The Founder
In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, a remarkable journey began in a humble kitchen, where Nana Ama Yankah, a software developer, found solace in crafting beauty products. This creative outlet served as a mental escape from her demanding career. However, her life took an inspiring turn in 2014 when she moved back home to Ghana, after 13 years. It was here that she realized her passion could transcend a hobby and transform into a powerful business with the potential to uplift countless lives.
Nana Ama took the bold step of leaving her stable job to embrace her vision fully. She envisioned a brand that celebrated the incredible potential of local ingredients like Shea butter, Baobab oil, and Black soap. Thus, Naya by Africa was born—a brand dedicated to creating plant-based personal care products that are not only effective but also safe and nourishing for the skin. This venture was more than just a business; it was an opportunity to build a sustainable market for the women who processed these essential ingredients, fostering economic growth within their communities.
With every product crafted, Nana Ama emphasized quality and innovation, prioritizing the talents of young women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Her commitment to empowering these women was rooted in her own educational journey. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BBA in Computer Information Systems and Mathematics from Savannah State University, followed by an MBA from Emory University’s prestigious Goizueta Business School, Nana Ama leveraged her knowledge and experience to drive meaningful change.
The idea for Naya by Africa was further ignited by the burgeoning natural hair movement, which reignited her appreciation for Shea butter. After returning to Ghana, she noticed a significant gap in the market for innovative, locally produced personal care products. Recognizing the cultural heritage and effectiveness of these indigenous ingredients, she was determined to create distinctive offerings that not only met consumer needs but also contributed to community empowerment.
Nana Ama’s journey has since blossomed into a brand that represents hope and innovation, creating jobs and nurturing future leaders while inspiring many to embrace their own potential. Through her dedication, she has proven that with vision, courage, and a commitment to community, one can transform a passion into a powerful force for good. Today, Naya by Africa stands as a testament to the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when one pursues their dreams with purpose and conviction, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.Naya by Africa, founded by Nana Ama Yankah, emerged from a personal endeavor that began over a decade ago in Atlanta, Georgia. Initially, this venture served as a means for the founder to take mental breaks from her career as a software developer. By 2014, after relocating to Ghana, Ms. Yankah recognized the potential for her passion to evolve into a more significant enterprise with the capacity to positively impact a broader community. This realization prompted her to resign from her position and fully commit her time, resources, and knowledge to enhance the products and cultivate a brand that resonates with consumers.
The mission of Naya by Africa is to create plant-based personal care products using ingredients that are safe and beneficial for the skin. The brand is particularly dedicated to developing a sustainable market for women involved in the processing of Shea butter, Baobab oil, and Black soap in Ghana. The company prides itself on innovation led primarily by young women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), who share a commitment to quality, consistency in product development, and effective distribution.
Nana Ama Yankah’s educational background includes a BBA in Computer Information Systems and Mathematics, which she attained with the highest honors (Summa Cum Laude) from Savannah State University. She also holds an MBA from Emory University’s prestigious Goizueta Business School. Her diverse experiences, including nine years spent developing technology solutions for manufacturing companies in the United States and Australia, have equipped her with valuable insights into complex manufacturing processes and their impact on community development.
The rekindling of her connection to Shea butter—an essential component of the growing natural hair movement—was a pivotal moment that catalyzed the conception of the Naya by Africa brand. Upon her return to Ghana, she observed a lack of innovative, locally produced personal care products, despite the rich heritage of indigenous ingredients such as Shea butter and Black soap. This inspiration fueled her passion to develop distinctive personal and home care products that not only meet consumer needs but also create jobs, empower individuals, nurture future women leaders, and foster community development across Africa.
Nana Ama Yankah's commitment to innovation and community empowerment remains at the forefront of her efforts, as she continues to build a brand that champions both sustainable practices and the transformative power of local resources.