Here, the teen entrepreneur shares her story in her own words.
I was born in a very densely populated area in Lagos, Nigeria, called Makoko.
Growing up [there], I saw firsthand what it was like to struggle to make ends meet.
Samantha Burtt Photography
When my dad got a working visa, we moved to Jamaica, and then to Canada.
We lived in Parry Sound for a while, which is a tiny, [predominantly] white town.
I remember kids wanting to touch my hair to see what it felt like.
Samantha Burtt Photography
My hair does not do that.
It really taught me that you have to create your own definition of beauty.
Seeing people in my pieces made me feel so proud to be part of their hair journey.
The making of an Ashanti Avenue headband, which can expand or contract to accommodate all hair types.
There was a lot of trial and error.
It took a while for me to find fabric; the right elastic that allows for the perfect hold.
I like to walk around downtown Toronto [to find materials].
When I find that perfect bead, it brings ideas to my head.
The making of an Ashanti Avenue headband, which can expand or contract to accommodate all hair types.
As my business grows, I want to keep my products handmade.
Theres a certain quality that you cant get from a machine.
Im able to double-check that each thing I make is as perfect as possible.
And I never let anyone do my packaging.
Thats my favorite part.
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