On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Creative Ascent returned to Vegas Lounge, Kumasi, for its third edition — and the energy was as electric as the maiden. Hosted by Meraki Channels, the meetup brought together a buzzing mix of Kumasi creatives, entrepreneurs, and business minds eager to explore one theme: Personal Branding: Building A Brand Identity — how we present ourselves, our work, and the opportunities that follow.
The afternoon opened with light icebreakers, sparking laughter and easing the crowd into connection. What started as simple games quickly set the tone for deeper conversations about how creativity and strategy meet. Attendees weren’t just there to network — they were there to challenge ideas and reframe how they thought about branding in their own journeys.
The highlight of the evening was the panel session, brilliantly steered by natural hair and skin care content creator, Konayyy, who guided the discussion with warmth and thoughtful questions. On stage were two voices steadily shaping Kumasi’s creative and digital economy: serial entrepreneur Akwasi Boateng, and Naa Mawufemor, Creative Lead at Meraki Channels. Together, they unpacked branding not as a logo or aesthetic, but as the lived story behind how one shows up.
As Naa reflected, “Branding is about perception before you even say a word. It’s the consistency of how you show up, the clarity in what you communicate, and the story your presence tells about your value.” She added, “In the beginning, I would accept work that undervalued my skills simply because I thought I needed the experience. The shift happened when I realized experience alone doesn’t guarantee respect. Protecting your value is also part of the brand you’re building.”
From there, the discussion explored how creatives can intentionally shape first impressions, balance authenticity with perception, and draw boundaries between their private lives and public brands. One theme stood out: branding is less about performance and more about consistency. From the way you dress, to how you talk, to how you reply to emails, to the tone of your social media posts, the little things tell the bigger story of who you are.
Akwasi brought in another layer of insight, emphasizing the danger of inconsistency. “Sometimes, creatives show up sharp and professional at an event, but then their online presence tells a different story. That gap makes people second-guess your seriousness,” he noted, urging attendees to ensure that their digital and physical presence align.
Later, he added a powerful reminder on the link between presentation and opportunity: “How you show up communicates respect for yourself and for your craft. It doesn’t mean changing who you are, but striking the balance and recognizing that presentation frames the kind of opportunities that come your way.”
As the session drew to a close, the panel left a practical charge: “First impressions set expectations, so make sure what people see — both offline and online — aligns with the story you want to tell. Your digital presence should carry the same confidence, clarity, and professionalism you project in person. Remember, your brand lives in the little things. It’s not about posting every day, but about being intentional whenever you do. When both worlds align, your brand becomes undeniable. Every interaction and every commitment you honor reinforces whether people see you as reliable.”
Beyond the formal conversations, the meetup blossomed into pockets of collaboration. Around tables and corners of the lounge, creatives exchanged contacts, pitched projects, and began exploring partnerships, and many walked away with practical takeaways they could apply to their craft the very next day.
As Meraki Channels looks ahead to the next meetup on October 25, the vision remains clear: to help creatives and entrepreneurs in Kumasi not only refine their skills but also scale smarter in a digital-first economy.
