Taylor Wilson Sipkema on finding inspiration in Ghana
The SOWN co-founder started her business after a hair appointment in Accra.
Taylor Wilson Sipkema was in the final stretch of a weeks-long trip to Ghana when she decided to book an appointment for sew-in extensions that would serve as the inspiration for SOWN, a hair extension brand founded with her sister and best friend.
While many beauty services are less expensive abroad, she was taken aback by the quality of her new hair: the team would spend the next 16 months sourcing suppliers that could offer similarly high-quality extensions, but also at a competitive price point.
In the weeks leading up to the company’s launch, she sat down with Airplane Mode to talk about about the trip to Ghana that started her journey as an entrepreneur, how she settles into a routine when travelling, and her complete distain for tourist traps.
An extended holiday in Ghana
In Accra, there are a few weeks around the holidays where its just non stop partying. You’ll go out at midnight, or maybe ten or eleven o’clock if you’re having dinner, and be out until five or six. You're fully living nocturnally. You sleep all day, wake up in the afternoon, and have your first meal at four or five. The crowd is great, so is the food. I mean service is terrible because everything moves so slowly, but you adjust to it and it becomes kind of funny after while. My favourite restaurant is Vine Lounge because of it’s relaxed, indoor-outdoor vibe and grilled meats. And when you’re here, Suya is a must-try West African dish. People also really like Polo Beach Club, which turns into a club at night. A must-go for me was to visit the Cape Coast Castle, which was one of the largest slave ports in Africa. The majority of slaves brought to Jamaica were from Ghana and Nigeria, so as a Jamaican it was heavy but important for me to go.
Spark for SOWN
We got sew-in extensions on the last day of our trip and were blown away by the quality and price point. We wondered if we could offer something similar in Canada. That was really moment that started everything for SOWN, and now here we are.
Travelling solo in Africa
Beyond Ghana, I’ve spent time in Nairobi, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. People thought I was insane to go to Africa alone, but I think they’re just uneducated about the continent, lifestyle, and people. I’d always find the safest neighbourhoods and stay in gated buildings with security, which is common in Africa. Yes, there are places you should never go, for instance I wouldn’t recommend Johannesburg for a woman travelling alone, but there are ways to consciously travel that are safe and enjoyable.
Cape Town
In Cape Town I stayed in Sea Point, which is a residential area along the water and about a 15 minute walk to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. My favourite restaurant was Asoka, which to me felt like a souk with an African flair. Saturdays at Clifton 4th Beach and Sunday sunsets at The Bungalow are almost a requirement. Mantra Café was the perfect place for a solo meal overlooking the sea. For people who like to work out when they travel, you have to hike Lions Head and Table Mountain (the views are incredible), and I highly recommend both Hot Dog Yoga Studio and MOVE pilates.
Staying away from tourist traps
I don’t always travel like this, but the way I like to travel is coming as close to feeling how someone would be spending their day if they lived in that city. I avoid, at all costs, dealing with any tourist attractions. I hate the crowds and would much rather just go to a local coffee shop. I didn’t see the Acropolis in Athens. I didn’t see the Coliseum in Rome. I just walked around and ate and shopped and had the best time.
Casa Mãe in Lagos
This is literally my favourite hotel. Veronique Polaert has thought of everything. They have a curated Spotify playlist, a nightly wind-down ritual, a locally sourced, delicious breakfast. They have a micro garden on site, and this beautiful pool. I want to go back so badly. At night we’d go to this cute wine bar called Travia nearby in the Lagos Old Town. They don’t take reservations so you have to get there at five o'clock. Another one of my favourite days here was spent on a wine tour of the Duoro Valley.
Fraser Island
I lived in Brisbane, Australia as part of a university exchange in my third year, and we just did so many cool trips. One of the most memorable was Fraser Island, where you can rent these huge houses right on the beach and have like a little island weekend.
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