When did you start your business?
I started my business several years ago.

What was the inspiration behind your work/business?
I moved to Australia a few years ago and started feeling homesick. I missed the vibrant and colourful African prints that represented my cultural identity. Being a mother to three children, I also wanted to share my culture with them and help them appreciate it. I take pride in my cultural background and have a deep appreciation for other cultures and their attire. It was this love and passion that led me to establish Savannah Fashions. Savannah Fashions celebrates culture and ethnicity, diversity, and the person you represent. We sell African African-inspired accessories and clothing. Savannah Fashions is often found at cultural events, selling African-inspired accessories and clothing and sharing the knowledge of my cultural background with others

What are you most excited about in your work/business?
I am eager to launch new products and form more partnerships. This year, my focus is to support other women who may need assistance in starting or developing their business ideas."

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
For me, it has been several things, but the main challenges include not having the necessary finances to expand my business and struggling to find reliable partners who share the same vision and passion as I do.,

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?
Go for it. Give it a go. You don’t know until you have started.
Take action on your idea after researching and seeking guidance from a mentor or coach. Surround yourself with positive networks and friends.

Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
I was inspired by the organisers of the event as well as the stories of the women changemakers. I resonated with the purpose behind the Women Changing the World Awards and after nomination decided to participate.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I am passionate about women's empowerment and supporting other women. I am extremely community-focused to make a difference. I enjoyed hearing about and cheering on the global successes of other women, and it inspired me to keep going and strive to do better.

What surprised you most about the awards?
What surprised me the most about the awards was winning Gold for the People’s Choice for Cultural Diversity and Inclusion. It's easy to doubt yourself when surrounded by so many inspiring women.

How did the awards help you in your work/business?
They provided me with credibility, and recognition, and boosted my confidence.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?
If any women are considering entering the awards, my advice to them would be to not overthink it. Once you enter or are nominated, you will not regret it. Believe in yourself and your abilities as the power of self-belief is real. If you have a good business, you deserve recognition just like any other successful businesswoman

What has been the best thing about starting your own work/business?
There have been many benefits to starting my own business, but the most significant one is the main reason why I started it in the first place: I wanted my children to appreciate both their own culture and mine. Since starting the business, I have seen a positive change in my children's confidence and their pride in their cultural roots. It's important to me that they embrace diversity and feel proud of their heritage. Together, we are exploring and learning, and it's exciting to see the positive impact it's having on their lives.

What’s happening next in your work/business?
Finally launching a product that I've struggled to launch for many years, but it's good to see it finally coming to life.

How can we connect with you?

Website African Style Clothes & Jewelry Products (savannahfashions.com.au)
Facebook @Savannahfasions
Instagram @ Savannah Fashions
Tiktok @ Savannah Fashions