An exclusive interview with Makafui Ayimey (MA), co-founder of the premium men’s lifestyle and fashion brand, Krachi Men’s Wear.
Krachi Men’s Wear, a sophisticated men’s fashion accessories startup, is the collaborative vision of co-founders Makafui Ayimey and Kojo Sarpong, operating with a discerning eye from Accra, Ghana, and Cape Town, South Africa.
The brand’s name, KRACHI, which means “young man” in the Akan traditional language, is fitting for their target of the trendy Ghanaian gentleman. Their core mission is designing high-quality bow ties and other accessories using local Ghanaian materials. The brand’s identity is rooted in the Adinkra symbol MPATAPO, a powerful emblem of reconciliation, peacemaking, and the harmonious resolution of conflict
MJ: Describe Krachi Men’s Wear in under 50 words.
MA: A contemporary Ghanaian menswear brand with a passion for African print bow-ties and pocket squares. We focus on high-quality accessories designed to generate positive conversation and reflect the vibrant spirit of the modern African man.
MJ: Tell us the story of Krachi Men’s Wear. What made you and your fellow co-founder, Kojo, decide to start working on Krachi Men’s Wear?
MA: The idea began from a desire to address a gap we saw in the market. We wanted to create a unique look for men, a style statement that was both formal and distinctly African, a look that genuinely generated conversation. Bow-ties seemed like the perfect canvas, an accessory with universal appeal. We realized that the simple introduction of African print fabric into that classic style was the key ingredient we needed to create the desired, powerful impact. It was about marrying traditional identity with global elegance.
MJ: What sets Krachi Men’s Wear apart from the competition?
MA: What truly distinguishes us is our unwavering focus on the customer journey. We believe in providing an experience that encourages the customer’s return, rather than just a transaction. Our personal approach to business is our biggest differentiator. We make a conscious effort to build relationships with our customers, understanding their preferences and ensuring every piece they receive meets premium quality standards, from the fabric choice to the final packaging.
MJ: How would you and your co-founder describe the Fashion scene in Ghana and Africa as a whole?
MA: The fashion scene in Ghana is incredibly vibrant, competitive, and inspiring. There are countless ideas currently being implemented, and designers are moving past old constraints, becoming much more creative in their thinking. Africa as a whole has shifted from a “small world” concept to recognizing that the world offers endless opportunities. This shift is reflected brilliantly in how African print is now confidently and elegantly fused with Western design principles and high-quality fabrication. It’s a confident, global statement.
MJ: Cape Town. Johannesburg. Accra? How do you manage the geographical distance and time difference?
MA: It certainly poses organizational challenges, but it’s a lot easier now with current mobile technology and cloud-based systems. Communication is practically endless. We leverage video conferencing for face-to-face meetings and use shared documents to keep projects synchronized. The key is strict time management and clear communication protocols, ensuring our teams in both locations are always aligned with the brand vision.
MJ: Beyond accessories, what is the core philosophy or message you communicate through your brand’s Adinkra symbol?
MA: Our logo, the Adinkra symbol MPATAPO, is a huge part of our identity. It is a symbol of reconciliation, peacemaking, and pacification. Mpatapo represents the bond or knot that binds parties in a dispute to a peaceful, harmonious reconciliation. For Krachi, it symbolizes the bond we create with our customers, and a commitment to harmony between tradition and modernity, and between African fashion and the global market.
MJ: Where do you see Krachi Mens Wear in 5 years’ time?
MA: We envision Krachi Mens Wear becoming a fully fledged menswear lifestyle store. We are focused on expanding our local and international presence, not just through our own online platforms, but also by successfully stocking in major department stores worldwide. We want Krachi to be recognized globally as the quintessential brand for high-quality African-inspired accessories.
MJ: Is there anything you and your co-founder would go back and do differently if you had the chance?
MA: (Laughs) We will make wearing bow-ties compulsory! On a more serious note, perhaps we would have invested more heavily in developing our e-commerce infrastructure earlier on, to better capitalize on the initial excitement we generated.
MJ: What scope do you see for the fashion industry in Ghana/Africa in the next 5 years and how do you plan to leverage it?
MA: We forecast that the African fashion industry will become a major global force, shaping international thinking on style and grooming. We intend to leverage this boom by ensuring that our brand maintains its innovative edge, constantly creating new designs, and prioritizing visibility so that Krachi remains relevant, prominent, and the go-to brand for stylish African accessories worldwide.
MJ: What one piece of advice would you like to give to soon-to-be fashion designers/startup founders out there?
MA: The advice is simple but crucial: Be original, be creative. Focus on your unique perspective. No one can implement your idea better, or with more passion, than you do. Don’t chase trends; set them.
MJ: Where can one find your products? Online? Physical stores? How do you handle packing and shipping?
MA: We primarily exhibit our wares on Facebook and Instagram at the moment, which serve as our main digital shopfronts. We are currently creating an Etsy store to streamline international transactions. We will soon be stocking at a dedicated shop in the Airport Residential Area, Accra. We take great care with packaging, ensuring every item arrives in pristine condition, and we efficiently ship to destinations worldwide.
