From Ivory Coast to Global Art Curator: Alice Gbelia’s Inspiring Journey

Alice Gbelia’s journey is as rich and diverse as the artwork her platform showcases. Originally from the vibrant West African nation of Côte d’Ivoire, Alice spent most of her formative years growing up in France. This unique upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for both her ancestral roots and the cosmopolitan nuances of modern European life. When the time came to adorn her own living spaces with contemporary artwork, she sought pieces that eloquently articulated this dual identity – art that vibrantly reflected her African heritage while harmoniously blending with a modern, global lifestyle.

However, her search quickly revealed a significant void in the art market. There was no easily accessible, user-friendly platform that offered a diverse array of high-quality artwork specifically created by Black artists. This realization sparked a powerful idea within her: if such a platform didn’t exist, she would create it herself. This profound personal need evolved into Ayok’a Deco, a pioneering online company dedicated to amplifying the voices and visions of talented artists from across the globe.

Today, Ayok’a Deco proudly represents a diverse collective of artists spanning continents, including talents from Nigeria, South Africa, the USA, the UK, Uganda, France, and Germany. These artists leverage the platform to sell their captivating creations on a commission basis, reaching a global audience that values authenticity and cultural richness. We were deeply intrigued by the story woven into the fabric of this dynamic business and eager to uncover the motivations, challenges, and triumphs behind its impressive growth.

Embracing Identity: Alice’s Philosophy and the Vision for Ayok’a Deco

“I’m originally from Côte d’Ivoire, nestled in West Africa,” Alice explains, her voice reflecting a deep sense of connection to her roots. “My family relocated to France when I was eight years old, and that’s where my upbringing unfolded. It’s inaccurate to say I’m merely ‘influenced’ by Africa; I am African! It’s an inherent part of my being, manifesting in the food I savor – fried plantain holds a special place as my favorite – the way I style my hair, and the very cadence of my speech.”

More profoundly, Alice sees her African identity as a unique lens through which she perceives the world. “It’s a way of understanding that Western culture, while significant, is not the sole standard, and that myriad other cultures, including my own, possess an equally rich and profound heritage. This fundamental conviction was the driving force behind the launch of Ayok’a Deco. My aim was to create a vibrant platform to showcase extraordinarily talented artists whose work often remains in the shadows, largely because their art is mistakenly categorized as ‘niche.’ On Ayok’a Deco, their art is front and center, celebrated and accessible.”

Balancing her entrepreneurial ambition with practical responsibilities, Alice continues, “I currently manage and operate the website while diligently maintaining a full-time professional career. This duality underscores the passion and commitment poured into Ayok’a Deco, ensuring it thrives as a beacon for underrepresented artistic brilliance.”

Connecting with Creativity: The Artist Acquisition Process at Ayok’a Deco

The success of Ayok’a Deco hinges on its ability to discover and onboard exceptional talent. Alice meticulously scouts for artists, leveraging the power of social media to unearth hidden gems. “I primarily discover artists online, frequently browsing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter,” she reveals. “In the nascent stages of Ayok’a Deco, my approach was very direct: I would personally reach out to artists whose work resonated deeply with me and my vision. Now, as our platform has garnered more recognition and a growing reputation within the art community, we’re seeing a wonderful shift where artists are increasingly contacting us directly, eager to be featured on Ayok’a Deco.”

This evolving dynamic speaks volumes about the trust and visibility Ayok’a Deco has built. Alice’s focus remains on artists who are either natively digital creators or those who possess the expertise to digitize their physical artwork for online presentation. “I predominantly collaborate with artists who either craft their art digitally from inception or those who are proficient in digitizing their existing art for seamless online sharing,” she elaborates. “In this regard, I find myself offering little in the way of technical advice, as these artists are already adept in preparing their work for the digital realm. Our core offering comprises high-quality art prints – essentially exquisite digital reproductions of their original pieces. The pricing structure on our website is standardized, offering clarity and consistency to both artists and collectors. Artists retain the creative freedom to select which specific artworks they wish to make available on our platform, aligning with our established pricing tiers.” This streamlined process ensures that artists can focus on their creative output while Ayok’a Deco handles the intricacies of online sales and distribution.

The Heart of Ayok’a Deco: Diversity, Heritage, and Universal Appeal

The collective of artists featured on Ayok’a Deco hails from a myriad of distinct backgrounds and geographical locations, naturally leading to a rich tapestry of artistic styles. However, a powerful common thread unites them: their shared heritage. “Our artists come from vastly different backgrounds and countries, resulting in a wonderfully diverse range of styles,” Alice explains. “What truly binds them, however, is their shared heritage. For instance, you’ll notice a prevalence of portraits depicting Black women across our website. This is a beautiful reflection of our Black female artists painting subjects they intimately know and understand, drawing from their own lived experiences and cultural contexts.”

The artwork frequently bursts with vibrant colors and often subtly or overtly pays homage to Black culture, making a bold statement in any space. This distinctive aesthetic resonates with a broad audience, appealing to two primary demographics. “The artwork we sell particularly appeals to two types of individuals,” Alice clarifies. “Firstly, those of African heritage who are actively seeking to see themselves and their culture reflected authentically and beautifully in the art they acquire for their homes and lives. Secondly, our art captivates people from various other ethnicities. This appeal stems either from a genuine admiration and love for African or Black culture, or simply because our art offers a refreshing departure from what they typically encounter, and they are drawn to its unique beauty and compelling narrative.” This dual appeal underscores Ayok’a Deco’s success in bridging cultural divides through the universal language of art, fostering appreciation and representation simultaneously.

Beyond Prints: Expanding the Ayok’a Deco Lifestyle Collection

Ayok’a Deco understands that art transcends traditional canvases, integrating seamlessly into everyday life. “We also ingeniously offer our stunning artwork as phone cases, in addition to our popular art prints,” Alice highlights. “This means that if you discover a piece you absolutely adore, you have the exciting option to personalize your most frequently used accessory with it.” This innovative approach allows customers to carry a piece of meaningful art with them, transforming a functional item into a personal statement.

Interestingly, the popularity of these distinct product categories shows a fascinating geographical divide. “It’s quite amusing, as we observe a clear geographical preference,” Alice notes. “Our exquisite art prints enjoy immense popularity among our US customer base, while our phone cases fly off the digital shelves in Europe, proving to be hot sellers.” This trend suggests varying cultural consumer habits or perhaps different market penetrations for each product type. Looking ahead, Alice is brimming with excitement about a new venture. “I’m actively planning to launch a collection of beautifully designed notebooks this year. As a genuine stationery addict myself, this particular expansion fills me with immense personal enthusiasm and anticipation.” This diversification into lifestyle products demonstrates Ayok’a Deco’s commitment to making art accessible and integrated into daily living, extending its brand identity beyond wall decor.

Spotlight on Talent and Ambitious Future Visions

Ayok’a Deco takes immense pride in the artists it represents, nurturing their careers and bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront. “One of the very first artists we had the privilege of signing was Delphine Alphonse,” Alice fondly recalls. “Delphine is a gifted French-Caribbean painter, currently based in the artistic heart of Paris. Her work is instantly recognizable for its dreamlike portraits of Black women, often adorned with breathtakingly gorgeous hair, frequently embellished with delicate flowers. Her pieces evoke a sense of ethereal beauty and strength.” Another artist who has captured the hearts of many on the platform is TEDA. “TEDA is also exceptionally popular on our website,” Alice adds. “Hailing from Nigeria and based in the bustling city of Lagos, TEDA specializes in captivating abstract art, offering a dynamic contrast to Delphine’s figurative work and adding another layer of artistic depth to our collection.”

Looking towards the horizon, Alice harbors ambitious yet profoundly meaningful aspirations for Ayok’a Deco. “Regarding our plans for the future, my overarching goal is for the website to continue its significant growth trajectory. I envision Ayok’a Deco becoming the quintessential first destination people intuitively turn to when they are seeking beautiful, meaningful, and affordably priced Black or African art,” she passionately states. This goal extends beyond mere commerce; it’s about establishing Ayok’a Deco as the authoritative hub and trusted resource in this vibrant art segment.

Furthermore, Alice is committed to the holistic development of the artists under her wing. “I’d also like to create more robust opportunities for professional development for my artists. This includes offering them the invaluable chance to undertake projects they might never have explored before, pushing their creative boundaries. And, perhaps most excitingly, enabling them to forge dynamic collaborations with established brands. These partnerships could unlock new avenues for exposure, creativity, and financial success, solidifying Ayok’a Deco’s role not just as a sales platform, but as a true career accelerator for Black and African artists globally.” This forward-thinking vision promises a future where Ayok’a Deco continues to innovate, empower, and enrich the global art landscape.