About
The Artists
The Return Home is made possible through the imagination of the following artists whose work we have commissioned. Please support their artistry and their impact.
Alima Bello
Alima is Creative Director and Owner of Bello Edu. She began designing clothes for family and friends in 2008. She attributes her Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage as playing a major role in her flair for aesthetics. Her first collection debuted in 2014. In 2017 she opened the doors to her flagship store in Accra.
Araba Ankuma
Araba Ankuma is a montage artist whose work uses visual narrative to shift perception. Her documentary photography has been featured in publications such as Vogue and Whetstone Magazine and has evolved to include physical collage and sculpture. An international artist, Araba has exhibited in cities such as New York, Chicago, Berlin and Accra.
Elsa Mehary
Elsa is a creative strategist, visionary and thought leader. Her work spans two decades of design and media for In Style, NYTimes, Real Simple, Harpers Bazaar, Bon Appetite, and Essence. She creates dynamic visual branding, marketing strategies, and social positioning alignment with authentic storytelling. Elsa designs jewelry under the brand MeharyJewel.
Gina Reilly
Gina is Founder and Head Mixologist of The Bedroom Bartender. Having grown up on black cake and church wine, Gina’s exposure to spirits began with an appreciation for bold flavors often tied to her West Indian heritage. Known as the MacGyver of Mixed Drinks, she can whip up a smooth and crafty cocktail with limited ingredients.
Jane Ametefe
Jane is the owner of VaniaKreations and VaniaBags. VANIA means “God’s gift” and she channels her divine creativity as an artisan specializing in handmade beaded accessories and crochet handbags. Jane’s celebrity clients include Liquorose and Saskay from Big Brother Naija and the award-winning artist Aewura Djoah.
Jenny Groza
Jenny is a filmmaker and video editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She works in a variety of genres including documentaries, reality television, branded content, and many more. Her non-profit and corporate clients include Girls Inc., Goldman Sachs, Rent the Runway and Birchbox. She serves as Producer/Editor at Bravo at NBCUniversal Media.
Maia Gantcheva
Based in Washington DC, Maia's passion lies in branding, print, and web design. Building brands that engage, inspire, and captivate. Brands that are distinctive, authentic, and meaningful. Brands that not only pique our interest but keep it long after the fact and tell their story in a way that resonates with the people they serve.
Sammi Laryea
Sammi is the Founder of Sub-Saharan Fashion, a design firm dedicated to sharing the vibrant story of African culture and heritage. Creating clothing is his passion - a craft he can pursue on an empty stomach. His clients include jazz great Jeff Kashiwa and His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, the current President of Ghana.
