On 23 September 2024, the vibrant city of Accra was home to the maiden Bankable Brand Marketing Summit, held at Poynt–The HQ office in Tse Addo. Hosted by Stephenie Adu, CEO and Founder of Colourbox Cosmetics, the event brought together a community of aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and brand enthusiasts mainly in the cosmetics and beauty industry, all eager to dive deep into the world of marketing, business growth, and brand-building. Among the many highlights of the day was the sponsorship by Clarissa, CEO and Founder of Aguma Tea, who provided a refreshing selection of herbal teas for attendees and shared her entrepreneurial journey as part of the leadership panel.
A Gathering of Visionaries
The Bankable Brand Marketing Summit was designed to offer a platform for networking, learning, and sharing insights on how to build powerful, bankable brands in today’s competitive market. Stephenie Adu, with her dynamic presence and vast experience in growing a leading cosmetics brand in Africa, set the tone for the day. Her mission was clear: to empower business owners and brand leaders with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to scale their ventures and turn their brands into household names.
The summit was more than just an ordinary business gathering—it was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the spirit of entrepreneurship in Ghana. With each presentation and discussion, attendees were inspired by the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of the speakers, all of whom had built successful brands from the ground up.
Aguma Tea: Providing teas to compliment the occasion
A central part of the day’s experience was provided by Aguma Tea, who provided a delightful range of complimentary herbal teas. As guests arrived at the summit, they were greeted with the warm aroma of freshly brewed tea—an inviting and calming touch that set the tone for the day.
From the healing properties of African teas to the carefully curated blends designed to nourish the mind and body, the tea provided by Aguma Tea not only refreshed attendees but also symbolized the balance and mindfulness that entrepreneurs need in their busy lives. As the day unfolded, guests sipped on custom herbal blends that included soothing options like spearmint, energizing blends with lemongrass and cinnamon with honeybush.
Clarissa’s thoughtful contribution to the event went beyond just offering tea. Her brand’s presence throughout the day served as a reminder of the power of African herbs, and how local businesses can merge tradition with modern wellness trends to create unique and impactful products.
Leadership Panel Insights
As one of the key speakers on the leadership panel, Clarissa shared invaluable insights on her entrepreneurial journey, from founding Aguma Tea to scaling her business while balancing professional life and personal responsibilities. Her story resonated with many in the audience, particularly those grappling with the challenges of running a business in Ghana’s competitive and often unpredictable market.
Clarissa spoke candidly about her early days as a business owner, the hurdles she faced in educating consumers about the value of herbal teas, and the challenges of managing a growing brand while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. She emphasized the importance of staying grounded, especially as an entrepreneur, and finding ways to recharge—something she credits to her daily tea rituals.
One of the standout moments from her panel discussion was when she addressed the need for perseverance and resilience in the Ghanaian business landscape. “Building a business in Ghana is not without its difficulties,” she said. “But if you’re passionate about what you do and can adapt to the changes in the market, the rewards are worth the effort – you have to remember why you started the business and stay focused on the vision”
Clarissa also spoke about the importance of consistency and customer education in building a sustainable business. “At Aguma Tea, we focus on educating our customers about the healing properties of African herbs and the wellness benefits of our teas. By staying true to our mission and values, we’ve been able to grow steadily” she explains.
Her emphasis on balancing professional life with personal well-being was another key takeaway. Clarissa encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to prioritize self-care, citing her own practice of making time for mindfulness and wellness despite the demands of running a business.
Building Bankable Brands: Lessons from the Summit
The Bankable Brand Marketing Summit delivered a wealth of knowledge for attendees, especially through the dynamic panel discussions. Topics ranged from effective marketing strategies to the role of digital platforms in growing a brand, and how to build a loyal customer base through transparency and authenticity.
Stephenie Adu, the event’s host, also shared valuable insights from her journey with Colourbox Cosmetics, highlighting how understanding your audience and creating products that resonate with their needs are critical to building a bankable brand. Her approach to brand growth through intentionality and her keen focus on product development provided attendees with a blueprint for success.
Throughout the day, the recurring themes of resilience, authenticity, and the power of community were reinforced by each speaker. Whether it was through the personal stories of overcoming challenges or the practical strategies for scaling a business, attendees left the summit equipped with actionable steps to take their brands to the next level.
An Inspired Future
As the summit came to a close, there was a palpable sense of excitement among the attendees. With cups of Aguma Tea in hand, participants left with not only new insights but also a renewed sense of purpose. The day was a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the shared experience of building something meaningful.
Clarissa’s contribution, both as a sponsor and speaker, left a lasting impression on many. The presence of Aguma Tea throughout the day was more than just a refreshment—it symbolized the careful balance of health, wellness, and entrepreneurship that Clarissa embodies.
As entrepreneurs continue to build their brands, they do so with the knowledge that success isn’t just about profit margins—it’s about creating meaningful connections, staying true to your mission, and finding balance along the way.
