Startup Story
Aya Keita is the founder and CEO of Aya K Design in Cote d’Ivoire. An entrepreneur and seasoned designer, her activity is focused on the creation of high quality traditional-modern accessory for the international and pan-African market. She founded the company almost 4 years ago and now employs 10 people.
Aya Keita est la fondatrice et PDG de Aya K Design (Côte d'Ivoire). Entrepreneur et créatrice chevronnée, son activité est axé sur la création d'accessoire tradi-moderne de haute qualité pour le marché international et panafricain. Elle a fondé l'entreprise il y a près de 04ans et emploie aujourd'hui 10 personnes.
LoA learned more about this rising Ivorian accessory brand from founder Aya Keita this month and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
Aya K Design specializes in the creation and sale of ethnic accessories using local materials for their confections such as: bags, shoes and jewelry.
Aya K Design est spécialisée dans la création et la vente d’accessoires Ethniques en utilisant des matières locales pour leurs confections tels que : des sacs , des chaussures, des bijoux.
“My inspiration came from my father and his career as an entrepreneur; having learnt by his side, I quickly associated his practical lessons with my artistic passion.”
What inspired you to start your company?
Our L’Amour accessories and seeing them harmonize with the different styles and colors of clothing. In the same vein, enhancing our cultural traditions.
L’Amour des accessoires et les voir harmoniser sur les différents styles et couleurs vestimentaires. Par la même veine, valoriser nos traditions culturelles.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The originality, the singularity with the artistic finish in my creations; finally, it is actively listening to the feedback from my customers that makes the difference.
L’originalité, la singularité au finition artistique dans mes créations; enfin c’est l’écoute active vis à vis des retours de ma clientèle qui fait la difference.
Tell us a little about your team
I am the designer who inspires my team on each accessory model. Subsequently, a fringe of my team is responsible for making the accessories in their diversity; the second division of my team is responsible for packaging and delivery to customers.
Je suis la créatrice qui inspire mon équipe sur chaque modèle d’accessoire. Par la suite, une frange de mon équipe se charge de confectionner les accessoires en leur diversité; la seconde France de mon équipe se charge du packaging et de la livraison à la clientèle.
“I encourage women entrepreneurs with my last energy, because it denotes their character and their real social emancipation.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Yes, my inspiration came from my father and his career as an entrepreneur; having learnt by his side, I quickly associated his practical lessons with my artistic passion.
Oui , Mon inspiration est née de mon père et son métier d’entrepreneur; ayant appris à ses côtés, j’ai vite associé ses enseignements pratiques à ma passion artistique.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future aspiration is to add two strings to my bow. The first is to create an accessory line for children, and the second is to be able to export my creations and participate in international exhibitions.
Mon aspiration futur est d’ajouter une deux cordes à mon arc. La première est de créer une ligne d’accessoire pour Enfant et La seconde est de pouvoir exporter mes créations et participer à des expositions internationals.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
My satisfaction is all the greater insofar as my customers are interested in creations of traditional modern accessories from our region. Above all, I am satisfied that my clientele is predominantly female.
Ma satisfaction est d’autant plus grande dans la mesure où ma clientèle s’intéresse à des créations d’accessoire tradi- moderne issue de notre terroir. Par dessus tout, satisfaite que ma clientèle s’érige majoritairement en la gente feminine.
“Never doubt yourself and give in to discouragement, because at the end of the effort you reap the experience and the reward.”
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I encourage women entrepreneurs with my last energy, because it denotes their character and their real social emancipation. Finally, never doubt yourself and give in to discouragement, because at the end of the effort you reap the experience and the reward.
J’encourage avec ma dernière énergie les femmes à l’entreprenariat; car cela dénote leur caractère et leur réelle émancipation sociale. Enfin de ne jamais douter d’elle et céder au découragement car au bout de l’effort l’on récolte l’expérience et la récompense.
Contact or follow Aya K Design
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL ayakdesign05@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
At Lionesses of Africa, we are inspired to hear the stories of women entrepreneurs who are driven to create, to design beautiful things that are inspired by their heritage and tradition. Aya Keita is one such entrepreneur, inspired by traditional craftsmanship whilst at the same time appreciating modern design and techniques. Her brand celebrates both of these things, and is a reflection of her passion for design and her own artistic heritage. She is an inspiration to other women who are looking to fulfill their own entrepreneurial dreams and aspirations. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa.com