ahousemenou

We are proud to introduce 3 images from our identity story “Infinite Stories” “Infinite Stories” is a photo series composed of three stories exploring textured hair through the Yua Hair universe. Drawing inspiration from vintage West African portrait photography and global influences, it celebrates Francophone West Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire and its rich beauty and fashion heritage, while highlighting cultural exchange. Story 3 introduces a retrofuturistic twist, reflecting our vision of using the past to shape the future. The name “Infinite Stories” is a reference to Yua Hair’s commitment to exploring the multitude of perspectives around textured hair. This project is a collaboration with an all-Ivorian team, featuring fashion by African designers and shot at La Manzane, a cultural hub in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. Directed by Yua Hair founder Marie-Celine Agossa and photographed by Ivorian visual artist Nuits Balnéaires, it showcases local talent both behind and in front of the camera with set design by Nahoua Sorho, production by Felix Édouard Kouassi and furniture by Saanko Studio. Our models are young Ivorian talents Fatima Kouamé (@fatimakouame ), Fat Seck (@fatou.seck35 ), Lauryn Seba (@s.lauryn_ ), Efsane & Jones (@efsane_and_jones ) Special thanks to Lafalaise Dion, Olooh Concept, Hybride Studio, Saanko Studio and @yoanhazema_ . The full story will be available on @nataalmedia soon ✨. 1. “I, myself am the sun” Creative direction and styling: Marie-Céline Agossa @ahousemenou Photography: Nuits Balnéaires @nuits_balneaires Hair: Yua Hair x Institut Adiss Abidjan Set design: Nahoua Sorho @nahouaspeed Model: Efsane @efsane_and_jones Production management: Félix-Édouard Kouassi @fedouk Location: La Manzane - @lamanzane Special thanks to @oloohconcept 2-3. Hairtrospection Creative direction and styling: Marie-Céline Agossa Photography: Nuits Balnéaires Set design: Nahoua Sorho Furniture: Saanko Studio @saankolestudio Model: Fat Seck Hair: Yua Hair x Institut Adiss Abidjan Production management: Félix-Édouard Kouassi Location: La Manzane @lamanzane Special thanks to Lafalaise Dion 3. Ton pied, Mon pied

Lorsque j’ai déménagé à Londres après mon bachelor, j’ai découvert une multitude d’associations et de réseaux qui avaient pour but de contribuer à l’avancement professionnel & personnel des jeunes femmes. Cela m’a fait réfléchir. J’aurai aimé avoir eu accès à ce genre d’organisations au lycée. Elles auraient rendues mon choix d’orientation scolaire et professionnelle beaucoup plus facile. Cependant, j’avais la chance d’avoir des parents, oncles & tantes qui pouvaient me donner des conseils. Ce n’est pas forcément le cas pour beaucoup de jeunes ivoiriennes. Même quand c’est le cas, il est plus facile de s’identifier à de jeunes femmes qui ont traversé la même chose que nous il n’y a pas si longtemps que ça. C’est la raison pour laquelle j’ai décidé de lancer l’initiative “Mentorsis”. Nous avons organisé notre première session en Décembre dernier en partenariat avec le club pour jeunes filles, Marahoué. Nous avions 2 panels: un panel sur les carrières traditionnelles (Finance, development international, chimie, Sciences & Santé Publique) et un autre sur les carrières non-traditionnelles (Mode, Photographie, Architecture, Journalisme, Entreprenariat, Art). La session s’est déroulé dans une ambiance décontractée, ce qui a permit aux participantes d’écouter les panelistes partager leurs expériences scolaires, professionnelles & personnelles & de leur poser des questions librement. Nous avons également eu droit à un discours de l’ex Présidente des Affaires Sociales, Madame Gnagne Nomel Elise. Cela fut une très belle expérience grâce à nos panelistes formidables et notre modératrice.

I am pleased to announce that @yuahair is featured in the first issue of @officialbyredo magazine : Bal d’Afrique, guest curated by the phenomenal @motown_gal @africanstylearchive . In this interview I speak to @motown_gal about my journey, the birth of Yua Hair as well as my vision for the platform. “Perhaps the simplest way to describe Yua Hair is as a conversation. Past, present and future are in dialogue over a topic - Black hair - open to endless consideration and interpretation.“ As a celebration of Bal d’Afrique, one of Byredo’s most iconic fragrance, the Bal d’Afrique issue is a multimedia exploration of the dynamic creativity of Africa and the African diaspora. Thank you for having me @motown_gal and @mayathesinger @officialbyredo !! - A little under a year ago, I decided to pursue my creative / entrepreneurial endeavours full time and it has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, learning and growing in the processs. Moments like this make me feel like I am on the right path. - Photo: In January 2022, whilst in Lomé, Togo, I collaborated with talented creative duo @togoyeye and revolutionary Togolese hairdresser Bataka Bamana aka @patronaime on a project exploring celebratory hairstyles in Togo. Through this project, we revisited popular hairstyles worn during festive ceremonies such as weddings or funerals. We worked with Patron Aimé and his hair assistants who co-created the headpieces and modelled their creations. On this photo, Afi is pictured wearing Patron Aime’s take on a bridal hairdo popular amongst Togolese brides. He created a crown with braids made of synthetic extensions and a matching necklace. Creative direction : Yua Hair and Togo Yeye Photographer : Delali Ayiyi  Hair stylist : Bataka Bamana aka Patron Aimé Casting and production: Malaika Nabillah Model: Afi Tcholompé

Gbairai Time… and the latest Yua Hair goss is that our website is live! Visit www.yuahair.com to learn more about Yua Hair, our services, projects (including Infinite stories) and more 🌞 You can find the link in our bio. ‘Gbairai’ means ‘gossip’ in the Ivorian slang called ‘nouchi’. - Slides 1-2: Gbairai Time Creative direction and styling: Marie-Céline Agossa @ahousemenou Photography: Nuits Balnéaires @nuits_balneaires Set design: Nahoua Sorho @nahouaspeed Model : Lauryn Seba @s.lauryn_ , Fat Seck @fatou.seck35 , Fatima Kouamé @fatimakouame Hair : Yua Hair x Institut Adiss Abidjan Production management : Félix-Édouard Kouassi @fedouk Location : La Manzane – Yoanh Azema Special thanks to Olooh Concept and Hybride Studio - Slide 3: Venus and the sun Creative direction and styling: Marie-Céline Agossa @ahousemenou Photography: Nuits Balnéaires @nuits_balneaires Set design: Nahoua Sorho @nahouaspeed Model : Lauryn Seba @s.lauryn_ , Fatima Kouamé @fatimakouame Hair : Yua Hair x Institut Adiss Abidjan Production management : Félix-Édouard Kouassi @fedouk Location : La Manzane – Yoanh Azema @lamanzane Special thanks to Olooh Concept @oloohconcept 🤍

Le grand soir Infinite stories. A three part series exploring elements of the Yua Hair universe. Story one - YUA : SUN Full story now available on @nataalmedia along with an article with words by @chantalsackey 🤍 Creative direction and styling: Marie-Céline Agossa @ahousemenou Photography: Nuits Balnéaires @nuits_balneaires Set design: Nahoua Sorho @nahouaspeed Model : Fat Seck @fatou.seck35 , @efsane_and_jones Hair : Yua Hair x Institut Adiss Abidjan Production management : Félix-Édouard Kouassi @fedouk Location : @lamanzane – Yoanh Azema @lamanzane Special thanks to @thehybridestudio and @lafalaisedionn

Aného 🌊

A few hours in Assinie 🤍

2023 🪡💆🏿‍♀️

@yuahair for @thedadamagazine Issue 1 reception at @referencepoint180

April: work, enriching experiences and conversations, a little play and some exhibitions 🤍.

Moments spent reminiscing. Grand Popo, Baguida, Abidjan, Cotonou, Lomé.

Vogue x Snapchat: Redefining the body. An innovative immersive fashion experience curated by Edward Enninful OBE which featured Kenneth Ize and Thebe Magugu. Slide 6 & 8: Me in my @thebemagugu top, in the Thebe Magugu installation.