“We send a wise person, not one with long legs.” This timeless Akan proverb reminds us that life’s journey is not about how fast we move, but about the wisdom we carry along the way. For Amma Gyamfowa – a Ghanaian-Canadian entrepreneur, this philosophy has become both a personal compass and the foundation of her work empowering Black women to heal, reflect, and embrace their authentic selves. Amma tells her full story here:
A Journey Back to Self
Growing up in Toronto and Durham, I deeply yearned for my Ghanaian roots. Like many children of the African diaspora, I often found myself asking questions about identity, belonging, and heritage. Rather than allowing those questions to remain unanswered, I chose to embark on a journey that would transform my life.
Over the past few years, I lived between Canada and Ghana, intentionally immersing myself in the culture of my ancestors. For me, Ghana became more than a destination-it became a place of affirmation. Living in Ghana allowed me to reconnect with my identity in profound ways. The experience reshaped not only my understanding of myself but also the purpose behind my work.
I initially didn’t plan to own a business, but like many women, life unfolded differently than expected. Yet these unexpected turns opened doors to creativity, innovation, and meaningful impact. Today, entrepreneurship has given me the freedom to create solutions specifically for Black women – rooted in cultural understanding, lived experience, and compassion.
One of my proudest achievements is the creation of the Womanist Healing Journal, a guided journal designed to support Black women’s emotional wellness and self-discovery. This journal serves as a transformational companion, encouraging women to explore their dreams, family relationships, personal healing, and inner strength through culturally relevant prompts and mental health resources. In a world where Black women’s stories are often overlooked, creating a resource that speaks directly to their experiences has become one of the most rewarding chapters of my journey.
Looking back, I would not change anything along my journey, I believe every experience has prepared me for the work I do today. It’s a powerful reminder that growth often happens in the moments we least expect and that every chapter contributes to the person we eventually become.
A Message for Women of Colour Building New Lives in Canada
Migration often comes with uncertainty, but beginning with small steps-such as connecting with cultural organizations, reading stories of other Black women, or engaging in community events-can help women navigate their new lives in Canada with confidence and purpose.
Many women leave behind family, familiarity, and community as they navigate new systems, cultures, and expectations. During these moments, self-doubt can quietly creep in.
In her words: “Someone else’s journey is not your timeline. Your wisdom, resilience, and unique experiences are what will ultimately carry you forward”.
For women navigating life in Canada, trust your journey, honour your pace, and never underestimate the power of your own wisdom.
Healing as a Form of Legacy
At Nubian Queens of Canada, we celebrate women who transform their personal journeys into pathways that uplift others. This story is a beautiful reminder that reconnecting with our roots can be the foundation for healing- not only for ourselves but also for our communities.
By creating spaces where Black women can reflect, grow, and embrace every part of who they are, Amma is helping redefine what healing looks like for generations to come.
To learn more about the Womanist Healing Journal, visit https://www.womanisthealing.com/womanist-healing-journal.
Amma tells her story from Toronto, Canada.
