Who is an agent of change or a change agent? Over the period, people have loosely and continually arrogated to themselves titles like ‘agent of change’, ‘change agent’ or ’advocate of change’, without necessarily understanding what it means entirely.
In simple terms, anyone who serves as a catalyst for the change management process can rightly be referred to as an agent of change.
Anita Allantias, Founder and Chief Creative Director of Peema Allan
These are people who have dedicated themselves to help an organisation, or part of an organisation, to transform how it operates by inspiring and influencing others.
A change agent will promote, champion, enable and support an organisation’s change implementation. Research has shown that organisations that leverage formal change agents report a higher success than those who do not. Likewise, communities with change agents often get a lot more for the benefit of its members.
Anita Allantias is the Founder and Chief Creative Director of Peema Allan, an authentic Afrocentric clothing brand that caters for men and women. As a fashion designer, she is driven by a passion for creativity and desire to empower others through style. She is deeply committed to using fashion as a medium for change, express individuality, boost confidence and inspire positivity.
Peema Allan is a luxurious brand known for its elegant and sophisticated designs and focuses on high quality materials, expert craftsmanship and attention to details. In addition, Peema Allan does not just make garments but it is a brand that brings light and instils confidence in its clients.
Our paths crossed in the Central Regional capital weeks ago on a mission to get a deeper insight in the scale of operations of some small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the region.
She was warm, very receptive and exhibited her commitment to leveraging on her brand to carry out her activities as a people-focused change agent to help several people through boosting their morale as well as motivating and empowering them.
“Mentorship and strategic partnerships have become very essential in the ever-changing fashion industry, where it plays a significant role in shaping the trajectory of emerging fashion brands and businesses. In addition to its valuable impact in building the capacities of entrepreneurs, it offers valuable lessons which resonate across the broader entrepreneurial spectrum,” she revealed.
She further stated that “without a doubt, fashion has become a vital tool for environmental and social impact, leading to a thriving sustainable and circular economy.
It is my hope that we have initiatives that accelerate and scale up innovation applications for a sustainable and circular fashion industry, aiming to improve the environmental and social impact of fashion SMEs, designers and start-ups through the development of competitive innovative business models”.
The very quiet, reserved and hardworking Peema, as she is widely known within the fashion sector, indicated that she finds joy in expressing herself creatively through her designs. Though she prefers to keep to herself, she is always ready to lend a helping hand to others whenever she is in the position. She shared her project, which is dubbed ‘Fashion for Change’, with me.
“The essence of my journey and commitment is to use fashion as a tool for social impact. My story began with a passion for design and a vision to merge creativity with meaningful contribution to society.
As a fashion designer, I aim to create pieces that are not only stylish and elegant but also promote sustainability and cultural appreciation. Beyond the runway, my involvement with Peema Allan reflects this mission, where we prioritise high-quality, eco-friendly fashion that resonates with both modern trends and timeless values,” she emphasised.
According to Peema, her work extends to the community through initiatives like teaching underprivileged girls to sew and volunteering with some not-for-profit organisations to give back to the community.
These activities are driven by the belief that fashion can be a powerful medium for empowerment and positive change. In addition, she perceives her fashion as a form of transformation and not just the way people dress, how they feel and interact with the world; rather, how it ultimately contributes to a greater good.
Peema, a graduate of the University of Education, Winneba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, revealed that she has been creative from her formative years.
Her motivation to get into fashion was as a result of her inability to land a great job after her university education. “I decided to rely on my second love, which is fashion. I have always had a thing for sewing growing up; but I never really wanted to pursue it till getting a job after school became more challenging,” she added.
Asked about the valuable lessons learnt in her entrepreneurial journey, Peema stated: “Embracing flexibility, continuous learning and effective networking. Being adaptable is crucial in navigating the ever-evolving fashion industry and responding to unforeseen challenges or opportunities.
Also, it is key to remain updated with industry trends, new technologies and creative techniques to help maintain relevance and innovation in your designs. In addition, building relationships with other professionals, influencers and organisations can open doors to collaborations and growth opportunities”.
In concluding our conversation, Peema had advice for young ladies and her fellow entrepreneurs. “Along the line, you will fail; but don’t see it as a defeat. Instead, view it as a crucial part of your journey and an opportunity for growth. Each setback offers valuable insights that can guide you toward improvement and eventual success.
Embrace failures as learning experiences, and use them to refine your strategies, enhance your skills and strengthen your resolve. Keep moving forward with resilience and optimism, knowing that each challenge brings you closer to your goals.”
>>>the writer is a thought leader in Marketing Communications, Stakeholder Relationship Management Professional and International Cooperation Specialist. Over the last 15 years, he has made tremendous impact within Africa’s corporate communications and creative arts sectors. He can be reached at [email protected] / +233 20 854 1480
