Aisha Ayensu has redefined how the world experiences African fashion through Christie Brown, a globally acclaimed brand known for its fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary elegance. In this exclusive AFFC interview, she reflects on her journey, the core values behind her creative vision, and her commitment to elevating African creatives. With grace and intention, Aisha shares insights on leadership, storytelling, and building a legacy with purpose.
This is more than a cover feature—it’s a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the power that design holds over the global narrative of Africa.
Let her powerful story of purpose and creativity elevate your perspective.
AFFC: You launched Christie Brown at just 23. What inspired you to start the brand, and what did you envision at the beginning?
Aisha: The brand was actually born out of the desire to change how the world viewed Africa. I grew up in a Pan-Africanist home and that sentiment of wanting the world to see and appreciate the Africa I knew and loved gave birth to this desire to create a global luxury brand right from here. It was my personal form of activism, to be honest.
AFFC: How did your upbringing and Ghanaian heritage influence your approach to design and storytelling through fashion?
Aisha: I grew up in a very liberal and quite unorthodox African home where the idea of patriarchy didn’t quite exist while pride in our “African-ness” was a big deal. I saw my dad treat my mom as a partner and never impose stereotypical gender roles on her. That instilled a sense of confidence in who I was and where I’m from. I’ve always wanted women to feel that same confidence in embracing all aspects of themselves.
AFFC: What were some of the defining moments that shaped you into the founder and creative leader you are today?
Aisha: Definitely overcoming hurdles. For example, staging a launch event at the Accra Polo Club with very little funding taught me the power of creativity. To this day, some of our best ideas have come from challenging circumstances like our virtual runway show during the pandemic in 2020, which gave rise to our e-commerce business.
AFFC: Christie Brown has become a household name in African luxury fashion. What has been the secret to building a globally recognized yet authentically African brand?
Aisha: Staying true to our vision, the strength of partnership and collaboration, building strong structures, and never getting complacent with being a big fish in a little pond.
AFFC: How have you balanced preserving cultural identity with staying relevant in the ever-evolving global fashion industry?
Aisha: It’s always been about storytelling. Our cultural identity is rich, it’s a wellspring of inspiration. But I’m also designing for a global, sophisticated woman. It’s not about mimicking the past but reimagining it through a modern lens. That’s what Christie Brown has mastered.
AFFC: What challenges did you face in scaling the brand across borders, and how did you overcome them?
Aisha: Scaling from Ghana to the global stage came with hurdles like infrastructure, capital, and perception. But storytelling, delivering quality, building the right team, and staying consistent helped us overcome those barriers.
AFFC: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating new collections?
Aisha: It usually starts with a feeling, the emotional state of the CB woman. She is my muse. I ask, “What does she need to feel empowered?” It’s spiritual for me, often led by the Holy Spirit, and sometimes influenced by heritage, music, travel, or conversations.
AFFC: How do you maintain originality in a world where trends and fast fashion are so dominant?
Aisha: I’m creating clothes that make women feel something. That authenticity protects the work. Trends are just references—we filter them through our unique lens.
AFFC: Christie Brown pieces are known for blending tradition with contemporary silhouettes. How do you decide when to push creative boundaries?
Aisha: I’m my own toughest critic. Everything gets measured against our brand ethos. Innovation often starts with a creative itch and then gets validated by the CB woman herself.
AFFC: As a female founder leading a fashion house, what has your leadership journey taught you?
Aisha: Leadership is stewardship. I’m not just managing a brand—I’m nurturing people and protecting vision. It’s taught me to listen, stay grounded, and trust God’s timing. I’ve also learned it’s okay not to have all the answers if you lead with intention and integrity.
AFFC: What values drive the culture at Christie Brown, and how do you keep your team aligned with your vision?
Aisha: A commitment to excellence. Everyone understands that we’re building something bigger than ourselves. That shared belief influences every department.
AFFC: How do you mentor or inspire the next generation of African designers and creatives?
Aisha: Access, honesty, and example. I believe in showing people what’s possible and then opening doors. That’s why we’re launching the Christie Brown Academy—to provide structure and mentorship that can shape the industry.
AFFC: What role do you believe fashion plays in shaping Africa’s global narrative?
Aisha: Fashion is cultural diplomacy. It allows us to tell our story on our own terms, challenge stereotypes, celebrate talent, and create economic opportunities. What we’re building is bigger than us.
AFFC: How important is it for African brands to be globally competitive while staying rooted in local stories?
Aisha: That’s our superpower. The world is hungry for new voices. If told well and executed with excellence, our stories have the power to shift industries.
AFFC: What does it mean to you to design for the modern African woman?
Aisha: She is intentional, self-aware, and global in mindset while grounded in heritage. Designing for her means helping her show up fully—powerful and feminine, all at once.
AFFC: What’s next for Christie Brown? Are there new markets, products, or stories you’re excited to explore?
Aisha: Absolutely! We’re expanding into new product categories, entering more global markets, and exploring collaborations that push our aesthetic forward. I’m also really excited about the Christie Brown Academy—it’s going to be part of our long-term legacy.
AFFC: What’s one thing you wish someone told you before you started this journey?
Aisha: Honestly, I’m glad no one told me how long it would take—I might have been too impatient to start! Purpose has carried me even when motivation wanes.
AFFC: What advice do you have for emerging African founders—especially women—building global brands from the continent?
Aisha: Don’t be afraid to let people in. As women, we often guard our visions fiercely. That’s valid—but growth requires trust, collaboration, and space for others. Some of your biggest opportunities will come when you allow others to contribute to your journey.
