6 Lessons Women in PR Ghana Summit 2018 Taught Me

Women in PR Ghana Summit 2018 may have been over but not without me picking up a few lessons. This year’s event was a success. Yes, I’m glad to say that because we had a room full of amazing PR professionals at different levels of their career path and Students . It was inspiring and empowering as we had worked and researched well to have seasoned Speakers and Panel of our time who were willing to share and impart knowledge to us.

Here are few lessons I learnt along the way:

God will plant the right people your way

This year has been one of a kind. From getting our main guest Speaker Thabisile Phumo who accepted our invitation and fully sponsored her trip to Ghana. God made sure we found favor at most important places.  Afia Drah (PR Head at Trust Hospital) spoke to me about inviting her for this year’s event even when we had no sponsorship for her flight and accommodation. I put my name (Faith) to work and said okay and sent the invitation. How we got the rest of the Speakers and Panelists, I can only say, God makes a way always.

People will support your dreams if you first believe in it

Few years back when I thought of starting Women in PR Ghana, I engaged a few people to seek their counsel before starting out. I have been blessed with so many people along the way who sincerely wanted to see this grow. Even though I knew what I wanted to do with it, I wasn’t fully clear how I was going to achieve that. Engaging the right people got me to make those moves that has brought WiPR Ghana where it is today. I haven’t stopped because every now and then, I am blessed with people who encourage me, advise and support me and some who have identified with it and join in to build this brand.

Not everyone will actually buy into your idea

Starting out, I was certain this was a great idea because it was a women related event. You know how we say women empowerment and we presume everything along that will fall into place. That wasn’t the case. In several instances, we identified companies and individuals we knew in one way or the other will benefit from this unique platform but unfortunately, I heard several No! It's not everyone who thinks Women in PR Ghana will be useful to them today or tomorrow. In fact, its not there to serve everyone. I had to learn to accept the No answers because its not everyone who will buy into your idea. It’s normal!

Don't Worry 

A lot of times, I find myself troubled because of the No's and when things aren't taking shape as I hope for. This phrase I often hear from Paulina Kuranchie. Anytime I fret over an issue or a challenge, she constantly reminds me not to worry as things will work out well. Her very words “Faith, don’t worry, things will work out and you will see”. I find such words a lot of times timely because I mostly worry about things that are beyond me. Eventually, we get past it and move on. In God's time, things always fall in place so don't worry as this too shall pass.

People will wait to see it grow first

You know how you start something and people are not sure so they don’t want to be associated with it because it may affect their image or brand. Yes! That’s how I feel sometimes when I speak about WiPR to others. They are not sure and so wouldn’t want to sponsor or accept to speak. I’m sure by the time we hit the third, fourth or fifth event and standing strong, we won’t struggle to get people and companies to be on board.  

Your true friends support you first

One of the amazing experiences I have had especially starting out Women in PR Ghana was the encouragement and support I have had from people I am proud to call friends. They wouldn’t just attend the event to support, but personally contribute to make each year’s event a success. As we decided to make this 2^nd year’s event a FREE to Attend, and with little sponsorship coming from Corporate Organization, financial contributions from friends and some WiPR were very helpful to take care of the cost of the venue (partly sponsored by the hotel) snacks, planning and execution (Setup, Media, Brand and Printing materials, transportation etc)

Lastly, Women in PR Ghana has had great support from Day 1. To Sadat, Bridget, Paulina, Afia, Nana Glover, Millicent, Nana Mensah, Gameli were there through it holding the event down till e Etornam and Yvonne were keenly in charge of the social Media pages while Benedicta handled the Registrations and Judith handled the Guests. Also, with support from Excelsis and Vibelens for the videos, Presentation Plus for all the Screens and Event support Service, we did again pull off another remarkable event. And to my girlfriends Kate, Getty, Klenam and Yayra who aren't into PR but have attended both events and have been extremely supportive from the very start, I say i'm thankful.

I’m humbled by these lessons and support while I look forward to the next activities we will embark on in the course of the year.  I’m open to suggestions your on how we can move this community to greater heights.

The vision for Women in PR Ghana is big and I’m certain we will achieve it together.

Photo Credit by my very supportive Enoch (Faithfulspirit Photography) and Daniel (Sniper Studios).


Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

In April I get to start all over again; with this year I am 'Owning My Happiness'

 In April, I get to start all over again. 

The month of April which means "to open" or blossom always has a special effect on me. For me, its another opportunity to open up to the things that thought I couldn't achieve in the last year. To take new chances and live life again because I am only alive because He kept me alive. 

To others, birthdays are simply nothing than just any regular day but for me its a special day. I wait 365 days to get to experience this day. Don't forget its not everyone who gets the chance to live another day. 

The last year had been my most challenging year yet but I did learnt some few lessons because guess what, I came out better, stronger and more content.

• I'll please myself first 
• I'll never to regret any decision I make no matter the circumstances
• My happiness is a choice I must always choose to own
• Things happen for a purpose not for nothing
• Life isn't a race, its a journey I have already started and I will get to the intended desitination
• That being real to myself saves me from so much stress
• My purpose is totally different from anyone else
• Whatever is causing me to worry or be in pain right now won't be forever. Time heals. Things change and it will pass
• It's all about positivity

One thing I kept telling God throughout last year was not to put me to shame nor forsake me and He never did.  I'm immensely grateful for my new age because I am proud of what has become of the Faith Senam April who few years back was just a little girl with aspirations. 

Today, those aspirations are my reality, my smiles, my pain and my lessons and still my aspirations to be a better person making an impact.

This new year, I will be #OwningMyHappiness 

Thankful to all who never gave up on supporting and being there for me.

Green Gown: Zoya_233

Fascinators: YadeyJewelry

Photography: AnansePhotography

MUA: Pretty Touch_gh
Neckpiece: Egudzi 

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

Living the Bustling Fashion World with the Nokia 5 Smartphone

Loving my new Nokia 5 Smartphone

Just a few years back, fashionistas had to wait a day or two before seeing official photos from fashion photographers and event organizers. With the smartphone now more of a fashion statement and a lifestyle, guests at fashion events can share real time fashion moments in high-quality visuals on social media all by themselves. No more waiting!

As a fashion PR Specialist representing fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands and a columnist, I usually find myself bustling through one event or the other. Using a device that is solid and able to capture fashion moments while keeping me sane throughout is necessary.

The newly launched Nokia Smartphone range that run on Android and look very smart with neat designs intrigued me. The Nokia phones deliver a ‘pure Android’ experience which means I have the choice to pick the kind of applications I need with monthly security updates that keep my device safe and up to date. Having looked at the Nokia 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 range of phones, I opted for the Nokia 5, which is mid-range, compact, affordable and has the power and essentials I need. 

Most people may have heard of how crazy and fast-paced the fashion world is especially during fashion weeks. Having clients showcasing could be pretty hectic from running backstage to the red carpet and cocktail sessions and to capture every moment means you can’t miss a thing.

Events happen fast so I need a device that is cool to the touch, isn't slippery and can capture fashion moments the best possible way.

There is a lot to like about Nokia's mid-range Nokia 5 handset and I was surprised to find out since I was not sure what to expect.

A Great Camera

It is often said, a picture is worth a thousand words. I love photos and love taking photos. The Nokia 5 camera can capture much better shots with stronger colors. The 13-megapixel rear camera takes sharp shots with a good exposure balance. Though the colors aren't very bold, it suits fine when I want to take quick snaps to look back on and most times share on my social media pages. Its 8-megapixel front camera with an HDR mode gives sharp, well-balanced selfies for us selfie lovers.

With many fashion events happening at night, the Nokia 5’s automatic scene detection and wide aperture helps me to get great night-time shots, while colors look natural thanks to the dual-tone flash.

A Sleek Curved Design

This phone is simply gorgeous. It has a 5.2in display within a compact smooth body that feels incredibly premium with sleek rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold. It comes in various colors such as the Matte Black, Silver, Tempered Blue or Copper. These colors are exciting for those of us in the fashion world because you do not have to sacrifice design for quality. The Nokia 5 is fashionable.

The phone also has a clean, pure back without antenna lines, which are now at the top and bottom of the phone. Together with the display sculpted fancy Corning Gorilla Glass, this makes for a clean look unspoilt by seams or lines. Quite impressive. 

Especially since I’m able to navigate seamlessly with a fingerprint sensor that doubles as a home button for that extra convenience.

A Strong Battery

A day in the life of a fashion publicist could look like an un-ending one. With a non-removable 3000mAh battery that charges via Micro USB, the Nokia 5 lasts a full day on one charge with reasonably heavy use, and two days or more with light use. An ideal balance of performance and battery life to keep me updated and alive all through the day coordinating and at photoshoots and night at fashion events.

With a great camera, awesome performance and a stunning design, the Nokia 5 delivers a reasonably competitive android experience as I get to re-live my storytelling life any day.

This post was originally published in the Business and Financial Times 23/2/2018

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

Designers Checklist to Maximize Media Coverage

Securing a feature in the media is an important goal to attain. While this is could be an achievement, many designers forget that gaining press attention, precisely positive stories can support your brand growth when strategically prepared for.

There are points to note in order to properly prepare in the event that your PR efforts play out well and your product gets featured and triggers all the good things such as increased in enquiries of your product, more clicks on your website, increase in sales amongst others.

Make sure you have available pieces

I have had an instance where a designer I once worked with to secure a placement have had to lose out on several sales opportunities because she did not have the specific dress which had been featured. So it is advisable to have a good inventory of pieces readily available before the feature even it means having them in different colors as a way of options that way you can cash in on these opportunities when they bring themselves.

Encourage your Employees to share

Employees are ambassadors of any company. When well informed about a company and its operations, they can well serve as good ambassadors. With a major hit in the media for your brand, share the news internally with your team and employees so they can also share with their network. If your employees support in amplifying it on social media, you will be able to maximize the coverage.

Keep your social media accounts active

Social Media continues to play a very significant role for many fashion brands. It could serve as an amplifying platform to reach a wider audience. Make sure that once you secure that media feature, you share them across your social media platforms. Share the links or image of the feature and leverage on that to get more reach.

Keep track of your new clients

Once you begin to hit that point where people are asking for the product that has been featured, you should be able to capture their contact. The reality is that, not all of them will buy immediately. Some may buy immediately and some may do that later. It is advisable to still take the contact details of those who enquire but are unable to purchase immediately as you can follow up with them at a later date. Also for those who may want specifics but you are unable to offer them.

Tap into your client list

Once your article goes live, you could share the good news with your clientele. These are people who have been with your brand and have been following your journey all this while. If they're proud enough to be associated with your brand after a big feature, some may take it upon themselves to share the good news as well among their personal networks.

The bottom line is that, when a positive piece of press gets published, the kind of activities you undertake could make all the difference in simply getting a media hit and turning them into a remarkable funnel to generate sales. Promote and circulate them to as many people as you can.

                                      

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

Sometime at Lusaka July 2017

Few weeks ago, PR Girl Media (Lusaka based PR and Events Company) invited Nadrey Laurent (formerly Totally Ethnik) to showcase at this year’s Lusaka July 2017.

It happened that I had to attend the event as the #PRGirl for Nadrey Laurent.

Love the beauty and energy the girls at PR Girl Media put into their event and really doff my hat to them.

The event was a sold out one. Zambian fashionista’s came out and did a massive appearance on the red carpet. They didn’t come to play at all.  Good fashion sense with great fashion show, loads of food and drinks.

This year’s event which was themed “African Luxury” really lived up to expectations with Special Guest appearance from Boity Thulo, South African fashion icon and media personality. From the red carpet appearances to the food, and drinks had the best of what a luxury event could offer. For the girls at PR Girl Media, they wanted nothing less than giving the guests an experience of luxury.

These socialites and A-listers, influences and celebrities showed up looking glamorous in their best outfits and also saw Africa's highest fashion on display with designers from Ghana, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia on stage.

The fashion show had some great designers such as Zambian based Esnoko, ChizO and Nadrey Laurent (formerly Totally Ethnik) from Ghana, Quiteira & George from South Africa and iZaura from Bostwana amongst others all showed the best of their pieces on the runway.

After the event, I had the opportunity to meet and chat up with these sisters who have become Zambian fashionistas and style influencers and were recently featured on CNN. Talked about many things relating to African fashion and also learnt a lot from each other. Wish them well as they put Zambian Fashion on the global map. I had a great time talking with them.

And then I found a great connection, the girls at PRGirlMedia (Chishi and Monde Nyambe) & MaFashio (Sekayi and Tukiya Fundafunda) are both sisters in business together. How beautiful it is to be in business with your sister. Cheers ladies, keep up the great work.

I did have a great time in Zambia and will keep the memories with me and hope to return sometime soon.

I will leave you with these photos…

Sekayi and Tukiya Fundafunda of MaFashio

Monde and Chishi

Costume by @Nadreylaurent

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations
 Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

My little inspiration to AUCC Students during IPR AUCC “The PR Series” Event

As an alumna of African University College of Communications, it was an honor to go back to my alma mater and share my little and short story and journey so far after graduating in 2011.

The IPR AUCC Chapter held its first PR event dubbed “The PR Series” event themed “Effective Public Relations for Development”.

They had speakers and guests such as the President of the University, Dr. Anim-Wright, Henry Nii Dottey, Honorary Secretary of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana, Chris Worla Essikpe of Star Oil and Michael Bruce of Tigo Ghana, Corporate Communications Department and former student.

Discussions were around how students can take advantage of all the opportunities available such as social media, internships and on campus participation in order to gain additional skills for the job market and also best strategies to adopt to develop as an individual and as a nation.

With Speakers and some students

With Michael

With Etornam

I salute Daniel Peprah and his team for reviving IPR AUCC Chapter after many years.

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

Speaking at the Fashion Africa Voices, British Council

Last week, I had the opportunity to join other speakers at the Accra Edition of the Fashion Africa Voices (FAV) as part of the British Council Ghana Enterprise Africa Summit.

Founded by Jacqueline Shaw, Fashion African Voices is organized by the African Fashion Guide in partnership with the British Council Ghana, Hatch Africa and Fashion Forum Africa.

The event had 4 panel discussions on Fashion and Education, Fashion and Ethics, Fashion and Finance and an up close interview by Ivy Proper with Maame Adjei of An African City and Girl Going Places on the “Bigger Picture”

There were other speakers such as Yvonne Ntiamoah of Radford University, Nana K. Adusei of Charlotte Prive, Claudia Lumor of Glitz Africa, Vanessa Bannerman of Christie Brown, Stephania Manfreda of Elle Lokko,  amongst others.

Fashion Africa Voices is a mini talk event aimed at supporting business development goals and get these businesses on the road to success bearing in mind that ultimately it will be driving success in Africa’s textile industry.

Africa Fashion Guide was birthed with the focus to create an awareness campaign that promotes the full supply chain of the African fashion and textile industry with an ethical perspective and create links with the greater global textile industry.

It was a pleasure adding my voice to support the promotion and economic development in Africa and also promote ethical and sustainable fashion.

Ese and Myself

Emeline Nkosi of GhOne Moderating "Fashion and Education" Panel

 

Jacqueline Shaw Moderating the "Fashion and Ethics" Panel

Makeba Boateng Moderating the "Fashion and Finance" Panel 

My outfit proudly +Totally Ethnik  

Photo Credits: TeamBlackImage & Ivy Prosper

Faith Senam Ocloo 
Fashion Public Relations 
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts

Women's Month Celebration

Makeba, Myself(Faith) and Stefania

This month is pregnant with goodness.

Being a women's month celebrated globally, its clear a day is not enough to celebrate us as women.

On the 8th of March this year, International's Women's Day, I was honored to be featured alongside 2 other amazing women in Ghanaian fashion. 

Debonair Afrik, one of the leading fashion and style dedicated blogs in Ghana as part of its Women Themed Issue decided to feature myself, Makeba Boateng and Stefania Manfreda .

The idea was to bring to light our efforts in supporting designers and other creatives we work with. Myself as a Fashion Publicist for e'april PR, Totally Ethnik, Accra Men's Fashion Week, Evangel Christian Magazine and also a Columnist with the Business and Financial Times Newspaper.

Makeba Boateng is also the founder of Makeba Creates, founder of Fashion Forum Africa and Stefania Manfreda founder of Elle Lokko Concept Stores.

Faith Senam 

We appreciate that you recognise us and I look forward to many great strides in promoting and supporting brands using PR strategies the best way I can. If you havent read the feature yet, you can find it here.

This same week, I got featured on Chris Kata's page having a chit chat with her about PR in Ghana, challenges and growing and promoting the Ghanaian fashion brand among others. Make sure to stop by to read that feature too here.

I will be back with a few more exciting news for the month of March. #OKBye for now

Remember it's still me being #FierceFaith


Faith Senam Ocloo
Fashion Public Relations
Fashion I Beauty I Lifestyle I Arts