Who Is Emmanuel Boateng? Emmanuel Boateng is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and also the founder of United People Apparel. United People Apparel is one of the stores known in American mall because of its unique apparel that seeks to celebrate African’s uniqueness, unity, and diversity.
He is a resident of Savage and a married man who left Ghana at the age of 10. Aside from Unique people apparel, Emma and his wife Tani launched Ahenfo in 2016. Ahenfo is a brand that showcases unique Ghanaian designs. It was through Ahenfo that the idea to create and launch their latest brand came about.
Emmanuel Boateng was in the spotlight after news of him about to launch his store at the America mall hit social media. Speaking to the United People Apparel founder; his business spirit began as a boy in Ghana, where he sold tomatoes and other commodities grown on his grandmother’s farm.
The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed a lot of brick-and-mortar businesses to close their doors, but two fearless entrepreneurs are using the downturn to start their dream business.
Emmanuel is working closely with Tani Boateng his beautiful wife. Emma and his wife opened a store at the Mall of America on April 16 to further their objective of bringing good change through a brand that celebrates Minnesota’s diversity. According to them, their business, United People Apparel, draws creative ideas from diverse civilizations to connect humanity.
“It’s more than just a clothing brand,” Tani Boateng said “It’s more like a lifestyle. It’s to bring awareness that humanity still exists.”
United People Apparel’s idea came about in June 2020, during the national protests that followed the death of George Flyod, an unarmed African-American man killed by a Minneapolis police officer. The United People Apparel brand features various Minnesota-themed merchandise with a design that reflects the state’s urban cultural diversity.
The couple started United People Apparel by designing clothing and displaying it to friends and relatives. They later expanded into neighboring neighborhoods and began advertising and selling at local fairs. Following a lot of favorable feedback, the Boatengs decided to set up a booth at the Twin Cities Marathon, where they were able to reach out to a wide range of clients.
Emmanuel Boateng was presenting the specifics of freshly created United People Apparel with a coworker in October of last year when his colleague recommended selling their items at the Mall of America.
“At first we wanted those carts you see in the middle,” Emmanuel Boateng said.
However, after presenting their inventory to the leasing agents, they were encouraged to open a store instead.
“I remember the leasing agency saying, ‘If you choose a cart you are only limiting yourself,’” Tani Boateng said.
They secured space on the third floor on the western part of the building, right in between Goldy’s Locker Room, which sells University of Minnesota attire, and a small wig shop. They signed the lease in January and have been in the process of setting up the space for the opening.
“It’s like a dream come true,” Emmanuel Boateng said.
United People Apparel’s merchandise is largely printed in Minnesota to ensure quality and inventory turnover. The brand also has partnerships with manufacturers in India, China, and Ghana.
For the Boateng’s, United People Apparel is a full-time venture. The couple has been working round the clock to ensure the store is ready for opening day. Tani Boateng, who was born in Jamaica, resigned from her work in an accounting firm to work in the store full-time. She said they plan to comply with Covid-19 restrictions and offer online shopping options through United People Apparel’s website.
Beyond unity, the Boatengs see their entrepreneurial venture as a way to give back to their communities through employment.
“Somebody gave me a chance, so I would like to give somebody else an opportunity too,” Emmanuel Boateng said.
The couple’s desire for unity is a message they plan to share with the entire country.
“With unity we can go far,” Emmanuel said. “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far you go with someone.”
