Rising Stars: Meet Edzordzinam Agrosah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edzordzinam Agrosah. 

Hi Edzordzinam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I have always loved creative arts since I was a child. I liked fixing things, I liked trying out new things. I had an aunt who is a seamstress and I enjoyed spending so much time with her because I was fascinated with dressmaking and how a large piece of cloth could turn into a dress, wow! I loved it. 

Growing up I realized that my brain has an incredible way of retaining creative knowledge and information. this made it possible for me to have an idea as to how to do things and assemble things. I enjoyed making clothes for my doll and that of my best friend as well. I remember when my little was born, I made a tiny pant and gave it to my mom to be worn for her but looking back now I realized that pant couldn’t even fit a baby, it was way too small 

Fast forward to senior high school, I used to make clothing for my schoolmates using needle and thread. I would write nicknames on their clothing etc. all of these I did without any normal knowledge. 

I learnt how to use a sewing machine after senior high school while waiting for my results slip. this waiting period gave me the opportunity to do a lot of trial and errors and it helped shaped my craft. I forgot to mention that I can also do hair, I can braid my own hair, etc. but I enjoyed creating clothes more so I practiced more of that. I remember back in the day my dad would try everything he could to stop me from doing this because he says it was distracting me from focusing on my studies. he would search through my bag on the way to senior high school just so he could take out anything needle and thread or sewing-related. So, I had to learn ways to smuggle things I needed to school so I could do what I loved to do, I got creative. 

when I went the university (University for Development studies, WA, Upper West Region) to read accounting, I had no plans of continuing the sewing because I wanted to focus on my studies but fate had other plans for. I couldn’t find anyone to make clothes for me the way I would want it to fit me so I had to save my allowances to be able to buy a manual sewing machine to be able to make clothes for myself. This led to other students coming to me to have their clothing made as well. Due to this, I won Discovery of the year in the year 2013 and Entrepreneurial student of the year in 2014. in all these, I tried as much as I could to hide it from my father because he was strongly against it. I saved up every money I could get from it because I wanted to go into this after I graduate from the university. 

It was difficult setting up after university as everyone I knew who was patronizing me was back on campus which was in another region far from Accra. 

My core medium of marketing I started with was word-of-mouth, referrals, and making sure everywhere I go I wear something I made. This worked really well for me and helped me to get more customer. my most valued and appreciated core value of the business is making sure there are no disappointments. If I tell you to come for your Dress on Tuesday, I make sure no matter what happens your dress is ready before Tuesday. Due to this, I used to work all day and all night, I sleep 4 hours a day. my customers trust me for this! 

I have Avery good saving habit, this helped me to be able to get the things I need to start my business in Accra. the road has been bumpy but I am glad I can boast of 2 amazing brands @missevys @bloombyedzi. 

I started with @missevys which is a bespoke brand that caters for women of all ages and size, from bridal gowns to casual wear, etc., anything female clothing-related, we got you. 

@bloombyedzi is a ready-to-wear brand that caters for the contemporary woman who wants to look stylish yet simple. we also specialize in pants and jumpsuits. @bloombyedzi is the first brand in Ghana to specialize in pants and jumpsuits for women. 

in 2018, I was nominated for Glitz Style Awards, Emerging designer category, even though I didn’t win, it gave just enough experience and exposure. I also had the pleasure of partaking in Glitz Africa Fashion week where I showcased my second line of jumpsuits on the runway. I also had the pleasure of showcasing my first line of jumpsuits during @debonairafrik Style Lounge 2018. 

In 2020, I took part in The Accra Mall Future Fashion Fund and emerged the winner after series of masterclasses and exams, and projects. 

I don’t think I have arrived yet but I know for a fact that I am on my way! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I faced quite a number of challenges, in no particular order:

-support from family was unavailable because my father who is the sole breadwinner was strongly against it. this made it difficult for me because I felt every time, I wanted to take a step forward, I was being pulled back. 

-Availability of funds. This was one of the challenges that has lasted for so long and it is still something I’m battling but it is not like was because. I have had no funding from the start of the business till 2020 when I won $3,000 int the Accra Mall future Fashion fund 

– availability of skilled workers. it is so hard to get committed skilled labor as almost everyone who is skilled wants to start their own work. the worst part is getting those who aren’t skilled to train them, the moment they feel they know enough they also leave to start their own brand. 

– availability of raw materials is also one of the major challenges that affects productions because most of the materials, tools, and equipment we use here in Ghana is imported and it is very hard to get some. sometimes you may get a particular item, customers will love it but when you go back it won’t be available anymore and there’s no way it comes back and customers are tricky, the moment they see what they like, even if you use another fabric that’s equally nice because the first one is what they’ve seen they insist on getting that very one. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Fashion Designer; I have a brand that specializes in bridal wears and bespoke (@missevys). I also have a brand that specializes in ready to wear fo the contemporary woman between the ages of 18and 45 (@bloombyedzi) I also have a brand for children (@edzi.ittybittykiddies). I specialize in Pants and Jumpsuits for women. 

What makes me so proud is the fact that I am a self-taught fashion designer who is making it. even though I do not fave any formal training, I am still able to do all the creative work, running the business, etc. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Customer satisfaction matters to me the most because word of mouth is what got my business to where it is now 

Pricing:

• Wedding Gown: GHS3,000 and upwards. final price will depend on the sale and specification of the client
• Pants and Jumpsuits: GHS300 and upwards. It goes up depending the fabric type and styles involved

Contact Info:

• Email: bloombyedzi@gmail.com
• Website: www.bloombyedzi.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bloombyedzi?utm_medium=copy_link. (@bloombyedzi).
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloombyedzi/.https://www.facebook.com/MissEvys/