Startup Story
Often the inspiration to launch a creative brand is drawn from an entrepreneur’s heritage and cultural influences. In the case of Michelle Hammond and her accessories brand, Ruahh, her Ghanaian heritage has provided a rich source of inspiration and symbolism that she is rightly proud of. Today, Michelle’s customers can experience that sense of belonging she feels through her vibrant accessories.
LoA chatted to founder Michelle Hammond to find out more about this emerging brand.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Michelle Hammond and I am the founder and CEO of Ruahh. I was born and raised in Ghana but moved to the United States to complete my Bachelor’s degree. Today, my business and brand, Ruahh, is focused on fusing my Ghanaian culture with modern design to create chic accessories for women that are symbolic and unique. In weaving my African pride into my brand, I invite everyone to explore my culture, understand its nuances and share in my sense of belonging.
“Today, my business and brand, Ruahh, is focused on fusing my Ghanaian culture with modern design to create chic accessories for women that are symbolic and unique.”
What does your company do?
We provide chic and unique accessories for the versatile woman and her adventures. Crafted from high quality materials in an array of exuberant colours, we create pieces that combine comfort, convenience, and style.
What inspired you to start your company?
As a mother of two, I always needed a multi-purpose but stylish bag that could effortlessly double as a diaper and casual bag. I searched but couldn’t find any bag that I was satisfied with. All my findings were either too expensive, not stylish enough or without an acceptable quality. So, I decided to create a bag that didn’t sacrifice style, quality or functionality for every woman who values versatility. That was the drive behind Ruahh. Since its inception, I have added earrings that are vibrant in colour and adds a beautiful statement to any outfit for any occasion.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Ruahh's pieces draw inspiration from my vibrant Ghanaian culture. We have woven cultural African motifs and hues borrowed from its colour palette to create statement pieces that are chic, unique, versatile and tell stories of a beautiful culture from a faraway land.
“In weaving my African pride into my brand, I invite everyone to explore my culture, understand its nuances and share in my sense of belonging.”
Tell us a little about your team
Currently, Ruahh is run by me and my supportive family.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I don't come from an entrepreneurial background however ever since I was a child, I always dreamt of starting a company making something I would wear. At a young age, I would make clothes for dolls and sell them to my friends. I thought nothing of it then but over the years growing up, that stirred up a passion of starting or owning a company someday. Fast forward to the Fall of 2020, Ruahh was born. Starting this business when there’s a global crisis has caused problems with vendor sourcing, shipment delays and rejections, but every challenge has provided me the opportunity to hone my creative skills and learn new things in business.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My business is currently focused on accessories, but the plan is to add home fashions in the future. The name ‘Ruahh’, which means ‘spirit or breath of God that fills all living beings’, is especially symbolic, as I hope to breathe new life into the concept of versatile style.
“The name ‘Ruahh’, which means ‘spirit or breath of God that fills all living beings’, is especially symbolic, as I hope to breathe new life into the concept of versatile style.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Knowing that my product made a positive difference in someone's life is very satisfying. Especially since Ruahh is built for the comfort loving woman and her adventures.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Starting a business can be both exciting and disappointing. While you keep your expectations, dreams and faith high, be patient with yourself and the process. It does eventually pay off.
Contact or follow Ruahh
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | EMAIL info@ruahh.com
Why LoA loves it….
Building any new creative brand requires a combination of strong inspiration, tenacity and a deep desire to connect with customers and share a personal design ethos. In the case of Michelle Hammond, her Ghanaian heritage provides an aesthetic treasure trove of ideas to inspire her contemporary accessory designs. She uses that heritage to tell personal stories through every piece she creates, and her customers are able to connect with a cultural sense of belonging that Michelle feels through her work. This is a brand to watch over the coming months and years. — Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa