Self-Learning And Faith Built My Fashion Career - Qlynton

Ghanaian fashion designer and WavvzNewage founder Emmanuel Qlynton Carboo has said his career was built on self-learning, determination and a willingness to embrace creativity rather than formal fashion education.

Speaking on the Big Convo on the Culture Daily morning show on 3Music TV and Pluzz 89.9 FM, Qlynton said he only picked up a sewing machine about 10 years ago after moving to the United States.

Instead of attending fashion school, he began by upcycling clothes he already owned to understand garment construction before progressing to creating original pieces.

“I didn’t get any training. I just went in with it,” he said.

Qlynton explained that his interest in fashion started in childhood while watching his mother, who sold clothes. After relocating from Ghana to New York in 2012, he recognised that tailoring skills common in Ghana could create new opportunities abroad.

He said he began experimenting with clothing while working overnight factory shifts, saving more than $10,000 to invest in sewing equipment and other creative tools.

The designer said his first creations were reconstructed shirts made from existing garments because he wanted to minimise costs while learning. He later expanded into designing original collections, describing creativity as a way of solving problems rather than simply making clothes.

Qlynton said faith also played a central role in his journey. Raised in a family of pastors, he said reading the biblical Book of Proverbs during his youth influenced his outlook on creativity and entrepreneurship.

“In the beginning God created. When you’re confused or you don’t know what to do, create something. Solve a problem,” he said.

His work has since attracted international attention, including opportunities to create pieces for personalities such as musician Steve Aoki. Qlynton recalled designing a jacket for the DJ within 24 hours after learning he would be performing in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Although he had no ticket to the event, he persuaded security to deliver the jacket backstage. Steve Aoki later wore it during the show after publicly acknowledging the gift, an experience Qlynton described as a turning point in his career.

Reflecting on his upbringing in Teshie, Accra, Qlynton said he often questioned conventional expectations and described himself as someone driven by curiosity rather than rebellion.

 He believes that willingness to think differently eventually helped shape his career.

“I always had questions. Those questions led me to self-discovery,” he said.