Entrepreneur, Adobi Agbasi, introduces her brand 'All of Africa' and shares her thoughts on diversity and inclusion

The Africa Expo
May 22
3 min read

'All of Africa" owner Adobi Agbasi at a local pop-up shop.

As the outrage over the dismantling of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging programs across various corporations and organizations with federal ties unfolded, the voice of one group -entrepreneurs-became overshadowed.

Entrepreneurs are the embodiment of innovation and are often the impetus of economic growth. Because entrepreneurs often occupy positions in organizations and corporations while pursuing their passions, they bring special insights into the workplace on to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging needed in the workplace and are needed in the conversation on the richness DEIB brings to the workplace .

As we revive our platform which gives entrepreneurs room for their big ideas and passion projects to be introduced to the public, we sat down with one of our entrepreneurs Adobi Agbasi creator of the Brand ‘All of Africa’ to hear her thoughts on the changes in the economy in the past five years, the attempted takedown of DEIB, how it has affected her entrepreneurial pursuit and the support she needs to stay the course.

The Africa Expo: Tell our readers a bit about the All of Africa Brand and how you got started?

Adobi Agbasi: I’m the owner of All of Africa, and I officially started in 2020. I sell African vintage and new fashion, accessories, and home decor. As a Nigerian American, I was always mesmerized by the colors and patterns of African fashion when my family and I took trips to Nigeria. As I got older, All of Africa not only became a way for me to embrace the artistry, but a way to build community with designers and fabric sellers in Nigeria as we work to build financially.

The Africa Expo: So you began at the onset the pandemic, during a major economic downturn. How was your business able to takeoff and survive?

Adobi Agbasi: I didn’t get loan. Having other jobs is how I survived. The market was so inconsistent that that was the only option. Fortunately, there were some affordable pop-up shops I was a part of in the Metro Atlanta area. They helped my business stay afloat.

The Africa Expo: It seems another pandemic has come upon us in the form of anti DEI. Target, Walmart and other big corporations are no longer centering brands that need corporate backing to thrive.Why is DEI helpful to you as an entrepreneur?

Adobi Agbasi: Big corporations like Walmart dominate, in this U.S. economy. It is impossible to compete with them. That in itself is an issue to discuss on another day. The least that should be done is giving minorities the exposure through big corporations. Black people don’t even make up 1/4 of the United States. White people, the majority, are more likely to buy from other white people. It may be because of racism or because people are just attracted to familiarity. Either way, minorities’ needs are often ignored, and we are abandoned. That’s why DEI is important.

The Africa Expo: The pandemic and current economy has revealed that entrepreneurship is not for everyone. What makes it for you? How are you able to maintain longevity?

Adobi Agbasi: I am an artist before I am a business woman. I’m able to maintain longevity because my business concerns what I love, curating, sewing, painting, etc. Not having passion for your business makes it easier for you to leave when the market fluctuates. When you’re doing something you love you more willingly stick it out through the storm.

The Africa Expo: What are you doing now to keep going and how can we support you?

Adobi Agbasi: I’m still working multiple jobs. I am an Outreach Coordinator for a nonprofit and an Adjunct Professor for an HBCU. I do love the dynamics I have in my careers, and I also want to trust that my business alone can sustain me. I sell such niche products, so just spreading the word to people who love African influenced product always helps. Also, following, liking, and sharing on social media is always good.

You can follow Adobi’s brand All of Africa @allofafrica on instagram or visit her website to shop for new and vintage African products here.