Some people may know her as Esther Bonsu, 21, but fashionistas embrace this vivacious stylist as “Yaa”. “Since my father passed away three years ago, it is the only sense of connection I have,” says the Ghanaian-Kenyan of her African name, “Yaa”. Yaa began as an assistant and later worked as a stylist on photoshoots for Liz Ogumbo, a designer and model. “I learned to multitask and manage pressure,” she recounts. These skills helped her when a hair stylist at a high profile fashion show was late. Yaa immediately enlisted the help of a hair salon close by but amusedly says, “It was really stressful trying to pull that off.”

She is focused on building her portfolio with local and international work as a stylist, designer, and fashion journalist. She is also interested in gaining experience as a publicist, and a fashion show producer. “I think I’m at one percent,” she estimates wistfully.Of the Kenyan fashion scene, she says, “There is a lot of talent but we need to tell the difference between distinct designers, shops and brands.”

But when asked, the über cool stylist states that the three most stylish people in Nairobi are Annabel Onyango, Sunny Dolat and Kwame Bonsu, her fashionable brother who shares the slot with Bien-Aime Baraza from Sauti Sol. However, based on her chosen outfit of the day, she too can jump on the stylish list with her effortlessly retrocool combination of gold aviators that accentuated her brown skin and vintage Yves Saint Laurent sandals. Yaa’s demure poise is old school but her style is fashion forward, which gives her an undeniable allure. Currently, Healthy Woman magazine employ Yaa as a stylist, where she is in charge of the fashion pages. This is her most notable achievement to date.

To get in touch with Yaa Bonsu, log onto facebook/ Yaa Bonsu.