Today we’d like to introduce you to Kojo Sarfo, Michael Boateng, Kwame Sarfo, and Ken Ababio.
Kojo, Michael, Kwame, and Ken, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Growing up, I was always the kid that asked questions and challenged ideas and concepts that I didn’t understand. I refused to accept linear answers and often decided to seek out additional knowledge myself. I was exposed to many different environments throughout my life and as a result, learned so much about not only myself but also about the people around me. I spent my formative years in Norway before my family moved to Nashville, TN in 1999. I was originally born in Ghana, and though I did not spend a lot of time there as a child, my parents were intentional about teaching me and my siblings about the Ghanaian culture. I attended Campbell High School in Smyrna, GA before leaving to attend college at the University of West Alabama (UWA) in Livingston, AL. After receiving my nursing degree from UWA, I returned to Georgia to pursue additional graduate-level education and educate myself about entrepreneurship. Two years ago, my brother and I teamed up with a few good friends to create “Abrantie & Signora,” a clothing brand that promotes positivity with an emphasis on mental health awareness.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create clothes that have positive messages and help to spread mental health awareness for all people. The name “Abrantie & Signora” translates to “gentleman & lady” in the Ghanaian and Italian languages — and this was done intentionally because we wanted the clothes to represent men and women from different backgrounds while also injecting our culture into it as well. One of our signature shirts says “You Already Won,” and this is one of our trademark catchphrases that we use to spread positivity. The message behind the shirt helps to reinforce the idea that regardless of the issues we face, we are already winners when we take into account the positivity that is occurring around us.
The mental health inspiration behind our clothes comes from my experience as a registered psychiatric nurse. Since 2015, I have worked with patients dealing with chronic and severe mental health challenges. Additionally, I will be obtaining my doctorate degree in nursing practice with a specialty in Psychiatry next month (May 2019). My experience through my education and in this environment inspired me to become a mental health advocate on a greater level. As a result, I reached out to Mental Health America (MHA) – the largest nonprofit promoting mental health wellness for all Americans – and established a joint partnership. Because of this unique partnership, we are able to donate 5% of all proceeds to MHA while offering their free mental health screen on our website.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Being a creative artist can be lonely due to the reality that most of us are visionaries and the people around us usually have a hard time understanding or conceptualizing the bigger picture. My best advice is to surround yourself with other people who are not afraid to challenge the norm and be vocal with the people around you about your needs and how they can help. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a positive mindset. Do not be afraid to eliminate or reduce the time you spend with people that have negative vibes – that spirit is unfortunately very contagious.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can see our work on our Instagram page and support us on our online store. We participate in fashion shows in Atlanta periodically such as the PSAFE Fashion, Art, & Music showcase in addition to photo shoots that we hold at Cam Kirk Studios. We can also be seen every year in Washington D.C. at Mental Health America’s Annual Conference where we have had the pleasure of interacting with other mental health advocates such as Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child and US Women’s Soccer Star Abby Wambach.
Contact Info:
- Website: abrantiesignora.com
- Email: abrantiesignora@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abrantiesignora/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abrantiesignora/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbrantieSignora
- Other: https://www.kojosarfo.com/
Image Credit:
Brandon Abrams
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