From wedding ceremonies to bridal showers, birthday parties to anniversaries, Ameera’s Decor and Events is giving Gambian events a new look that is nothing but glamorous and colourful.

Founder by Ameera Fofana, Ameera’s Decor and Events is – becoming the fastest growing and leading event planning and decor company in The Gambia.

Ameera was on a journey to find her purpose in life as a single mother of two, which led to many adventures, including a vocation in hospitality, retail business, and music promotion.
Two years ago, she turned her passion into a profit-making business that redefines event planning and creates jobs in The Gambia.

The Sisters Show had a chat with Ameera where she shared with us her entrepreneurial journey, including challenges and what makes her a robust woman. She also spoke about her new business adventure—Ameera’s corporate brand.

The interview below has been edited for clarity purposes.

The Sisters Show

Tell us your story; how did Ameera’s Decor and events start, and why Event planning?

Ameera Fofana

Event planning and decoration have been a hobby for me; I didn’t learn it anywhere; it just came out as a gift, I guess. Two years ago, I decided to transform my passion into a business, and it has been a blessing ever since. There is space in the Gambian market for such a service, and it is steadily growing as Gambians are taking a keen interest in how their social cerema

Ameera Fofana’s journey in life has been one of the mixed feelings and many setbacks. However, I have always taken adversity as a challenge. It has been the catalyst for my personal growth and development. I was born and raised in The Gambia, and after graduating from high school, I got married with two sons. I tried finding my purpose in life as a single Mum of two; This journey took me to different vocations. I worked in the hospitality business, retail business, and music promotion. After a frantic search of myself, I discovered that I am a hands-on person, and design and decoration are my forte. The entrepreneurial zeal in me persuaded me to venture into events planning.

The Sisters Show

As a woman in business, challenges are part of the journey.
What are the notable milestones and challenges you have undergone in your entrepreneurial journey?

Ameera Fofana

The business environment is generally hostile but moreover to the womenfolk. Access to finance is a significant inhibitor of growth. The nature of my job is labor-intensive and requires physical strength. Supervising men can be cumbersome as some find it difficult to take instructions from a woman. Notwithstanding, I navigate these challenges employing my interpersonal skills while bearing in mind our cultural nuances. Ameera’s Decor is less than two years old, and the company has registered significant progress in a short space-time. We are a household name in the sector we served, and I am glad to say that I am providing gainful employment for several youth folks who otherwise wouldn’t have had an employment opportunity. We are also providing cutting edge services with innovative designs that keep our esteem clientele happy

The Sisters Show

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be? What was the biggest rookie mistake you made when just starting?

Ameera Fofana

Having a dream comes with lofty ideals. These ideals, if pursued with emotions, can derail your business plan. One of the salient lessons learned over the years is that businesses grow incrementally and not overnight. This requires nurturing and patience. My biggest rookie mistake was expecting an easy ride while discounting the competition.

The Sisters Show

African prints and fabrics are becoming dominant in Decor and fashion; how are you using them in your business?

Ameera Fofana

The clientele, to a large extent, dictates the theme of their event. However, African prints and other cultural artifacts are fast becoming headliners on many occasions we coordinate and decorate. With this pace, I expect a surge in the use of such materials in future events; they are beautiful.

The Sisters Show

You recently launched Ameera’s Corporate brand. Tell us more about it.

Ameera Fofana

Ameera’s corporate brand stems from my love for fashion. I have realised that most women are forced to buy clothes off the rack, and often, the fitting is not perfect because of the full-body nature of our shapes. I, therefore, decided to create a line that will deliver high finish quality while catering for a customised fitting for both Men and Women looking for everyday workwear.

Fast Three

The Sisters Show

Out of the professional world, what does Ameera enjoy the most?

Ameera Fofana

I love food, Lol, I enjoy the beach, I love traveling, visiting new places although I haven’t done that as I would love but hopefully in time.

The Sisters Show

Which social media app can’t you stay without?

Ameera Fofana

I think it would be Facebook; I got my favorite comedians there(laughing), and oney, or fame? LoL, be honest.

Ameera Fofana

Hehe, why can’t I have it all (Laughing)