Founder of The Gele Centre, Emanuella Mba Kalo Onyekachi, has credited the 2020 wedding of Kennedy Osei and Tracy Osei, popularly known as Kency, with helping to introduce modern gele styling to a broader Ghanaian audience.
Speaking to Aimee Cherry on Style on 3Music TV, the entrepreneur revealed that her business gained significant recognition after she supplied gele fabrics and styling services for the bridesmaids at the high-profile ceremony.
According to Emanuella, many Ghanaians previously viewed gele as an accessory worn mainly by brides or associated with Nigerian ceremonies. However, the widespread attention the Kency wedding received showcased how coordinated gele styles could be incorporated into bridal parties and other special events.
Emanuella, who relocated from Nigeria to Ghana 11 years ago, said she launched The Gele Centre seven years ago after identifying a market opportunity for ready-to-wear gele designs that women could easily wear without professional assistance.
She noted that building the business initially came with challenges, as many potential customers were unfamiliar with gele styling and often doubted whether the fashion accessory would suit them.
To raise awareness, she adopted a hands-on marketing approach, wearing her products in public and engaging directly with potential customers.
She explained that the exposure generated by the Kency wedding significantly boosted public awareness of her brand and helped attract a growing customer base.
Since then, Emanuella has worked with several media personalities, entertainers, and other public figures while expanding her business through customer referrals and social media engagement.
Looking ahead, the entrepreneur disclosed plans to expand The Gele Centre beyond Ghana’s borders while creating more employment opportunities for young women.
