Designing Accessible Fashion

Musu Kromah ’22, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Major/Minor: Business with concentrations in Healthcare Leadership and Long-Term Care Administration; Biology

Please tell us about yourself.

I am a senior at Concordia studying business and healthcare. I was born in Liberia, West Africa, then moved to Ghana during the second civil war. When I was 14 years old, I moved to my new home, Brooklyn Park, Minn., with my mother and two lovely nieces. When I’m not busy with school or working on my small business, I like sewing, spending time with family and friends, and working out.

Why did you choose Concordia?

I chose Concordia to move away from where I went to high school. I needed to get out of my comfort zone and start over in a new town where no one knew who I was. I wanted to expand my horizons in a unique setting. I ended up enjoying the small class sizes, interactions with peers, quick access to professors, and intellectual resources provided by the institution.

What are the benefits of the healthcare leadership program?

A benefit of the healthcare leadership program is the 12-week internship, which is the first hands-on experience you get at a healthcare institution and the opportunity to work with executives in every department and work on projects. Another benefit is you get a chance to make a difference in the world of healthcare even if you’re not a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional. You work to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity, color, gender, culture, or other factors, has access to healthcare.

Have you had a favorite professor or course and why?

This one is hard because there are so many great professors at Concordia. My favorite professors are Dr. Elna Solvang and Dr. Shelly Gompf. Dr. Solvang’s Religion 200 course provided me with a fresh perspective on religions, influencing how I approach interfaith and multicultural interactions at Concordia. Dr. Gompf is why I’m so passionate about the healthcare leadership program. She significantly impacted my choice to join the program because she greeted me with compassion and knowledge.

Why do you believe diversity is important at Concordia?

Diversity is vital at Concordia because it creates learning opportunities, changes, and engagement. It helps broaden your perspective on other countries, cultures, races, and environments. Many individuals at Concordia are from different parts of the U.S. and the world. I’ve learned so much about their backgrounds and cultures through conversations and networking. The strong bonds I’ve formed have been outstanding.

Tell us about your small business, Susu Luxe Style.

My brand supports women from all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds who want to dress modestly while still looking gorgeous. My business aims to create fashionable, high-quality head wraps, hijabs, accessories, scarves, and clothing. My goal is to make it easier to access clothing that sparks your lifestyle without going through so many challenges.

What inspired you to start your own business?

As someone who dresses modestly, the lack of availability stood out to me and I wanted to change that in my community. I wanted to create accessible and affordable hair accessories and clothing for women who like to dress modestly.

How did you utilize the Small Business Development Center, located in the Offutt School of Business, while launching Susu Luxe Styles?

I was able to work with Deb McGregor by running my ideas by her. She helped me narrow down what needed to be done to start a small business.

What have you learned about yourself through managing your business?

I’ve learned that I’m very independent and, as much as that’s a strength, it is also my weakness because it prevents me from asking for help, especially as a sole proprietor of a small business.

What are your career goals? Are you planning on continuing this business long-term?

My career goal is to work as a healthcare administrator at either a hospital or a nursing home. As for my business, I plan to continue building and growing it.

Tell us how you balance running a small business, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities.

I use a planner to organize my days. That way, I can prioritize what needs to be done and complete them on time. I take things bit by bit so I don’t get overwhelmed.

What is your favorite Concordia tradition?

My favorite tradition is the Homecoming bonfire.

How has Concordia helped you grow?

There are a lot of resources at my disposal and the fantastic faculty at Concordia have made this journey easier to achieve my dreams.

What are your plans following graduation?

After graduation, I plan to do an internship. I’m not sure where, but that’s the plan right now. I would also like to expand my business by possibly adding more items.

What advice would you give a student who is considering attending Concordia?

Get active on campus, make changes, and create a space you want to see. As a student at Concordia, I have had the opportunity to rebuild the Black Student Union on campus.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

College is a chapter of its own. Come prepared for adventure and allow yourself to break out of your comfort zone and explore. Branch out and find people who value you, your differences, and your voice.

^{Published February 2022}