Hey babe! Welcome back for another episode in the Amplify Your Weddings series. Today we are chatting about one of the greatest marketing tools you can use to grow your business and connect with your dream clients—storytelling! In this episode I am chatting with my dear friend and social media guru, Akua Konadu. Akua has a passion for all things storytelling, and helping others to craft their own stories and show up as truly themselves online. I am so honored to introduce you to her today, and to dive deep into this conversation. 

The Power Of Storytelling In Growing Your Business (2:22)

Key Components Of A Memorable And Impactful Story (4:34)

Akua’s Advice For Wedding Photographers (9:46)

How To Keep Sharing Your Story Without Simply Repeating Yourself (16:17)

All About Akua’s Storytelling Intensive (20:38)

Rewriting Your Story (25:58)

Get Connected With Akua (27:37)

Connect with Akua:

akuakonadu.com

instagram.com/Akuakonadu_/

Here’s The Tea with Akua Konadu

Ama & Akua

Review the Transcript:

Quianna Marie
Your story is the heartbeat of your brand, helping you deeply connect with your audience in order to make a lasting impression. When your message is crafted in a strategic way, you’ll have no problem winning your audience’s attention and trust. This is an episode that I am so, so lucky and honored to introduce you to my dear friend Akua. Akua is a incredible social media guru. She helps you feel confident in your own skin, while helping you show up online and truly be a magnet for the clients, friends and future relationships that you want to attract. After winning the title of Miss Minnesota International in 2015. Akula truly, truly thrives in serving her community and sharing an unfiltered story. As many of us are starting to create these brands and these empires, we have to share our stories. Our stories are impactful. And that is exactly what Akua is born to do is to help you facilitate, create, grow, craft and honestly be the author of your own story. So I can go on and on about how fun and lively beautifully and just incredibly inspiring. A cooler is. But I’m gonna introduce you so let’s get this party started. I cannot wait. Let’s go.

Quianna Marie
Welcome to Quianna Marie weekly, a podcast for creatives who love to celebrate wins big or small by dancing in the kitchen photographers who are excited to serve their clients and friends who are ready to chase really, really big dreams. You can find all of the resources mentioned in this episode at Kiana murray.com/podcast. Join me as I share weekly motivation, chat about growing pains, finding genuine connections and celebrating your wins through the lens of a photographer at heart. Come join me for a dance party. Ready? Loves though.

Quianna Marie
All right, all right. Welcome. Akua I am so so thankful you’re here. How are you?

Akua Konadu
I am good girl. I’m so excited to be here. I’m like I was shocked. Because I’m scared of dancing. Because you know, I’ve missed my girl Quianna. So I’m so excited to be here. Thank you for having me.

Quianna Marie
Yes, absolutely. Let’s get this party started. And let’s dive right into these questions. Yeah, oh, my goodness. So please share with us Akua the power of storytelling and growing your business?

Akua Konadu
Yeah. So number one, he I don’t know if he has to tell you about like, I’m obsessed with storytelling. And the reason why is because it plays such a small role in marketing. But it’s powerful. Like why I love storytelling so much. It’s because it truly does a lot of the heavy lifting for you in your marketing when it’s done well. And so I think that’s why I love storytelling. That’s why I think it’s just so so important is because it’s a really easy way for your audience to be able to get to know you to be able to connect with you, and makes it a lot easier when it’s time for you to you know, sell on social media. And I think one thing that I always like to remind people is that like people buy from people. And so storytelling just makes it a lot easier for people to see you for who you are, and want to be able to connect with you, especially based on your values and what it is that you that you stand for. So that’s why I’m obsessed with storytelling again, because it just it’s so powerful. And it’s really, really cool to see how it can really change people’s perspectives how you can really impact people by your own personal journey, what you’ve walked through what you’ve been through. And I think when it’s used well, it can it can really like make waves. It’s really awesome.

Quianna Marie
Oh my gosh, yes. And I feel like this is such an underutilized tool. I mean, storytelling is I mean, for as long as human existence has existed, it’s we’ve passed down generations, we’ve passed on education and knowledge through stories and, and I know I just I just think of campfires, right, or old school medicine women back in the tribes back in the day of just human existence. And these stories are just, they’re powerful. Oh my gosh,

Akua Konadu
full. And even when you think in even in terms of social media, like it is constantly evolving, right? We now have tick tock and like, how videos is just taking over by storm now. But the one marketing strategy that has never changed, like one of the like, one of the ones that I mainly know is stories, storytelling, that will never change in marketing, no matter how much it evolves, storytelling will always always be there. And that’s one of the best ways to truly connect with your audience and people.

Quianna Marie
Amazing. So can you please as the storytelling expert, and the inspiration behind all these stories, can you please break down the key components of a memorable and impactful story? Do you have like a cheat sheet or a formula that that can help us to kind of articulate the stories?

Akua Konadu
Yeah, so like, be even before like, even with a type of formula like these are things that I like people to remember of like how to share power for story. Number one, is it meaningful Right, is this a story have some significance, because we are all dealing with content shock constantly. There’s so much content being thrown at us, especially like I said, with reels and Tik Tok, and all of that type of jazz. And so in order for you to stand out, your story has to have some type of meaning it needs to be meaningful. And so it should really serve a purpose. You really don’t want to share a story just to share a story. So asking yourself, why do I want to tell this story is important? Because it’s how is it going to benefit your audience? What value is this story going to provide to your audience? And what do you want them to take away from the story. So that’s how you’re going to be determine if the story is meaningful or not, even if it’s worth sharing. And then number two is it evokes an emotion. A strong story is all about emotions, and stimulating empathy. If you were able to get people to look at things, from your perspective, having an empathy piece, you can make them do anything you want. And so it’s not just about what you do. It’s truly about how you affect people. How do you want people to feel after they have engaged with your story? Do you want them to feel inspired? Do you want them to feel excited? You know, really think about what those emotions are? And then what type of resolution are you providing for a problem, right? So again, if you’re sharing your story, you want to evoke some type of emotion. If they’re not getting their certain needs met, like are they feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed? And then you’re going to come in and provide them that solution? What emotions do you want them to feel after their solution after the problem has been solved? Because you’re the solution? I feel like I kind of went in a circle there. But hopefully that makes sense.

Quianna Marie
Yeah, no, I’m literally mesmerized. Like as, as an interviewer, I’m trying to pretend like I’m a little mini Oprah over here. I’m just like, mesmerized. Like, I don’t know what to say next. Because I’m just listening to the story that you’re sharing.

Akua Konadu
Your just way over here. Yeah. And also to is it simple and clear, like a huge mistake, and certain people are sharing so much unnecessary information, like again, like I said, we are always dealing with content shock, you got to make it super clear and concise, get to the point. You know what I mean? Like, you don’t need to provide it provide unnecessary details, keep it simple, the simple, the more simpler, the better. So I always like to say you focus on one person, one problem at a time so that you don’t overwhelm your audience. So that’s number one, making it simple and clear. Number two, authentic, I hate that word authenticity, because I feel like it’s so overused, but it’s so important in storytelling, you don’t need to be like you don’t need to embellish. You don’t need to, you know, dramatic size, the story, just be open and honest and transparent, and just share what it is. You know what I mean? Like, again, it’s a lot easier for us, in this day and age more than anything, when we can tell when people are being very disingenuous, share it for what it is. And if it’s a simple story, like I think one of the huge common misconceptions people have with storytelling is people are like, Well, I have nothing to share, because nothing bad happened to me, I didn’t have anything traumatic happened to me. And you don’t need to, in order to be to share your story. The best stories that have done well, especially on social media that has, you know, gone viral, or, you know, have how, like, have gone to infinite growth is the most mundane stories ever, because they are the most relatable. So keep it authentic, just be real about what you’re going through in your life, whether that be something super small, or something that’s a little bit bigger. I think those are, you know, just be authentic, be be true to who you are.

Quianna Marie
I’m so so grateful that you mentioned that because I feel like we have this misconception, a lot of us either business owners, or creatives where we feel like we have to share a trauma, or we have to share something sad and highly emotional in that, you know, kind of expression when it doesn’t always have to be that way you can literally share a story about your morning routine, or about something positive, you know, a really great impact that someone had in your life that was sparked by a tiny conversation that most of us have every day. So I love that you mentioned kind of almost giving us permission to share these stories and be vulnerable without feeling like it has to make everybody cry.

Akua Konadu
Yeah, it does not. And I think that’s to your point, what people think about storytelling, especially when I share my own story, because, you know, I like I’ve, like everybody else we’ve been through a lot, right? So I think people instantly have that misconception that like, Oh, something bad had have happened. That’s gonna make it a good story. And it’s like, no, just share again by like your morning routine. How was like just something fun happening with your kids that like, you know, those really small, intimate moments that bring you joy, like, that’s okay to share that actually, people would prefer it because again, it’s very, very relatable and people can see themselves within that. So yeah.

Quianna Marie
So what advice would you give to so this whole series I got going on right now is amplify your weddings and we are specifically talking to wedding photographers, and I also have tons of incredible creatives and small business owners that are tuning in to So hey, if you’re Not a photographer. All are welcome. Yeah. But what advice would you give to photographers to share stories of their couples that naturally just kind of spark those marketing tools?

Akua Konadu
Yeah, um, you know, as wedding photographers, you’re with your couples for a while, right? Like it like a lot of couples do the engagement photos, and then you know, helping with the timeline with their wedding, and then you’re there on the wedding day. So you have a lot of time to really get to know your couples. And so, being a little bit more intentional, of how you can listen to them, so that you can really implement some certain pieces of their story into your marketing, I love when I see like, first looks, I always kind of want to know more. And I know like you guys share a lot of that, but I always want to know more about them with their first like, like, even with their dress, like the bride’s dress, like, was there any inspiration? Like what was the reason why she chose that dress? Or like, what’s the story behind this first look was like doing it with their grandfather, like, you know, sometimes they don’t do it with their spouse, they’ll do it like with their grandparents or whatever, like, describe some of the relationship between those two, like, what did you see and envision that day that like could be shared in a story. So really, like stories are all around us constantly, you just have to look for them. You know what I mean? So as you’re getting to know these couples just be a lot more intentional with what you’re seeing and also to what their what you’re hearing from them. And don’t be afraid to ask additional questions that you can gain more insight. So then it’s a lot easier for you to create that that content. Also to even have like the decor right like when the reception, what inspired what they have the feat, right, like walking people through the process of the day for the couple, because each couple is different. So even if you’re going to put a reel together, grab some video footage throughout the day. And it doesn’t have to be specific, just grab what you can because I already know as wedding photographers, y’all are busy, just grab what you can that day from beginning to end, and then just start putting the footage together. And you’re going to start creating this magical story that started from zero to having like the bride isn’t the you know, they’re in their robe, getting ready to now having this beautiful wedding, like walk people through that journey, and share a little bit about what inspired the looks, you know, their dresses, their everything, like, I think that if that helps at all, I just think like, like I said their stories around us, you just gotta look for him. And you can easily find that, like, the more you do it, it’ll start just like coming naturally to you.

Quianna Marie
That is so helpful. And I know, I know that will help so many photographers, because a lot of times we come in kind of with this ego and this high, like coming out on this high horse thinking we have to create the story. Like we are the curators of this story. We’re trying to make magic and create these moments, when in reality we do we do have to splashed a little bit of direction and a little bit of Polzin into our days. But there’s so much magic happening around us that if we can just look a little bit deeper and truly see what we are capturing and what is swirling around us. That’s the power of these stories.

Akua Konadu
Yeah, and you guys already have an advantage because you’re already asking questions like How did y’all meet? That’s a story in itself. You know what I mean? And then you also get to see to family dynamics. That’s a story within itself. You know, sometimes, like, people have very special intimate pieces that they like to have on their wedding day. What’s the reason behind that? I know, like a lot of you guys will take flatlays and all those types of things. Okay, like, is there a story behind some of these intricate pieces? Again, like you just have to look around you and really just be intentional with the couple that you guys already are. So just really utilize it more just that skill more to be able to pull out more stories?

Quianna Marie
Yes. Oh, this is so amazing. And I feel like that’s a missing piece for a lot of photographers is they’re, they’re kind of standing on their images, meaning they’re only showcasing that thinking, Oh, well, my images speak for themselves, which they are, they’re beautiful. But if you can go so much deeper, then you can kind of intertwine or kind of weave these stories into those photos. What’s going to happen is the viewer writes this is I’m all about amplifying I’m all about growing your business, breaking down those like those walls for those networks. And when you can create these stories over a pocket watch or the shoes or a cute story about the flower girl who is the groom’s niece, right, like whatever it is that these stories are kind of coming through for your images. What’s going to happen is your dream couples are going to be scrolling on Instagram, they’re going to be following you on Tik Tok or hearing referrals from friends find you and relate to these stories. And the key component here is they’re going to see themselves in those images. They’re going to see themselves in that venue or walking down the aisle and experiencing that first look with their grandfather. Like those are the things that we can almost facilitate and that’s what we’re pulling out of thin air like we’re we’re we’re capturing this story, but then we’re also curating it on our website and on our marketing materials. So P People see it and they feel drawn to it because they think, Oh, she gets it, or oh, he gets as a photographer, they understand that and they can see that and they’re going to capture those details. Like, I want that. And I just, I don’t know. Okay, well, you got me having all the fields over here about stories. Yeah, all over again. But like, see how excited you got? Like,

Akua Konadu
there’s so much beauty, especially in weddings, and like, I like love seeing all the work that photographers do, but it’s true. Like, I think sometimes there’s a misconception that like, oh, yeah, my photos will do the work for me. And I want to know more about these couples and how they met and their journey, you know what I mean? And also to ask photographers, don’t be afraid to share your own journey. There’s a reason why you do what you do. There’s a reason why you feel passionate about photography. And people want to know that, you know what I mean? Like, don’t be afraid to share your origin story, how you got started. And also to just like the journey you plan on bringing your couples through, and the only way that you can show that is like, if you show like other couples to write on social media, like walking them through of like, what it’s like to work with you and what they’re going to experience, again, because people need to be able to see themselves in the story.

Quianna Marie
Oh, my gosh, well, and I feel too, with storytelling, it can, it can go in so many different directions. So I want to ask you this, what would your advice be for someone that feels like when they share their story over and over again, it kind of feels like a broken record. So how can we continue to share pieces of our story pieces of our mission, without feeling like we’re just repeating ourselves over and over and over again?

Akua Konadu
Yeah, what I what I love about storytelling is that you can pull pieces from like the big story to make smaller stories. That’s truly how I operate. So I have written out my story of how I’ve gotten started. And when you It helps when you write it down on paper, and then you can start to see then I literally go in and like highlight, I will circle certain pieces, parts of my stories that I want to emphasize more that I want to dig deeper that I want people to feel a certain type of way. So that is truly how how I do it. Like I’ve been able to pull new content, but still have the same meaning based on one big story. And so that is true how to do it. So really think about for example, about how you got started your business, write that out from beginning to end, and then go through, like read the story again to yourself, and like do it over and over because like that story hasn’t changed, and people got to know who you are. So as time goes on, like I will go back and I’m able to all of a sudden see like, oh, I want to highlight this piece here. So I’m gonna pull this out. And let’s see what kind of content I can create from that. And that can even be anything from educational content. Like, for my example, like, with my own story, a little bit about me, I learned about storytelling through pageantry. I’m a former Miss Minnesota, it was through that process of me sharing my own story is how I learned about storytelling. And so I wrote out my story I had to, and that was where I was able to pull out other pieces. So like even educational pieces of like, the misconceptions of storytelling. That’s how I felt. So now I’m like, okay, here are three common, like storytelling myths that aren’t true, just from that piece alone, because I knew how I felt. So then there’s an educational piece of content, there’s really different ways to do that. But that’s why I love like now my storytelling intensive the service that I offer now, where we actually help you walk through that, like I literally will sit down with you. And I will help you create a storytelling library, which is just a vault full of stories. And so then we will go through that through them. And I’ll start pulling pieces out and be like, Alright, let’s talk about this, let’s emphasize this little more, what kind of content can we create from it, because storytelling gives you the freedom to do what you want to do, however you want to do it. That’s why I love it. Because there are a whole bunch of amazing marketers out there, great. But there’s also so many rules to social media, and what I love about storytelling that I can do whatever I want, how I want to do it, whenever I want to do it, there’s no wrong way at all, to share your story, like just start sharing it. That’s what we do in the intensive. And I think a lot of times a lot of the feedback that I’ve gotten is that people are learning from a new perspective of how to share content, and also to they have the freedom to do what they want to do and show up in a way that feels good to them, but also connects with their audience, which I’m like, that’s the best of both worlds, right? Because like, we find ourselves continuously building content, because we feel like we have to and especially in the wedding industry, right? Because like it’s so visual. So we’re just some of us are just throwing stuff out just to throw stuff out there with no intention and media and it’s not fun. And that’s just not what it’s supposed to be like social media is not supposed to be that way. So that’s what I love about the intensive is that people are finding the joy again in social media, but then also to like they’re seeing the results that they want.

Quianna Marie
Amazing. And I love how you mentioned the content and how so many of us are just really just feeling like we’re throwing spaghetti on the wall hoping something sticks. And if we can be more intentional No with that, and I love to, to kind of circle back towards the beginning of the conversation, when you mentioned how, with different tiktoks, and reels, and YouTube’s app, and all these different ways of, I guess, like the tools to actually share, like the platforms. That was the word I’m trying to find. The different platforms are constantly changing and evolving, but the core of storytelling doesn’t change. And that to me, like the, the connection with can be successful. Yes, yes, the human to human connection and the vulnerability and the power of storytelling that has just like, you know, it never ever goes away. So if you can be creative with that. So tell us a little bit more about this intensive, I’m so curious about what you are offering, is this, like a one on one coaching thing? Is it a course? Like how, how are you pouring this knowledge into those that need it?

Akua Konadu
Yeah, so it is a one on one. So I can if I can be transparent here. So I was originally an Instagram coach, which I loved, but also to it was, I was getting burnt out about teaching a lot of the strategy piece of like, you know, like, how many times a day to post and all of these types of things. And I’m be really, I wasn’t following it. You know, I just was showing up on social media the way that I wanted to. And I realized that that I wanted people to do the same thing. And so for me like this storytelling intensive, like I built it from scratch. And so it is an intensive where like we meet for a day. But before then there are exercises that you have to do to prepare yourself before the intensive. So like, I have my first step where we’re really doing a deep dive into knowing who you’re speaking to. Because storytelling, when you share a powerful story, it can truly have like physiological effects all over the body. So you really need to know who it is that you’re speaking to, which is so important. Then we go into your storytelling library, I help you create your volt of stories. And from there, I’m going to start prepping you for the intensive as we’re going to pull out certain pieces of content that we’re going to dive deeper on. And then the third step is just how you want to show up on social media finding your voice on social media, because for me, you go to my website, my voice is a little more, it’s still a little like me, it’s definitely it’s me 110%, but a little bit more reserved, and social media, I could give two shits. You know what I mean? Like our voice is slightly changed a little bit based on the platform. So and a lot of thing that people struggle with is they struggled to how to show up on social media, how to use their voice on social media. So that’s what we go through. And so those three things are so so, so important. And we walk through each of those assignments, before we get to the intensive, then we get to the intensive, that’s when we do my storytelling framework, which is literally we are laying out your content. So if it’s going to be a real, we’re gonna lay out what your prompts are, you know, if it’s going to be a caption, we’re gonna go through the caption formula, and like, this is what you’re going to put it on, this is what you’re going to focus on when creating your caption, and then you’re going to go create the content, I’m gonna be there to support you and help you. So that’s what it’s become. And I’ve had people go through beta, which has been awesome, the feedback was has been amazing, and like the impact that that’s already starting to make on others. So I’m really excited now about this service, because you guys, it aligns with me, and it speaks to you, right. And that’s what I’m preaching. And I was like, I have to live that like truly because it’s already hard being a business owner. And it’s super easy to get caught up with what everybody else is doing. And that’s what I was doing. And that just was not healthy for me. I was getting burned out I’ve started become resentful of my business and I said, I have to change this otherwise I won’t have a business. So I sat down and I made a service that truly makes the impact that I want it to make. And I love it so much. And I’m so excited for more people to know about it.

Quianna Marie
I am so proud of you. I literally am clapping over here and just so so proud of you for honestly like taking your own freakin advice.

Akua Konadu
Like many of us as business owners, we got no problem giving advice, but we out here can’t even take it. I was like, damn,

Quianna Marie
I need to walk around with the mirrors and be like when my when my business besties start pouring all this knowledge. I’m like, okay, great. Now look at yourself.

Akua Konadu
Turn the mirror around. Yes.

Quianna Marie
So tell me who so I know, like, you know, a lot of my listeners, like I mentioned are small business owners, especially wedding photographers for this series. But who would you suggest are the best candidates for this intensive?

Akua Konadu
Yeah, I think you know, if you are ready know how to use Instagram, right? Or like social media, like you don’t have any problem, figure out your way on the platform. And you are having a strategy, right, but you’re not seeing the results that you need. That’s when you want to come to me right? Like we were going to change up your content creation process to make it a lot easier for you. We are going to help you then start creating fresh content from using what you already have. You know, like you don’t have to think that’s the thing too with social media. We look at all these heavy hitters, right? And they have all this beautiful content and which is great like shout out to them, but not everybody’s like that. And you work with what you have. And so that’s what it’s That’s what storytelling is all about. Because your journey, your experiences, how can we use that and present it in a way that’s going to benefit your audience and also you. So that’s what it’s all about, which is what I love.

Quianna Marie
Amazing. I’m so proud of you. Like this, I feel, I feel like the more and more I talk about my dreams, and the more and more I get out there and meet incredible souls, and powerful women and business owners like you, I It’s so funny, because I feel like this crazy urge to just like, pick you up and be like, I wish I could just introduce you to everyone I know. Because you need to help. Like, I feel like you’d like you know, you could be like a, what do they call those when you’re like a brand name when you’re in everybody’s homes, right? Like, I just, I just feel like everyone needs to work with you a kua. And everyone needs to step into their truth, and use the tools and the resources that they already have, share the stories that are already engraved in them. And I also want to talk about this too, before we wrap up is the possibility of changing your story. So what advice do you have? What kind of like rewriting your story where we don’t feel like we’re stuck?

Akua Konadu
Yeah, no, do it. You know what I mean? Again, because like, when you look at just the journey of life ever, it’s always changing like you. And I think that’s the thing I like to say to people like after they like create their vault, I always like their storytelling library. I always say to people, you can change this at any time. This is your story. Like I just helped you get started. But like, if you want to rewrite it, rewrite it. Like, if there’s more things that you remember, add it, if there’s things you want to take out, remove it again, you have the freedom to do what you want to do. You already do what you want to do in your own business, do what you make, that also includes social media, do whatever you want to do. And you have the freedom, there’s no wrong way like, because remember, your business is not for everybody. We hear that all the time. So like do not care about wanting to speak to the masses, like just be like, I’m gonna be me. And the people that are going to show up are going to show up and they will they’re going to ride out with you. So that’s just what I would have to say about that. But yeah, you can rewrite, do whatever you want. That’s the fun piece of it. Like I change things all the time. And I’m like, Oh, this is new. All right, let’s, let’s hone in on let’s see what we can create. It’s all about experimentation to that social media. It’s all about experimenting. So like, and that’s what better place to do that you know what I need. And so have fun and enjoy it. That’s what it’s supposed to be about at the end of the day.

Quianna Marie
Amazing. You are so inspiring. And I just want to share you with everybody.

Akua Konadu
And I love you. Thank you so much for having me on. This has been fun, of course.

Quianna Marie
So tell us how do we find you? Where do you hang out? How do we contact you, I wish everyone can just invest in you and really start upping their games and creating those connections on social media. Yeah, so

Akua Konadu
you can find me at Instagram at Akua konadu underscore, also to my website, www dot Akula canady.com. You can also find me on my podcast as well. I launched a podcast last month called here’s a tea with a cooler and it is a storytelling podcast. So if you want to learn just about the stories of different people, different perspectives, we talked about everything from race, relationships, mental health, again, like you’re going to learn just how powerful stories telling is by hearing the stories of others. And so that’s what I that’s been a fun passion project for me for people just like learn about new topics. And like I said before, storytelling can really change your perspective. And that’s what that’s what this podcast is all about. So those are the three places you can find me Come hang out send me a DM send me an email I’m here to help and this has been a blast. I

Quianna Marie
love it. Thank you so much for sharing your time telling us a little bit about your story and truly inspiring us to look deeper but also at the same time I think I want to leave people with this thought that it doesn’t have to be deep like your stories can be so surface level they can right like the some of the most relatable stories and the relatable things that we can connect with just human to human experience are really easy and really silly. They don’t have to be serious.

Akua Konadu
Exactly. So enjoy it y’all enjoy it Have fun, like that’s what it’s supposed to be about.

Quianna Marie
Yes. Oh my gosh, we’ll keep dancing baby. I am so excited. Oh and before we hang out because I’m all about promoting and sharing stories. Can you tell us a quick story about these boxes that are coming out soon?

Akua Konadu
Oh my gosh, I love Okay, y’all shout out to Kiana okay she’s a real MVP. Okay, so I am launching another business called a MA in Akula and it is a gift boxing business where all of the products in the box are from business owners of color. So this is a really great way to be more inclusive. So if you’re looking where spend your money right and support bipoc own businesses, this is a really great way for you to get started. So we are launching officially in July we will come out with three new boxes. So we are so so excited and definitely stay tuned for that. You want to stay tuned follow us on our Instagram page. It’s just launching y’all We haven’t done much with it yet, but it’s at a mod AMA and Akua, a nd AQa at Amana. Cool. So send me a DM if you want more information about I can send you stuff over. But yeah, I love you. And thank you for that.

Quianna Marie
Of course, I’m like, wait a second, we can’t hang up. And we can’t end this conversation without sharing these boxes. And, and I can’t wait to share those stories that go with those boxes and those stories of those business owners and they’re just amplifying their brands as well. That’s an unbelievable

Akua Konadu
Yeah, some of the the vendors that we have in the box, I’m like, they’re heavy, like they are amazing, amazing people and like, why they do what they do is they’re just passionate about what they do. So I’m so excited to be able to highlight them and for you guys to get to know them as well and investing more in bipoc businesses so incredible, and it’s with my mom with my

Quianna Marie
momma. Yeah, Momma Dee,

Akua Konadu
y’all, so y’all gonna get to get to know her a little bit more. She is crazy.

Quianna Marie
That’s incredible. We all have crazy mamas. I think it’s a crazy,

Akua Konadu
like she is a loads of fun. So I’m excited to like, bring her alongside to and in business and do this with her. So I’m excited for people to get to know her.

Quianna Marie
What a blessing. Oh my gosh, girlfriend. Well, thank you so much. I’m sending you the biggest Virtual hug. And thank you so much for your time sharing your wisdom. And let’s get this party started and start sharing more stories.

Akua Konadu
Yes, y’all. Thank you so much, Quianna. Thank you.

Quianna Marie
That’s a wrap on another episode of Quianna Marie weekly. Thank you so much for your listenership and support. You can find the resources and show notes for this episode and more at quiannamarie.com/podcast. I’d be honored if you’d show your support by leaving a review and rating on your favorite podcast app. Until next time, keep on dancing.