There’s been a lot of talk about the need for Africans to work at changing the image of the continent in the mainstream media, which is mainly of poverty, wars, HIV/AIDS and other negative reportage.
Three years ago, Ghanaian, Sandra Appiah, together with her husband took the initiative to start the Face2Face Africa Magazine whose aim is to “provide a platform dedicated to rebranding Africa and fostering an interconnected generation of people of African descent worldwide”
Why the name Face2FaceAfrica? “ Because it was the perfect and most fitting representation of the purpose of the company. We are bringing Africa as it is to the world, not the usual one sided negative stories that we tend to hear and see in the Western media”
“It’s definitely been a very tough but rewarding journey. It has required courage, patience and perseverance. We’ve had to stay focused on our mission and be willing to adapt, learn and grow.”
I understand that all great achievements require time but it has also been the best three years of my life and I do not take anything for granted” Sandra says of what it is like managing a vision as big as Face2FaceAfrica.
Working with her husband seems to be a good one “we are each other’s rock. We keep each other grounded and motivated. Its love and business, 24/7(24 hours, 7 days).There couldn’t be anything better.
They’ve been profiled by BET, The Griot, Forbes 30 under 30: Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs, and Ebony amongst other high flying publications.
Sandra’s faith (I’m a spiritual person; she says of herself), her vision for Africa and her family are what motivates her to aim for the very best.
Before Face2FaceAfrica, she worked with MTV in New York, in content productions and previously with HBO, New York Times and other media outlets.
“I would like to encourage the youth to see the future of the country in their hands. They have the power to transform the country, but it will require sacrifices and selflessness. Most young Ghanaians are focused on opportunities outside of the country. That’s a huge mistake they need to see the potential and opportunities in the country. There saying goes that don’t go where the ball is, rather go where the ball is going. I believe that Africa is where the ball is going, so that’s where we need to.”
“As far as football, I wish the Black Stars the best of luck at the World Cup. Hope we do not encounter another”Asamoah Gyan situation” like last time, and actually bring the trophy home this time. It’s about time! #LetsGoalGhana
Sandra holds a degree in Communications from the Syracuse University – The Newhouse School of Public Communications and currently lives in New York, United States of America.
By: Gameli Hamelo/enewsgh.com