Anita-pearl Ankor, also known as “The Lady Painter” is a Ghanian based Painter/artist/muralist and CEO, Nytaz art, an art based company that deals in interior and exterior painting, wall art, pencil portraits and canvas paintings. Gracing our ladyboss spotlight today, This trailblazer, the lady painter, talks about her plan for the next 5 years, and how she has managed to stay strong as a female in a male dominated sector.
Can you briefly describe yourself and your business?
I am Anita-pearl Ankor, 26 years old, a Ghanaian and I live in Accra. I am the first born of three and the only girl. I had my tertiary education at University of Ghana where I studied agricultural science. I am a Painter/artist/muralist, and the CEO of Nytaz art which is an art based company that deals in interior and exterior painting, wall art, pencil portraits and canvas paintings. I am also an award winning finalist for PANAFRICAN awards (Africa’s most Influential Women in Business and Government), Arts and culture sector (central and west africa) by CEO Global ( SOUTH AFRICA) “.
What is it like being a female entrepreneur, and why did you chose to be one?
So far it has been awesome being a female entrepreneur in a male dominated sector, The only problem was at the beginning of my journey, I had to constantly prove to clients that I am very capable of any task given me in the painting field.
What new innovation have you introduced to your business?
I try as much as possible to make sure that my art pieces are unique, especially my abstract pieces. Repetition is one thing I avoid.
What will you say is responsible for your success so far?
Hard work, determination, planning and the love and passion for what I do.
In your opinion, would you say that there are any unique challenges that female entrepreneurs face?
For a female in a male dominated sector there are quite a few;
- People assume we can’t perform well, hence, we need to constantly prove that notion wrong.
- Some people especially males do not believe females should head or lead which makes them unwilling to work under us.
- Some males find females weak and try to cheat them during negotiations.
What values and principles have helped you so far?
– good customer service
– hard work
– good planning
Why did you decide to go into this particular line of business?
I have great passion for art and there is absolutely nothing better than living your dream.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and what’s kept you going?
- So far everything has been smooth.
The key is to defy all stereotypes and pursue what I love.
The love and passion for my career pushes me to work harder and do better.
What’s your five-year plan for your business?
In five years I plan to have a workable training system to be able to help talented children especially girls develop their artistic talents.
What do upcoming female entrepreneurs need to do to be successful in this path?
All I will say is they should dream big, start small and start now!
The LLA Lady Boss Series is a weekly interview series that highlights the achievements and entrepreneurial journeys of African female entrepreneurs. The idea is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through enterprise and business.
It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.
If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things in enterprise, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.
