Christmas means many things to different people. While most people kick back during Christmas, Edna Frimpong, a Ghanaian craftswoman, admits the season is one of her busiest times. “As a shoemaker, Christmas is a peak period because most people are ordering and buying new shoes,” Frimpong tells The Benchmark.
But that doesn’t mean she neglects her loved ones during Christmas. “I try to balance my work with spending time with family. I cook family meals and spend time with close loved ones, and for those far away, I call to wish them well.”
She juggles business and family, as Christmas is when everyone wants to look their best in new shoes.
Fondly known as “The Shoemaker Gurl,” Frimpong is the perfect example of resilience and creativity. When the COVID-19 lockdown cost her a job with an NGO, she didn’t let it stop her. Instead, she leaned into her passion for shoemaking- an art she inherited from her father and turned it into a thriving business as she co-founded Ahofade. This brand blends African fashion and culture. There, she creates premium locally made shoes and inspires others to follow their passions, regardless of the odds.
Discussing how she balances the demands of her business and life at Christmas, Frimpong tells The Benchmark that the end of the year is when she retreats into her to relax and reflect.
“Every year, I have a personal retreat. I separate myself from the world and spend time with God. It’s my time to reflect on my wins and mistakes and map out strategies for the new year.” The entrepreneur’s Christmas is intentionally quiet and not unnecessarily loud. This self-evaluation practice has become a yearly ritual that helps her recharge and face the new year’s challenges with clarity. “It’s more of a time for personal retreat and reflection. It’s how I stay focused and prepare to improve,” she says.
Frimpong has earned numerous awards and continues to empower young entrepreneurs through her book, ‘The Shoemaker Gurl’, and her speaking engagements. Her ‘Shoes for the Shoeless’ initiative makes a difference by providing footwear to underprivileged children and helping them walk to school confidently.
Stepping into the new year, Edna Frimpong has big plans and is gearing up for 2025. “I have a lot in store,” she enthusiastically shares. But in everything I do, I will take bold steps and be daring for myself and my business.”
If wishes were horses, Edna Frimpong would not hesitate to have Apostle Joshua Selman, a popular Nigerian preacher, as a dinner guest at Christmas. “If I could host anyone this Christmas, it would be him,” she chortles.
Chatting with Edna Frimpong this Christmas was a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be ostentatious to be meaningful. With a mix of work, family, and personal retreats, she is making the most of the season while preparing to conquer the new year.
Merry Christmas, Boss Lady!
