A career in Public Relations (PR) and Communications was not something Faith Senam Ocloo had imagined for herself while growing up.
Like many young people trying to find their feet, her plan was simple: complete school, graduate and find a job.
However, what began without a clear career plan gradually led her into communications, where she has, over the years, carved a niche in fashion, beauty and lifestyle PR.
Her path into PR began to take shape when people around her noticed her exceptional communication skills, eloquence and poise. This is how she discovered her own interest and natural ability in the field.
Fast-forward, the now PR powerhouse has created opportunities for women in the profession through Women in PR Ghana (WiPR Ghana), a women-only PR community she started in 2017.
Miss Ocloo helps fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands tell their stories and connect with their audiences.
Through the WiPR Ghana platform, opportunities for early-career women and students through mentor-mentee network has been championed.
“Among our key initiatives are the annual summit, the flagship event, which has now been running for 10 years, and the “Top 10 Women in PR” list, which recognises outstanding women making an impact in Ghana’s PR and communications industry,” she noted.
Describing herself as a builder, she founded Nueva Communications, a PR consultancy focused on fashion, beauty and lifestyle at the age of 26, despite having limited experience and connections.
“I questioned my capabilities several times but support and resilience pulled me through,” she recalled.
Her business has handled PR and Media for fashion and lifestyle brands such as Adubea Jensen, Egudzi, Selina Beb, Ghana Menswear Week, Pure Persona by Nana, Chale Clothing, Horseman Shoes, SO Aesthetics and Evangel Magazine.
Education
For her basic and senior high school education, Miss Ocloo attended the Korle-Gonno Junior High School and the Awudome Senior High School.
She holds a first degree in Communication Studies from the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB).
Miss Ocloo proceeded to the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, where she obtained a master’s degree in Public Relations and Media in 2023.
PR meets fashion and beauty
Drawing inspiration from her mother, Ms Patience Agboklu, a fashion designer, Miss Ocloo believes that fashion, beauty and lifestyle are serious businesses that need strategic communication just like businesses in other industries.
“Fashion and beauty businesses may have good products and creative ideas, but without the right communication, they can struggle to reach the right audience or position themselves effectively, I saw the gap here in Ghana and I filled it,” she said.
As part of her work, Miss Ocloo wears some of the designs of fashion brands she works with, especially that of her mother. Her image is literally an epitome of fashion, spotting haute couture and creative hairstyles.
Women in PR Ghana
One of the most notable aspects of Miss Ocloo’s professional identity is WiPR, a community she created in response to a gap she had identified in the industry.
“When I ventured into PR, I noticed that there weren’t many women in the industry. Even finding mentors was difficult. So, I thought about creating a platform that would bring the few women in the industry together,” she said.
She said that was how the idea for the birth of the platform started nine years ago. It now boasts of more than 300 community members.
For Miss Ocloo, empowering women is not only about celebrating successful professionals. It is also about creating opportunities for younger women to learn, build networks and develop the confidence to pursue their ambitions.
Beyond work
Despite her public image, Miss Ocloo’s personality is quite different. She describes herself as a low-key and private person who enjoys spending time with family and a small circle of friends.
“Oh, for my hobbies, I enjoy a little bit of everything; music, movies, art, reading and basically anything entertaining and relaxing,” she said.
Challenges of business and motherhood
In the last three years, another important role has been added to Ms Ocloo’s life; motherhood. She admitted that balancing motherhood with running a business and leading a professional community had been challenging.
“It is a fulfilling role that has thought me effective time management such as waking up as early as 5a.m. to prepare my daughter for school, then heading off to work. I typically leave office by 4.30p.m. in order to pick up my daughter,” she said.
Motherhood has also required her to be more intentional about her priorities and decision making while continuing to pursue her professional goals.
What the future holds
Leaving a mark on the world is the ultimate goal of Miss Ocloo.
When asked what her five to 10-year goal was, she said it was to expand WiPR and Nueva Communications internationally, continue creating opportunities, building strong brands and supporting more women to grow and succeed in the industry.
