Ghanaian pencil artist Aewuradjoa Torto Allotey, popularly known as Aewura Arts, has expanded her career beyond the creative industry into importation and property development.
The artist, who has built recognition through her pencil portrait work, is now co-owner of RNH Imports and has also ventured into property development through RNH Properties with her husband, Randy Allotey.
Aewuradjoa said her transition into entrepreneurship was influenced by the experiences she gained while building her art career, particularly her exposure to branding, logistics and other aspects of running a business.
According to her, the growth of Aewura Arts created opportunities to understand challenges faced by businesses and consumers, including difficulties associated with importing goods into Ghana.
“Art opened the door, but curiosity, teamwork, and growth expanded the vision,” she said.
She explained that discussions with her husband about the challenges surrounding importation eventually led them to establish RNH Imports as a business focused on addressing practical needs in the market.
Beyond importation, the couple has also entered the property sector through RNH Properties, with Aewuradjoa describing the move as part of their broader plan to create sustainable businesses and build long-term value.
Aewuradjoa’s entrepreneurial journey comes several years after she began establishing herself as a pencil portrait artist.
Her interest in drawing developed while she was in senior high school, where she designed writing pads and produced portraits for colleagues and teachers. With encouragement from her parents, she continued developing her artistic abilities and eventually turned the skill into a commercial venture.
She later left paid employment to pursue her art career fully, despite the uncertainty that came with choosing entrepreneurship over the security of a regular salary.
Her strategy included participating in exhibitions, marketing her work directly to potential clients and using social media to increase the visibility of her brand.
The decision, she said, was driven by her desire to satisfy clients, promote female participation in pencil art and create a sustainable livelihood from her talent.
With the growth of her art brand, Aewuradjoa said she gradually recognised the importance of developing skills beyond creativity.
Her experience has since seen her take on multiple roles as an artist, businesswoman, brand ambassador and influencer.
She said managing the different responsibilities requires careful planning, delegation and prioritisation rather than attempting to handle everything simultaneously.
“Balance isn’t about doing everything at once, it’s about prioritising,” she explained.
According to her, family support and allowing herself time to rest have also helped her manage the demands of her different ventures.
Aewuradjoa acknowledged that moving from being primarily an artist to becoming an entrepreneur has come with its own challenges.
One of the major lessons she said she has learnt is the importance of delegation and working with others instead of trying to handle every responsibility herself.
She said setbacks and pressure have strengthened her resilience while teaching her the importance of partnerships and continuous learning.
“I don’t see regrets, I see lessons. Every step was taken with intention,” she said.
She also pointed to the growth of Aewura Arts, the recognition and awards she has received, as well as collaborations with established brands, as some of the achievements she is most proud of.
She said the development of RNH Imports and their property ventures represents another significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
Aewuradjoa believes her experience demonstrates that entrepreneurs do not have to remain confined to a single profession or industry.
She encouraged young people, particularly women, to begin with what they have, remain open to learning and be willing to explore new opportunities.
“You don’t need to fit into one box. You can evolve, collaborate, and still succeed,” she said.
On the broader entrepreneurial environment in Ghana, she said the country has significant talent that could contribute to economic development if entrepreneurs receive stronger support.
She identified access to funding, practical education and effective support systems as areas that could help more businesses survive and grow.
For Aewuradjoa, the expansion from pencil art into importation and property development is ultimately about creating businesses that can generate lasting value.
“Importation and property development are about sustainability, building something that lasts beyond the individual,” she said.
She added that the growth of businesses has wider implications for the country.
“When businesses grow, the nation grows too,” she said.
