Small Business Spotlight: Uniquely Global

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos by Daniel Collison

Uniquely Global is located in Suite 130 of Gaviidae Common 

Satiya AmporfulLooking for something different? You know the feeling – you’ve shopped the local malls but aren’t seeing anything ‘unique’? Want a custom-made garment of exquisite fabric? We have the solution for you. Uniquely Global, owned by Satiya Amporful, knows your dilemma and created a destination for fashions, cosmetics, spices, jewelry, fabrics and artwork. We stopped by her shop in Gaviidae Common to find out more about her vision, services and product lines.

Q:  Tell us more about the genesis of Uniquely Global.

A:  I started Uniquely Global with pop-up locations – offering distinctive, globally-sourced merchandise, funded with personal savings and retirement funds. As the business grew, I began to think of a more permanent location. I worked with the mpls downtown council to locate a studio space and over time I moved to my current location. Uniquely Global is a minority, woman and service-disabled veteran-owned business. I import culturally authentic products and design fashions from across the globe. Uniquely Global products are from across the globe, to date these items are from Kenya, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Guatemala, Mexico, Nepal and Ghana. As a military dependent, I was raised in Japan, Germany and Korea. I developed a world view early in my life. Many of the designs are Japanese-inspired from my childhood memories.

Q:  How has the store fared with pandemic office shutdowns?

A:  Although the business registration was in 2019, due to the pandemic being what it was, Uniquely Global only made sales during family functions or pop ups in the first two years. The online presence was also closed due to the fact that I was unable to leave Ghana on a shopping trip abroad. Fast forward to October 2021, when I applied to work with the Chameleon Shoppes and the mpls downtown council. The change in locations proved to be a smart move as sales and awareness of the store improved. With the return of fulltime employees downtown in the last few weeks, sales have increased over 40%. To continue the upward sales motion, I have goals to engage the community with DIY classes on how to create skin care items like black soap, shower gels and other shea and cocoa butter-based products, host cultural awareness discussions and collaborate with local businesses.

Satiya with Carlos Santana

The pandemic was tough on the business but I am hopeful that customers will once again want to come out and shop. Carlos Santana visited my shop recently – of all people, Mr. Santana said, "what you’re doing is good and I want to support you." It was a message that inspired me so much! Mr. Santana bought a lot of items and I am currently designing pants for him and a few dresses for his wife.

Q:  Has the online shopping option returned?

A:  Yes, you may visit our website and purchase all sorts of unique products. As I mentioned, we are also so pleased to offer customized clothing as well – just email me directly at scrsa@uniquelyglobal.net. 

Q:  How may we follow your news? I think that many of us will want to attend your classes.

A:  Please do follow my business: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and my website.