After a career in the corporate sector in the US, Araba Stephens Akompi – better known as Stylista – decided to change her path and return to Ghana.

With faith, determination, hard work and persistence, she set up her celebrated Stylista label in 2011 – and never looked back since. “I am so passionate about fashion design that new ideas and inspirations wake me up early every day.” It was in the same year that she had her first collaboration with Vlisco, which became the start of a fruitful partnership.

Araba describes her brand as fashion forward, feminine, contemporary and colourful. Her devoted clients can immediately identify a Stylista piece for its creative, well thought out design, usually made with Vlisco fabric. Her signature designs show a surprising interpretation of the design patterns in the fabric.