Nana Jerome-Akiti on Her Luxury Fashion Brand That’s Rooted in Impact

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

My name is Nana Jerome-Akiti, and I am the founder of Maeli Amor, a luxury fashion accessories brand that celebrates boldness, individuality, and sophistication. Every Maeli Amor piece—whether a handbag, jewelry, scarf, or hair accessory—begins as a hand-drawn sketch, bringing my artistic vision to life through intricate craftsmanship. I officially launched Maeli Amor on February 8, 2025, and beyond creating statement accessories, our brand is deeply rooted in impact—10% of our profits support children's education in Africa through the Maeli Amor Foundation.

Who are your customers?

Maeli Amor is designed for the modern, confident, and unapologetically bold woman. Our customers are professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who see fashion as an expression of their strength and individuality. They appreciate luxury with meaning—pieces that are not only aesthetically striking but also deeply intentional. Maeli Amor appeals to a global audience of women who value uniqueness, artistry, and empowerment.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before launching Maeli Amor, I worked as a project manager in a technical consulting firm, managing complex projects and leading teams. However, my passion for design and creativity has always been a part of me. I have a deep love for sketching, and I found myself constantly envisioning unique accessories that I couldn’t find in the market. This passion, combined with my business and leadership experience, gave me the confidence to turn my sketches into a full-fledged luxury brand.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I started Maeli Amor because I saw a gap in the market for fashion accessories that are bold, distinctive, and truly artistic. I wanted to create a brand where luxury meets storytelling—where every design has meaning and makes a statement. I was also motivated by a strong desire to leave a lasting impact, not just in fashion but in the lives of young children through education. The idea of building a brand from my sketches and seeing women around the world wearing my designs was a dream I couldn’t ignore. So, I took the leap!

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I have always wanted to be a business owner. Over the years, I’ve explored different small business ventures, but Maeli Amor is the first business that is truly well thought out—one that stems from my childhood passion for sketching. From a young age, I loved drawing and creating, always imagining designs that were bold and unique. Maeli Amor is the realization of that lifelong passion, combined with my experience and vision for a brand that empowers women through fashion.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I launched Maeli Amor on February 8, 2025, my strategy was to build anticipation through social media, strategic PR, and in-person engagement. I focused on storytelling, visually captivating content, and influencer partnerships to create buzz around the brand. While some aspects went as planned, I quickly learned that organic engagement takes time, and consistency is key.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of my biggest challenges has been managing production timelines and ensuring quality control. Every Maeli Amor piece starts from my original sketches, so finding the right manufacturers to bring those ideas to life with precision was tough. There were delays in perfecting materials and metal details, but I learned the importance of patience, detailed communication, and standing firm on quality over speed.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I am incredibly proud of launching a bold, high-fashion accessories brand that reflects my vision and passion for artful, statement pieces. Seeing women wear and love Maeli Amor is a dream come true. Another major milestone is our commitment to giving back—10% of our profits support children's education in Africa through the Maeli Amor Foundation.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

Yes! Launching Maeli Amor has been an incredible achievement. We’ve also received an amazing response from early customers and industry professionals, which reassures me that Maeli Amor is on the right path.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

The future is exciting for Maeli Amor! We are working on expanding our product line, securing more high-profile collaborations, and increasing global brand recognition. I envision Maeli Amor becoming a staple in the luxury accessories market while continuing our mission to empower women and give back through our foundation.

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip is prioritization and structured time blocks. I break tasks into manageable sections, focusing on the most impactful ones first. I also use the "two-minute rule"—if something takes less than two minutes, I do it immediately. Lastly, I set aside time for creative thinking because that fuels innovation in my business.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I avoid burnout by being intentional about rest and boundaries. I schedule breaks just like I schedule work tasks, and I remind myself that quality beats quantity. Taking time to recharge—whether it’s a quiet moment, a workout, or time with loved ones—helps me return with fresh energy.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

Instead of chasing “balance,” I focus on intentional integration. Some days, my business takes priority, and other days, my personal life does. I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow and be fully present in whatever I’m doing at the moment. I also involve my children in my journey when possible, so they see and understand my passion.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without?

Sketch book

What is your favorite business tool or solution?

Zoom

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

These five helped me over the years through Maeli Amor launch:

- Start before you're ready – Perfection is a myth. You will learn and refine as you go, so take action now.

- Stay resilient – Challenges will come, but your success will determine how you adapt and push forward.

- Invest in relationships – Build a strong network of mentors, supporters, and like-minded entrepreneurs. Your connections will open doors.

- Know your 'why' – A clear purpose will motivate you, even on the hardest days.

- Take care of yourself – Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize your well-being so you can show up at your best.

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