Dr. Grace Marfo

In Tamale, the capital of Ghana's Northern Region, Dr. Grace Marfo is juggling through multiple responsibilities: caring for her energetic one-year old son, completing her residency as a family physician, and building and running Armah Organics, her soap and cosmetics business. Grace’s disciplined work ethic is inspired by her mother, after whom her company is named. “She always told us we should get a skill in addition to our jobs,” said Grace. “So, when I did this, my mom was motivating me. As a woman you should learn multiple things.” Never mind that one of those “things” happens to be practicing as a physician in a generally underserved area of Ghana. Her mother’s advice has influenced Grace and her three equally impactful sisters serving as nurses or university lecturers. At Armah Organics, Grace trains disadvantaged young women and single mothers in the art of making shea-based soaps and body butters. “Once you are willing to work and are committed to the job, I will train you,” she said. Initially, Grace created Armah’s product line as a solution to her own skin and hair care needs and after receiving positive reviews from her family and friends, she expanded it into a business. So far, she is off to a great start looking to reach out to a broader audience and market. 

JUST THE STATS PLEASE

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Tamale, Ghana

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Takoradi, Ghana

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Banku with okra and fish.

INSTAGRAM: drmgrace and armahorganics

TIKTOK: armahorganics

MINDING YOUR BUSINESS

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?

I started experimenting in 2018 and sharing with family and friends. The business was officially registered and fully operational in 2020. 

WHY DID YOU START?

I have very sensitive skin and finding the right products was always a challenge. In 2011, I found myself in Tamale where shea butter is in abundance.  I started using it for my skin and hair and I was amazed at how one single ingredient could solve my skin and hair woes. I shared it mostly with family and friends and they encouraged me to put it out there because the products were awesome.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO KEEP GOING?

I believe shea butter has great potential at transforming the lives of women in Northern Ghana (a deprived region in Ghana). By putting my knowledge and experience to use, I can create opportunities for others to improve their livelihoods. I can’t do it all but I can contribute my quota.

WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?

I wish people knew that by supporting us they are making a tremendous impact in the lives of some women in rural northern Ghana. 

SELF-CARE IS SELF-LOVE 

WHAT MAKES YOU AWESOME?

Erm, I'm a very reserved and simple person?

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP?

Pray, check my phone (lol)!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DETOXING REGIMEN?

Nothing specific. 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR?

I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had in live and for very supportive and loving friends. 

WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE YOU GO TO SLEEP?

Check my phone, pray.

RANDOM NOTES AND GOODNESS 

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO HAVE FUN? 

I'm mostly at home so I would say watching movies. Or sometimes playing music and trying to dance. I just like to relax most of the time and watch movies that make me laugh. 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE OR CORE BELIEF?

Time brings clarity. (I realize that most of the time when you are doing something, it feels bizarre but after some time, it makes sense.)

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

To believe more in myself.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT AFRICA?

Africa is blessed and there are so many opportunities.

WHAT FRUSTRATES YOU MOST ABOUT AFRICA?

Poverty.