Female Founder Name: Mina Evans-Anfom

Business Name: Mina Evans Studio

Industry: Interior Design & Art

Instagram Handle: @minaevans.studio @minaevansart

What inspired you to start your business?

It was an itch I just had to scratch. I have been interested in interior design and abstract art for as long as I can remember, and I couldn’t ignore it anymore!

When did you start?

I started making art in 2018 and started the interior business in October 2020.

Why this specific industry?

I’m naturally a creative person, and a curious one at that, so I had a couple of years where literally anything “artsy” would distract me. With interiors, I feel like I get to dabble in everything I have ever been interested in. In a week I can deal with anything from ceramics, to landscaping, to fine art etc. and satisfy all my creative cravings.

What obstacles did you face starting up, and how did you overcome them?

I think my biggest obstacle was myself, really. I overthink sometimes LOL! Figuring pricing out was also quite challenging as there are quite a few pricing models with interior design. Figuring out what works for the Ghanaian market and most importantly, my business took quite some time.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?

Processes are EVERYTHING, and so is confidence!

Why work for yourself when there’s stability in working for others?

I’ve actually worked for myself most of my life. I owned a fashion brand for 10 years before pivoting, so I don’t know much else. However, I had a brief 6 month corporate interior job last year and as much as there is stability in working for others, the element of freedom and the satisfaction of knowing you are working on your goals and dreams is unrivaled.

What is the one characteristic that you possess that has helped make you so successful?

I know what I want and I’m very particular. It needs to be the right colour, the right size, the right everything. And I will exhaust all options before I consider a plan B.

What’s your guiding business philosophy?

Always Stay Learning. You never know it all and there is always so much more to learn,   especially in the design industry.

At what moment did this venture become real for you?

With Interiors, when I signed my first town house. There were so many rooms! With Art; when my first exhibition sold out in 3 hours.

What is the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur?

For me it’s definitely time management. Both businesses are extremely hands on and I get very tired sometimes, however, I’m growing my team and learning to delegate.

What makes it all worth it?

Seeing the delight on my client’s faces when their painting/space is exactly what they wanted, and that fuzzy feeling I get when I hit my goals.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Stop talking about it, stop making excuses and just start. It’s scary, but start. Baby steps are better than no steps.

How do you define success?

Crushing your goals and helping to change people’s lives along the way

What did you do differently from the rest of us?

I wouldn’t know, actually. All I can speak on is what I did. Which was to scratch that itch that had been there for so many years!

What do you believe is the female founder effect?

Having the audacity to make that “crazy” dream a reality, and in turn inspiring other women to chase their “crazy” dreams.

What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action society needs to move closer to Generation Equality goals?

Equal goal posts for girls and boys from very early on, and in all aspects of life.

Which woman has positively impacted you in your career/business? And what is the one lesson she taught you?

My mom, definitely. She’s big on bookkeeping and can stress on how important it is for hours! She probably thinks I don’t listen, but I do LOL!

What is your superpower?

Research. Once something interests me, I'm obsessed for the next few days and then I become a mini expert.

What centres you?

REST!

What is your next adventure?

Working on some exciting projects that I cannot wait to finally share!