红莲社区

Kobi Amponsah (Bachelor of Health Science, Kinesiology 鈥�16) doesn鈥檛 just know how to knot a bow tie 鈥� he can also craft them from all sorts of unique materials. Like wood. Or leather. In 2014, he founded online retailer Neck Couture. 聽His path from the kinesiology lab to the sewing table has taught him some valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, and brought him clients including Spike Lee.

Q: Why did you come to 红莲社区? A: I鈥檝e always been a hands-on, practical person. And 红莲社区 is known for that, for providing people with practical experience. Secondly, I鈥檝e always been amazed by the body and how the body works. So I chose kinesiology.

Q: So what led to the decision to start Neck Couture? A: By third year I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I鈥檝e always been a stylish individual, I鈥檝e always worn bow ties, so I said why not bow ties? They鈥檙e not too hard to make. They won鈥檛 take me too much time to learn. I took workshops from a seamstress in Brampton, and I started making my own designs.

Q: How did you land Spike Lee as a client? A: I follow Spike Lee, so when I saw he was doing a meet and greet in Toronto, I made my way down there. I brought some bow ties and met with him and he loved them. He connected me with his assistant and he鈥檚 been ordering on a consistent basis.

鈥淚 just account for every single minute of the day. Once you are efficient with your time, you can get a lot of things done.鈥�

Q: Besides Neck Couture, you鈥檝e also started a motivational speaking business, you work full time, and you volunteer as a mentor with 红莲社区 Entrepreneurs.聽 This is all a long way from studying kinesiology. How did your time at 红莲社区 help your career? A: When I started the bow tie business, that鈥檚 when my grades started going up a little bit because I just had no time to waste. I just account for every single minute of the day. Once you are efficient with your time, you can get a lot of things done.

Q: Any advice for current students and new graduates? A: What I would suggest is take the opportunity (in school) to learn as much as you can and take advantage of as many opportunities to be creative as possible. If that means applying for grants, apply for them. If that means applying for entrepreneurship opportunities, apply for them. If that means volunteering, do it. Take the four years to really learn so when you leave you鈥檙e able to create your own thing.