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If you have never been to West Africa, and would love to get a glimpse of some of its heritage and culture, then Sankofa African Bazaar is the place to visit. Established in 1994 by owner, Esther “Kiki” Armstrong, Sankofa is a retail shop that offers consultations for bridal wear and African custom made garments.
“It’s an African boutique that specializes in clothing fashion
accessories and cultural handicraft, Armstrong says. My first day in the store,
I was very impressed. So much of the art work and colorful attire were symbolic
of West African culture and I instantly felt at home. Creative and unique
jewelry and fashion lined the walls. The beautiful carvings and art of skilled
craftsmen filled the room and the bright and colorful clothes gave the store its
flair.
I ask Ms. Armstrong “What is outstanding about your business,”? She
replies, “visiting the Sankofa African Bazaar gives one a sweet taste of the
legendary Ghananian hospitality.
Being from Ghana, and being a former teacher, I usually offer impromtu about the culture, the people, the traditions, and the
meaning of the Adinkra symbols of the Ashanti peoples. We even have maps of
both Africa and Ghana posted in the store.”
What really distinguishes this store
from others is its authenticity and quality. It offers customers on-site
designers for custom-made outfits, and personal consultations for weddings can
be made by appointment. Some of these designers have designed clothes for the
likes of former President Bill Clinton and even former and current first ladies
of Ghana. Ms. Armstrong also takes delight in giving demonstrations of wrapping
cultural skirts and head ties.
There are so many things that potential customers should know about
Sankofa African Bazaar. They offer custom made clothing for women, men, and
children and specialize in authentic clothing. Layaway is also offered and
major credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Arts and handicrafts sold there
include Ashanti stools, masks, and lounge chairs. They also have kente
accessories such as neck/bow ties, hats, and jewelry.
With all these beautiful things the bazaar offers, it is a pleasure
to know that people appreciate the wonders of West African art, clothing, and
craft. People have told me that if you are an African, you feel right at home,
if you are not, you feel very welcome, Ms Armstrong says. They have also
complimented me, saying I have elegant and beautiful pieces and that my prices
are very affordable, she adds. What’s even better is that some have also said
that they will send their sister, mother, friend, and husband.
I know that I will definitely be back. When you walk in Sankofa African
Bazaar, you feel its coziness, warmth and hospitable atmosphere. As soon as you
enter, the wonders of Ghana are evident!
Walking into a business where you are made to feel welcome and at home is like a
breathe of fresh air. That is the feeling that I got when I entered the “Up
Close Barbershop & Beauty Salon.” Up Close is no ordinary salon and barbershop
by any means. Like its name implies, the staff has an up close and personal
relationship with their clients.
Located in the heart of the city, its atmosphere is very relaxed and it is quite
obvious that the staff works well together. And that is exactly what we work
hard to have, says owner Henry A. Mazyck.
Established in 1999, Up Close is a barbershop and beauty/braiding salon all
rolled in one. Customers can enjoy a wide variety of services from hair cuts,
grooming, shaving, eye-brow arching, perming, coloring, braiding, beauty tips to
much more. I think back to several months ago when I initially met Mr. Mazyck.
I was greeted by his friendly smile and warm spirit. I was also welcomed by one
of his barbers who made feel relaxed and at home. The music in the background
complimented the atmosphere and I was inclined to just take it all in.
Six years ago, after 30 years of being in the barber business, “God inspired me
to open and run my own shop in a manner pleasing and serving to the people,”
Mazyck says matter of factly. “This is God’s business and I am just the stewart.
It is a blessing for me to serve. We are never too busy to serve and welcome new
friends to our business,” Mazyck continues.
When asked about what makes his business outstanding, Mr. Mazyck pauses, then
smiles. It would have to be my employees he says humbly. “They are all a
blessing to the business because each one is special. They have all adopted
UpClose’s three rules for success: dependability, professionalism, and
excellent service.
Mr. Mazyck also wants potential customers to know that what also makes his
business outstanding are the people they service and the professional way the
job is done. UpClose has a full staff of barbers and hairdressers who do their
work in a very efficient and timely manner because the staff values their
customer’s time.
With all of this, it is no wonder the Afro-American newspaper
awarded them the Barber & Beauty Salon Add Award in 2002. To show their
appreciation for customers, UpClose also gives out gift certificates which are
advertised on Heaven 600. To keep up their family spirit, they will be having
an “UpClose” family day this summer. “Look out for it,” Mazyck gleefully says.
I especially felt this family spirit on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon.
As I expected, it was very busy that weekend and I had the pleasure of meeting
the whole staff. In the barbershop, there wasn’t a single chair or space that
was empty and waiting customers seemed to be enjoying their wait. Everyone was
in high spirits, as the barbers took their time cutting and shaping up their
clients hair. On the other side was the salon, where women were getting
pampered and receiving beauty treatments. Just like the barbershop, the salon
was just as upbeat and full of high spirits. Visiting this atmosphere was a
treat.
One more important thing Mr. Mazyck wants people to know is that his business is
at home, family-focused, and family valued. All are welcome. His business
strives to be the best in barbering, beauty, hair care and styling. “Our
business has a hospitable climate that gives the best service to each client
because they are the best of best to us!”
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