Jill of All Trades

Jill of All Trades Community | Interview with Stefania Manfreda
Hosted by Poetra Asantewa

In an early conversation with the Jill of All Trades community, Stefania Manfreda reflected on creativity as a way of living rather than a single discipline—echoing the platform’s belief that “womanhood is a multitask concept.”

Speaking as both creator and curator, Stefania traced her journey from graphic design and construction to building concept spaces in Accra that centre collaboration, self-expression, and self-love. Having worked across Ghana and Italy, she described her practice as fluid and evolving—shaped by energy, people, and shared creation rather than fixed roles or titles.

At the heart of the conversation was a belief in collective making: that the deepest satisfaction comes from building things with others, from synergy rather than solo authorship. Stefania spoke candidly about moments of discomfort and change, particularly the career pivot she made in 2015—leaving stability behind in favour of creative fulfilment.

The interview also offered early insight into themes that would come to define Elle Lokko:
self-love as a foundation for growth, multidimensional womanhood, and the courage to honour one’s creative instincts even when the path is uncertain.

Looking ahead, Stefania spoke of movement—between Accra and Italy, between worlds she calls home—and of extending Elle Lokko beyond borders, planting seeds that would later grow into an internationally recognised cultural touchstone.