Adama Maju - Fashion & Interior Designer, Customiser and African Art Party Host
In 2012, after graduating with a Masters Degree in Management Accounting & Finance, I launched Ambiance of Africa with a vision to showcase and celebrate the contribution of African culture to the world of Art and Fashion. My passion for all forms of art and design is manifested in my offering of a vast array of products sourced from different parts of Africa. African imagery is at the forefront of popular celebrations of multiculturalism and in recent times, many western cities have begun to add an African twist to their fashion week annals. My aim is to create a platform for promoting and making striking statements of African beauty and culture.
Growing up in Sierra Leone, I have always been amazed by the brilliant artistry exhibited by groups of men or women as they weave and tie-dye extraordinarily beautiful fabrics such as indigo, hand-carve furniture and statues from wood with exceptional skill or produce Batik paintings depicting the life and culture of a truly remarkable people. It is my pleasure to share these treasures with the world. I take pride in my heritage and have profound admiration and respect for traditional African art forms and it is this passion that inspires my work - every piece celebrates the creativity, passion and energy that is African Art. My interest and experience in fashion design spans over two decades and was born from the desire to create a range of clothing that blend African styles with western fashion and materials especially favouring vibrant and colourful African fabric. During my studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, I designed fashion wear ranging from party wear and smart casual wear to office looks for myself and fellow students, popularising the 'western-ethnic' trend.
In 1992 I travelled to the UK to further my studies, with a dream to someday establish a cultural platform for promoting traditional and contemporary African Artists & designers. In 2002 I studied interior design at the Chelsea School of Art in London and thereafter established a window-dressing & soft furnishings business in Atlanta, USA. My travels in Europe, Middle East, Far East and Africa in recent years has had further influence on my work and re-affirmed my belief that as human beings, there is so much we share in common, yet so much more we can learn from each other through education and by showcasing our individual cultures. My collection though partial to African heritage, is therefore eclectic and highly international.
Ambiance of Africa is an enterprise which serves as an educational resource base within our Western communities, promoting heritage and cultural knowledge thus fostering understanding and appreciation for our diverse African cultures. At Ambiance of Africa, we uphold socially responsible practices and believe in fair trade. When you purchase an item from us, you not only experience authentic African culture but you also help our hard-working suppliers and partners in Africa who create and supply these products. Through your purchase of any product from us, you support African artisans in being self-sufficient individuals who carry on traditions that are generations old. We invite you to give yourself a really fun experience with this site and treat yourself with something special, unique, exotic and beautiful!
Adama
Founder & CEO, Ambiance of Africa
