Profile
Name: Frances Quarcoopome
Age: 29
Education:
GIS Ghana – High school
The University of Sheffield Undergraduate- BA with Honours Sociology & Politics
The University of Sheffield Masters- Globalisation and Development
Your last three roles:
JamJar ( Owner and director) for the last 5 years
UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response – Special Assistant to Head of Mission 2015
Sierra Leone Participatory Development Associates- Training Coordinator
You see gorgeous editorials, amazing events, fresh new content, exciting TV and film shows, but you rarely get to peek behind the curtain where the magic happens. In this new series, we join young, talented creatives in a short fun interview series, learn about their work, how they got their start and what new exciting projects are to come. We spotlight industry creatives, celebrate their wins, and inspire upcoming creatives to seize the day. Every week, we’ll learn from individuals who conquered their doubts and fears and made moves to follow their creative dreams.
She believed she could, so she did
At BNStyle we don’t believe in failure – you either win or you learn, can you tell us about some highlights and lowlights in your current career?
Highlights: Seeing and being part of a flourishing creative industry across West Africa. Working with clients such as Quintessentially UK, World Economic Forum and local companies such as Elle Lokko, Clifton Homes and She Leads Africa.
Lowlights: This is hard to explain because there is always a positive outcome but mainly the lack of sleep, and the fluctuations in cash flow over the last 5 years have taught me the importance of putting myself first and the art of budgeting.
What inspires you on a day to day basis?
Watching my team evolve in their skills and improve. Creating new concepts and seeing them come to life.
Your Personal Style in one sentence
Minimalist with touches of colour but I do love a statement piece.
Words of Wisdom/Work Mantra:
“She believed she could, so she did”
Advice To Your Younger Self
Continue to always be your own cheerleader
One thing the world doesn’t know about you
I love watching F1, the speed, the tactics and Lewis Hamilton – Of course!
Your favourite person to work with/you have ever worked with and why
I’d have to pick a fellow planner- Myriam Chbani (Abeo Solutions). When we work together it’s laughter, fun and efficiency. We read each others minds, it’s magic.
Talk me through your work. What does it entail?
Day to day
I wake up at 5.30 if it’s Gym day, finish the gym at 7/7.15.
Head home, make a smoothie
and try and do at least 10 minutes of meditation and writing my gratitude for the day (this doesn’t always happen but I try my best to do it most days)
Head to work and attend to any admin/ emails and responding and developing ideas for clients.
Also usually involves some discussion about our brand and service expansion
plans with my fellow director (who happens to be my brother, so we are always
planning).
What’s your career backstory? When did you realise your interest in events was leading to a career?
My career started in Development work, I’ve always loved creating and planning things since I was in school. I quit my Training coordinator job in 2014 and haven’t looked back. I created a roof top party in 2014 in Accra, there was nothing like it at the time and I knew there was a new perspective I could bring to the industry, particularly by supporting fellow artists, musicians, stylists and designers by showcasing their work through events in a modern way. Although the industry has greatly evolved in the last 5 years, I’ve always known that I want to contribute and be part of how creative and corporate events are designed. On a broader level making the continent attractive for global brands to launch their products
and local brands to reach the rest of the world.
Digital media, technology and globalisation play a major role in all our lives now, varying by degree from industry to industry. How do you rise to these challenges when the change is disruptive
I think the importance is knowing exactly where you are when the disruption occurs and whether you jump on it straight away or factor this into your plan. Disruption does not always mean we have to change our course but take note of it and include it in our planning.
On professional and personal levels how have you leveraged these changes to improve your personal or professional brand?
Professionally, all these elements mean we are able to reach a market beyond our immediate borders. We use this to constantly reflect on our services and ensure they meet international expectations but are rooted in the local context. Personally, I use it to gain inspiration and stay up to date on industry trends.
How do you curate your Instagram to maintain a dialogue with your increasingly globalised audience?
I do my best to make sure my followers know it’s me that’s talking, I think personalisation is key. I try to select pictures that reflect my life as whole,
work, challenges, inspiration and fun.
In your opinion, is it possible for anyone in your industry to get ahead in the world today without using social media?
I think that’s possible with good service and your relationship with your customers. Word of mouth and references are still key, majority of our business comes from this. Social media is important but sometimes your number of followers
doesn’t always guarantee good service. I think a combination of both is a real winner.
What are your thoughts on work-life balance. Is it a concern, and if it is and do you think it is attainable?
Yes, I am constantly doing my best to ensure a work-life balance. It is definitely attainable. It is a matter of setting priorities and ensuring you listen to your
body and your mind. When they crash how productive are you really? I really didn’t
have a work life balance about 2 years ago but I realised this was not doing me any
favours. With a routine I’ve realised how much more energy I have and much more
productive. I can be .Although it can still be a challenge in this line of work it is
something I work on daily.
Lastly, what are the most crucial factors anyone, wishing to build a successful career in events should know?
Listen to your instincts, events seem like they are easy but they take patience and
determination. Everyone has their own pace so decide what your niche and passion are and focus on that. People may try to replicate or copy you but no one has your mind or your ideas so stay focused and pursue them in your own unique way.
People may try to replicate or copy you but no one has your mind or your ideas so stay focused and pursue them in your own unique way
Who: Frances Quarcoopome, Founding Partner of JamJarGH.
What: Creative agency dedicated to innovative and locally relevant services spanning PR and exceptional event planning.
Where: Find them on their website: jamjargh.com .Follow them on Instagram: @jamjargh
Check out more of JamJar’s work in the gallery below.
Do you enjoy your work? What challenges have you found along the way? Share your story with us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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YESSSSSS! That’s my girl!