Made in Ghana: HatBoxCo
Maame Abena Boatemaa Duffuor, ‘Abena’ on her millinery journey, training under the Queen Mother’s milliner and the process of perfecting her craft.
Background: HatBoxCo crafted both my bridal fan and my sister’s for my traditional wedding in June 2025. Though it was my mother who coordinated everything with Abena directly, I was eager to sit down with her myself to talk about the art of millinery, Ghana’s vibrant events scene, and the rapid evolution of fashion and accessories. Unlike the UK, where wedding season follows the weather, Ghana’s social calendar never really slows down – from weddings and birthday celebrations to christenings and even funerals, there’s always an occasion to dress up for. And through it all, Abena keeps women beautifully accessorised all year-round. Despite her packed schedule, I had the pleasure of sitting down with her last month to talk through her creative journey and the story behind HatBoxCo.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
Full Name: Maame Abena Boatemaa Duffuor ‘Abena’
Business: HatBoxCo
Based: Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana
Q: For those who may not know, what exactly does a milliner do?
A milliner is an accessories designer who specialises in crafting hats and other forms of headwear. If you think of fashion designers as the creative force behind clothing, then a milliner is their counterpart in the world of headwear — bringing art, structure, and personality to what crowns the look.
Q: You trained in England as a milliner. Why did you choose England and how did that experience shape your craft?
I’ve always loved hats, not necessarily wearing them, but admiring them on others. I can actually count on one hand the number of times I’ve worn one myself! After completing my MSc in Management at the University of Leicester, I found myself with some time before moving back to Ghana. England, to me, felt like the natural home of millinery. Though the art form originated in France, it’s the British who truly elevated it, think of the royal family and their incredible hats at every public event.
I did my research, discovered that the Queen Mother’s milliner was the renowned Rose Cory, and reached out to her directly. That’s how my formal millinery journey began.
My artistic side, though, really came from my grandmother. She was incredibly talented, always sketching and hand-beading her drawings into beautiful tablecloths or runners. Watching her work instilled in me an appreciation for detail and craftsmanship. When I began experimenting with millinery, it was very much trial and error at first. But when I realised how much joy it brought me, I decided to perfect my craft and that decision set me on this path.
My initial training with Rose Cory lasted about four months, during which I was one of the few consistent students in a rotating class. Since then, I’ve continued to upskill every year with short courses at University of the Arts London and during London Hat Week. The industry evolves constantly, and I love staying current, always learning, always refining.
Q: So did you start off drawing and then think about how to bring those drawings to life?
Let’s just say I wouldn’t call myself a “drawer!” If I drew something right now, you might have second thoughts about my credentials! What I am good at, though, is visualising. When I made the fans for you and your sister, for instance, I didn’t sketch them out. I simply knew what I wanted them to look like based on your outfits and overall aesthetic.
My sister and I on my wedding day with our fans handcrafted by HatBoxCo
Q: What first drew you to arts and crafts, and how did you make the leap from a creative passion to building a business and why Ghana?
I was born in England but raised in Ghana, and Ghana has always been home. Studying in the UK was always meant to be temporary. When I started my millinery training, I was living in Edgware and would travel all the way to North Greenwich for classes (a long commute!) I probably spent more time on the train than in class, but it was worth every minute.
After returning to Ghana, I worked in corporate for a while, but it just didn’t fulfill me. I had already been making hats on the side even during my national service at SSNIT (Social Security and National Insurance Trust)and people would place orders. Eventually, I decided to take the leap and focus on HatBox full-time. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of self-doubt, when I questioned whether leaving the security of a corporate job was wise. But passion always wins and it did for me.
Q: How were your parents with it, were they happy you made the jump?
They’ve always been incredibly supportive. From the beginning, when millinery was just a side gig, to now that it’s my full-time profession, they’ve backed me completely. My grandmother, sadly, passed away before she could see how far I’ve come. She played such an important role in my creative foundation, so her absence is deeply felt but I know she’d be proud.
Q: Do you remember the very first hat or accessory you ever made and who wore it?
I do! I still have a photo of it, and I look at it every so often to remind myself how far I’ve come. It was a hat I made for a friend. Looking at it now, I can’t believe someone actually paid for it! But I keep that photo as a symbol of growth. When I eventually host my first masterclass, that picture will be front and centre on the screen to show that every expert starts as a beginner. HatBox didn’t happen overnight; it’s been 12 years of learning, mistakes, sweat, and steady growth.
First fascinator made for a friend by HatBoxCo
Recent hat for a client made by HatBoxCo
Q: You created my bridal fan and my sister’s which were gorgeous! How did you get into making fans, and how have bridal fans evolved over time?
Thank you! That story actually started with a client’s mother who insisted that I make fans for her daughter’s wedding. I told her I didn’t make fans, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer! Thankfully, I had friends who believed in me even more than I believed in myself, and they encouraged me to try. That first project opened the door to a whole new creative lane and now, fans are a core part of my business.
The evolution of bridal fans mirrors the evolution of kente itself. Traditionally, kente wasn’t even cut or altered, but today, we see ombre kente, lace blends, and bold reinterpretations. As bridal fashion has modernised, accessories have evolved too.
Bridal fan handcrafted by HatBoxCo using mesh
Q: Fascinators have really taken off in Ghana recently. What’s driving this trend?
Fascinators are light, fun, and easy to wear unlike traditional hats, which can feel bulky. They’re flirty, feminine, and always attention-grabbing, which is why women love them.
There’s also been a cultural shift. The younger generation is far bolder with fashion. Events and weddings have become showcases for creativity and social media has amplified that. Everyone wants to look unique, and content creators have turned events into mini fashion runways. As designers, that’s exciting for us, it pushes us to innovate and keeps the creative energy high.
Q: At HatBoxCo, what kinds of accessories can clients find today?
You’ll find an array of handcrafted pieces – fascinators, turbans, hats, bridal fans, hair vines, Alice bands, and even dainty bridal earrings. I love creating pieces that complement each other and tell a complete story from head to toe.
Q: Do you see opportunities for exporting Ghana-made hats and accessories internationally?
Absolutely and it’s already happening! I have clients from Kenya, Cameroon, the UK, the US, and beyond. Social media has made the world so much smaller. People discover my work online and order without ever meeting me in person. That’s the true power of social media.
Interestingly, I’ve never relied on influencer shoutouts; every client I’ve worked with has been a paying one. To me, every client deserves the same level of respect and attention, regardless of who they are. That consistency is part of the HatBox ethos.
Q: What is your customer split like between local clients and the Ghanaian diaspora?
Most of my clients are currently Ghana-based, though the international clientele is growing steadily. Word of mouth and social media have been key drivers. Once people find me, they tend to come back or recommend me to others abroad.
Q: What do you think is the next big trend in bridal accessories?
That’s the beauty, you never really know! Trends can appear out of nowhere. Sometimes, the most unexpected idea takes off while something you thought would be huge doesn’t. Fashion is unpredictable like that.
However, there’s often a ripple effect, when bridal fashion evolves, accessories evolve alongside it. You just have to keep your finger on the pulse and stay adaptable.
Customers can find an array of handmade pieces at HatBoxCo, located in Airport Residential Area, Accra
Q: Are there any accessories women can easily DIY to elevate their look?
Definitely! Start small like with a brooch. Even something as simple as adding embellishments to shoes can make them look brand new. I once attached a few decorative buttons to a pair of heels, and suddenly they looked completely different. It’s all about creativity and reinventing what you already own.
Q: What advice would you give to young creatives who want to turn their craft into a business?
Don’t give up. Keep going. It’s not easy, but if you feel that pull, trust it. Invest in your craft, financially and emotionally. Learn constantly, stay curious about your industry, and surround yourself with people who uplift and believe in you. Growth is continuous, and so is learning.
Q: Are there any Ghanaian businesses you’d like to shout out?
Honestly, all the amazing fashion designers! Many I’ve never met in person, but they’ve been so supportive, constantly referring clients my way. It means the world — it shows that they value my work and believe in it enough to recommend it. In this industry, community is everything, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
This was great, thanks so much for speaking with me.
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.