Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa and Owen Akabua.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began sewing clothes for dolls as a young girl and eventually for family and friends. I loved searching for the most beautiful fabrics I could find and I felt so much pride in using African fabrics. People would always ask me where my fabrics came from. That gave me the idea that I should share these fabrics with the world.
I began Tess World Designs out of my home, sewing bags and selling fabrics for many years. I am delighted that I now have a shop that anyone can visit and find the most beautiful, best quality fabrics from parts of Africa. It started with an inventory of just eight pieces of fabric, as a hobby, with no business plan nor capital. Now we’re selling thousands around the world. I’m grateful to my son Ewoenam (Owen) who had to leave his career in medicine to rescue me from sleepless nights as the business grew, to my family for their support and contributions, and to my God for His leadership.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest struggles was learning how to use technology.
When I was learning how to type on a computer in the 90’s, I was so slow. I completed one sentence in the time my children left for school and came back home. I even had to figure out how to make capital letters and type punctuation using the shift key, and controlling the mouse was difficult. Now I’m taking professional photos, editing them with software, and listing them. I also had to learn what it takes to be found online. It takes more than just creating a website.
Tess World Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We sell the largest variety of authentic products from parts of Africa including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Congo, and Mali. My African heritage allows me to educate buyers on the culture and the history of the products and to help them find what they’re looking for.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is forming good relationships with customers. Without them, Tess World Designs would not exist. We aim to make every customer happy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 246 W Ponce De Leon Ave,
Decatur, GA 30030 - Website: www.tessworlddesigns.com , www.etsy.com/shop/
tessworlddesigns - Phone: (470) 366-8516
- Email: info@tessworlddesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessworlddesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessworlddesigns/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DesignsTess
- Yelp: Tess World Designs, LLC
- Other: Tess World Designs, LLC
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
