Culture is Currency

Davida Selby shares her journey of moving from the US to Ghana, building the KLA lifestyle brand, and navigating cultural differences in business and life. This episode offers insights into cultural nuances, business strategies, and the importance of understanding history and community in Africa.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Davita Selby and her journey

04:28 Growing up between Ghana and the US

07:46 Deciding to move back to Ghana in 2023

11:30 Building her brand and sourcing ingredients in Ghana

16:08 Cultural differences in business and staffing

20:33 Balancing professionalism and community in Ghana

25:51 Cultural shocks and motivation in Ghana

30:28 Travelers' experiences and first impressions

34:16 Historical and cultural education at Cape Coast

43:19 Advice for newcomers to Ghana and Africa

50:14 Future plans for expanding cultural experiences and markets

In this episode, we explore the journey of Ekow Archer, a Ghanaian entrepreneur with extensive experience in both Ghana and the US. We discuss building his sustainable business, Clean Earth, navigating cultural differences, and opportunities in the environmental and industrial sectors in Africa.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Echo Archer and his background

02:00 Echo's journey from Ghana to the US and back

04:07 Overview of Clean Earth and its focus areas

06:50 Opportunities in water, environment, and sustainability in Africa

12:11 Cultural norms, trust, and relationship building in Ghana

19:56 Challenges of infrastructure and talent in African markets

29:51 The importance of long-term vision and people in business

40:02 Advice for African entrepreneurs and expanding globally

resources

Clean Earth - Official Website - https://www.cleanearth.africa

KNUST - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology - https://www.knust.edu.gh

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekowa/

In this episode, Freda, founder of Ghanaian skincare brand Kaeme, shares her journey of building a local industry, navigating cultural nuances, and scaling a business in Africa. Discover insights on resilience, infrastructure challenges, and the importance of self-belief for African entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Freda and Kaeme

02:08 Frida's Background: Ghana, US, and International Experience

06:48 The Inspiration Behind Kaeme and Writing the Ghanaian Narrative

11:42 Building Industry Infrastructure and Factory Challenges

15:26 The Resilience of Ghanaian Entrepreneurs

18:41 Cross-Continental Cultural Nuances and Business Challenges

24:36 Balancing Skills and Context for Diaspora Entrepreneurs

32:27 The Factory Journey and Industry Building

39:22 Giving Back and Supporting Future Entrepreneurs

41:23 Advice for African Entrepreneurs: Embrace Your World-Class

Potential resources

Kaime - Ghanaian Skincare Brand - https://kaime.com

Shea Butter - Resource on Ghanaian Shea - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter

African Industry Building - Insights and Resources - https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/07/20/how-african-entrepreneurs-are-building-industry-infrastructure/

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredaobengampofo/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hellokaeme/

In this episode, Leoma James-Sarr shares her extensive experience traveling and living across Africa, exploring cultural differences, identity, language, and the dynamics of Black Americans reconnecting with Africa. Her insights shed light on navigating the continent with awareness and respect.

Key topics

Leoma's background and travels across Africa

Cultural differences between African countries

Language barriers and lingua franca challenges

Perceptions of Black Americans in Africa

Gentrification and land ownership concerns

Identity and colonial legacies in Africa

The impact of history on African self-perception

Navigating privilege and doing no harm

Building community and supporting local economies

The future of African-American and African relations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Leomas' background in Africa

01:56 Travel experiences across Namibia, Tanzania, and beyond

03:49 Cultural differences and language barriers in Africa

07:00 Perceptions of Black Americans in different African regions

10:06 Identity, colonial legacies, and understanding oneself

14:59 The diversity of African countries and cultures

19:56 The impact of history and Black Lives Matter in Namibia

25:00 Gentrification, land ownership, and supporting local economies

30:05 Navigating privilege and doing no harm in Africa

35:10 Building community and fostering ethical investments

37:50 The future of African-American and African relations

Resources

Harambe House Global - https://harembehouse.org

Black Lives Matter Movement - https://blacklivesmatter.com

Africa Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) - https://au.int/en/ti/afcfta

Peace Corps Namibia - https://www.peacecorps.gov/namibia

Learn Swahili in Tanzania - Department of Defense Fellowship - https://www.defense.gov

Ghana Year of Return - https://visitghana.com/ghana-year-of-return/

guest links

Podcast, Entrepreneurship, Africa, Culture, Investment, Community

In this episode, Frances Quarcoopome sits down with Arif Gursel, a serial social entrepreneur and investor, to explore his journey from Chicago to Ghana. They discuss building community spaces, navigating the business environment in Africa, and the importance of cultural understanding for successful investment and growth.

• Arif Gursel’s upbringing and background, blending American and African roots
• The significance of community spaces like the union in Seattle and their roots in college traditions
• Cultural differences in service, payment systems like mobile money, and business etiquette in Ghana
• Opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in Africa, especially around land, investment laws, and infrastructure
• The importance of authentic cultural integration while maintaining individual identity
• Practical advice for foreigners looking to move, invest, or build businesses on the continent
• Reflections on the Year of Return initiative, and the need for infrastructure and education around Africa’s history and potential

00:00 - Introduction to Arif Gursel and the podcast's purpose
02:00 - Arif's upbringing in Chicago and Brooklyn, and early life influences
04:30 - Roots in community, culture, and heritage through Kwanzaa and family values
07:00 - Moving to Seattle for Microsoft and building cultural spaces like The Union
09:30 - Navigating corporate America as a Black man in tech
11:00 - Inspiration behind investing in Ghana and embracing African heritage
13:00 - Cultural nuances: mobile money, service expectations, and everyday manners
15:45 - Business investments: testing products locally before scaling
18:00 - The vibrant December festivals and start-up opportunities amidst cultural activities
20:00 - The demographic landscape: youth population and market potential in Ghana
22:00 - The importance of bringing authentic value (like soul food) rather than trying to be "Ghanaian"
24:30 - Challenges with investment laws, GIPC, and infrastructure hurdles
27:00 - Reflections on the Year of Return and issues of perception versus reality
29:00 - The colonial legacy, self-value, and the importance of local branding (Made in Ghana)
31:00 - Finding raw materials like tiger nuts and building local industries
33:00 - Practical investment insights: land, legal frameworks, and mitigating risks
36:00 - Practical advice for foreigners: trust networks, legal support, and authenticity
37:30 - Closing remarks, future discussions on culture, and encouragement to listen and subscribe

**GIPC in Ghana has since scrapped the minimum entry amount for international investors.

Introducing the Culture is Currency podcast as we evolve from the Palaver podcast. Going deeper into cultural nuances while still capturing the stories and experiences of entrepreneurs across Africa.

Guido Quarcoopome, co-founder, Operations Director and my brother! I finally manage to get him on the podcast to talk about all things working together, how he joined the company and what he did before he joined the JamJar family.

Stephanie is the brains behind Ghanaian beauty brand Colourbox Cosmetics. She recognised a gap in the market and when for it. Her journey is inspiring after a near fatal accident meant she had to rebuild herself and he brand again.

Yanfo and I discuss the changing times, Social media, and Ghana. Lots of laughter in this episode, buckle up!

Businesses, side hustles, living and breathing your passion. Charles and I get into it with lots of laughs and pure joy!