising and vibrant, we continue to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, creating unique and sustainable accessories and homeware that resonate with a global audience.