Ghanaian entrepreneur Gifty Abena Quarcoo has turned her passion and determination into a growing business in the country’s lingerie and lifestyle industry.
A graduate of the University of Cape Coast with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies, Quarcoo says her entrepreneurial journey was influenced by her upbringing as the daughter of a trader.
Her business, BODYSHOP_GH, started in 2016 with Bodyshop products sourced from the United Kingdom. However, the business took a new direction in 2019 after her sister introduced her to the lingerie market.
According to Quarcoo, a lingerie photoshoot organised by her sister generated significant interest in the products, encouraging her to explore the business more seriously.
She subsequently established relationships with both local and international suppliers, expanding her product range and gradually building a customer base.
What started as a home-based venture later moved to Instagram before expanding to sales from her car boot and eventually into a physical shop.
Quarcoo says BODYSHOP_GH currently sources products from the United Kingdom, United States, China and other parts of Africa.
However, her entry into the lingerie industry was not without challenges. Coming from a conservative Christian background, she faced personal reservations and criticism because of the perception surrounding products associated with intimacy.
Despite the challenges and criticism, Quarcoo remained committed to her vision. She says positive feedback from customers has strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to continue developing the business.
She now hopes to position BODYSHOP_GH as one of Ghana’s leading lingerie destinations while eventually expanding its presence internationally.
Sharing advice with aspiring entrepreneurs, Quarcoo encouraged them to overcome fear, believe in their purpose and remain willing to learn throughout their journey.
She stressed the importance of persistence, noting that entrepreneurs must be prepared to keep moving forward despite setbacks because quitting is often the easier option.
Her journey from a young graduate to the founder of a growing lingerie business highlights the role of determination, adaptability and persistence in building a successful enterprise.
