Meet Michelle Hammond | Founder and CEO of Ruahh

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Hammond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My name is Michelle Hammond, and I am the founder and CEO of Ruahh. We provide chic and unique accessories for the versatile woman and her adventures. I was born and raised in Ghana but moved to the United States to complete my Bachelor’s. Today, my business and brand, Ruahh, is focused on fusing my Ghanaian culture with modern design to create chic accessories for women. My cultural influences have provided a rich source of inspiration and symbolism that I am proud to include in my brand.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others?
Ruahh’s pieces combine cultural motifs and hues borrowed from my African heritage. Our color palettes are vibrant and create statement pieces that are chic, unique, versatile, and tell stories of a beautiful culture from a faraway land. I believe this is what sets my brand apart. We are most proud to combine these attributes to bring every woman uniqueness in style.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Professionally, I’ve been working as a graphic designer for several years. However, the Ruahh brand started with a need for a multi-purpose diaper bag. As a mother of two, I always found constantly needing a versatile bag that could effortlessly double as a diaper or casual bag. I had searched but couldn’t find any bag that satisfied me or was affordable. So, I decided to create a handbag, and voila, the first Ruahh bag was born. Since its inception, our products have grown to include jewelry tying into our mission – creating beautiful items for every woman who values versatility and me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live out in the country surrounded by horses and beautiful green landscapes. Even though my best friend and I are homebodies, we love Medieval Times. I mean, how many times do you get to experience an electrifying century-old history in our modern world? It’s a first outing choice.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s always emotional when I do shoutouts because they remind me of how blessed I am. I credit all my successes to Christ Almighty. My faith plays a significant role in my life’s decisions, and I can’t imagine it any other way. I’m also blessed to have amazing friends and family who are constantly shaping me positively. When I hit a creative or business blank, and I’m unsure of my next step, Rhonda Abrams’s book “Successful Business Plan always seems to help me find answers. With little or no business acumen when I started the business, this book has brought me to speed in this industry.

Website: ruahh.com

Instagram: @loveruahh

Facebook: Ruahh

Image Credits
Muse: @abena.br, @sarahdravesfluitt, @miss_gh_1
Photography: @impasto_photography, @eyecreatereality