ABOUT THE CONVENER/ AWR FOUNDER
Sally Torpey is a Ghanaian International fashion designer, founder and CEO of Sallet Fashion House, whose creations have reshaped the fashion scene across West Africa and beyond. Her company produces unique apparel and accessories with expressions of authentic African design for both women and men. The brands, which include Sally Torpey, Oheemaa, and JAK Gentle Giant Collection, which is in honor of former President of the Republic of Ghana, John A. Kufuor, have been featured on major business platforms and runways in Ghana, across Africa, and around the world.
Born and raised in Ghana, Sally developed a love for colorful fabrics, batiks, tie dye, fashion design and garment production as a child when she watched her mother, a German-trained dressmaker, work with clients who came to the house for measurements and fittings. As Sally learned to sew, her mother made sure Sally was taught to work with precision. After making her own doll, Sally practiced by making even the smallest of clothes with meticulousness, as she developed her skills. This essentially kick-started her aspiration for fashion design. She was further inspired by catalogs, magazines, and seeing pageants and various fashion weeks, which turned into a passion for making clothes for others.
She further enriched her craft and gained experience by traveling abroad in the US, where she learned more about business and was able to take her skills to a new level. Sally holds an Associate degree in Fashion Design (AAS), a degree in Business Administration. Learning quality control at such an early age helped shape Sally’s work ethic, and it was through her razor-sharp production and enthusiasm for representing Africa where her brands transpired.
publications and interviews such as VOA, the Afrikan Post, Citi Business News, Ghana Web, Modern Ghana, Creative Magazine Miami, TheAfricanDream LLC, Caribbean magazines, ASSETS Africa magazine South Africa and others. Sally is driven by her talents and is motivated by life’s changing events.
She is constantly looking for opportunities that contribute to making an impact. Sally is passionate about skill development, training and capacity building of women in hand crafting, particular reference to batik, tie dye, sewing, beading and others, with the aim of economically empowering women and the youth and creating sustainable jobs for them Sally has a passion for uplifting the works of African creations to the world. She has always had her way with uniting people and working with likeminded creative people.
Sally is an artist manager, with experience as an artist manager, working with top artist and young artist from fine artists, visual artists, sculptors, music and poetry. She is the elected Accra Regional Treasurer for the Association of Ghana Industries. She is the African Ambassador and Partner for the Global Fashion Business Alliance (USA). She is also the African representative for the Center for International Trade Development (CITD) Miami.
Additionally, Sally is an advocate for women’s development and is an international speaker on platforms across Africa and the US on the fashion business, women’s economic, social and educational empowerment, and personal growth. She is especially keen on continuous education, educating others, and encouraging, developing and guiding emerging designers, particularly young women aspiring to improve their craft and turn their craft into a business.
Sally is a huge champion in entrepreneurship, building economic stability and establishing healthy and sustainable livelihoods. In addition to all that she does, Sally also takes civic responsibility and is involved with many causes in the community and the country. In 2003, Sally founded Sympathy International to educate young women especially, teens on the importance of female reproductive health and hygiene. She has also collaborated with the Ghana Aids Commission to provide education and advocacy, care, and support on the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Central Region of Ghana.
She was the first teenager to receive the GAFUND at 16 years old and MSHAP from the Ghana Aids Commission for advocacy, Behavioral Change Communication and support for PLWHIV. Sally is a trailblazer who continues to drive evolution. She works hard in achieving the mission to promote indigenous, high quality, Ghanaian-made products and services globally. As part of her quest for excellence, growth, advancement, development and helping others, Sally hopes to use Sallet Fashion House and her other platforms as a conduit in representing Ghana on a world stage and paving the way for more African businesses to thrive.