An innate desire to use her schedule and the need to play her part in assisting with the alleviation of youth unemployment, were the factors that pushed Sheila Afari to become an entrepreneur.

Born in Ghana on May 26, 1986, she moved to Eastern Cape, South Africa, at the age of two where she grew up. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in English & Psychology and a certificate in Public Relations from the University of Cape Town. Sheila is currently studying towards her honours degree in Psychology through UNISA.

Miss Afari’s entrepreneurial journey began whilst she was in the university in 2008, with the establishment of Lavish Industries, an events company, which has since grown to include a décor and interior design division as well as an online lifestyle store.

Sheila later co-founded a company Design for Style (DFS) in 2010, where she served as its Chief executive Officer. DFS offers emerging fashion designers a platform to enter the fashion industry by showcasing their designs through fashion shows, and managing the retailing of their collections for them. She resigned earlier this year but continues to offer her support to young designers.

In May 2012, Sheila started her self-named company, Sheila Afari Group, after resigning as the marketing manager of a mobile devices company.

The Sheila Afari Group comprises of Sheila Afari Public Relations which handles publicity for some of South Africa’s biggest celebrities including Khuli Chana, Kabelo Mabalane and Ms Cosmo, Sheila Afari Business Development, Miss Ghana South Africa, Lavish Industries, Sheila Afari Property Development and Sheila Afari Foundation.

The foundation addresses issues of sexual health and empowering females aged 8-18 years old and in making informed decisions about sex and instilling self-worth and confidence in them. It will be launched in early 2014.

Sheila, who currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, describes herself as a hardworking and ambitious young woman and believes that Ghana is full of opportunities and potential entrepreneur endeavors. She hopes to cross over into the Ghanaian market in 2014.

Sheila speaks English, Xhosa and Afrikaans (South African dialects) and Twi.