Naana Tennachie Yankey is a Ghanaian-Canadian designer who grew up in Europe. Through her diverse travels and colourful heritage, Naana`s approach to fashion is sensual, edgy and bold. From the launch of Coccolily’s nailpolish collection, her line of finely crafted Italian leather handbags, to being the only Canadian at Ghana’s inaugural Fashion & Design Week, this globally-minded designer knows no limits to her creativity and vision. If broadening her fashion ventures weren’t enough to keep her busy, her quest for higher learning has her enrolled in Warwick University’s prestigious international MBA program, which has her studying in variety of places from South Africa to Berlin, the U.K., Rome, and Hong Kong. Now if only we can arrange to jetset around the world with her…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Designing, Marketing, Sales and Managing.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
It’s something I have always believed in since I was a little girl. I am destined to work in management and fashion and make my fashion label a global household name in the near future.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is the creative process; the most challenging part is the management process.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
All over the world.
What does success look like to you?
Happiness in every area of life.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My first Fashion Week.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Believe in God, believe in yourself, and work hard.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, in Africa, there is no specific name… I just go out there and do it myself, helping young people that need resources.
What to you is notable?
Good character.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.