Chasing Social Media Fame Without Skills Is Dangerous, Maame Gyamfua Tells Youth

CEO of OhMyHair and co-founder of Office and Co, Maame Gyamfua has warned young people against prioritizing online fame over real skills and apprenticeship.

She delivered the caution during her address at the 40th anniversary and 25th graduation ceremony of 2nd Image International Skills Academy held last Thursday at the GNAT Hall in Accra. Speaking to graduates and guests, Maame pushed back against the growing trend of young people chasing influencer status while skipping the training needed to build lasting careers.

According to her, it is discipline from proper training that keeps a career going long after the social media hype dies down. She urged the youth to focus on practical skills instead of rushing to become influencers or CEOs overnight.

“Social media only shows the highlight reel and not the work behind the scenes. It convinces many young people to skip the most important stage of development, which is apprenticeship, where people get to nurture their skills,” she said.

“After school, you need practical skills such as client management, industry standards, quality control and the discipline required to master your craft. But here is the challenge: many of us are deceived by the glamour of social media and want to be part of it, neglecting the importance of professional development and skills,” she added.

Maame, who is also a social media influencer herself, told the students not to be distracted by what she called the “performance of social media.” Instead, they should concentrate on building expertise.

“I can confidently tell you that social media teaches performance. But with apprenticeship, you develop your skills, become competent and build a business that can keep you going when the social media lights go off,” she noted.

She further stressed that talent alone is not enough for success. Consistency, resilience, humility and perseverance are just as important. Sharing her own journey, she said her brand was not built on posting pictures online but on learning the craft, building relationships and earning clients’ trust over time.

She encouraged young entrepreneurs and creatives to find mentors and allow the learning process to take its time.

“You can choose the path of short-term fast clicks and quick collapse, or you can choose the path of mastery, the path that may take longer but should last forever,” she said.

“At the end, your true worth and talent would not be measured by the number of social media followers but by the skills and knowledge you have acquired,” she concluded.

The graduation, themed _A Legacy of Evolving Excellence_, saw 145 students complete training in the beauty and creative industry. Outstanding graduates were recognized in fashion, make-up, nail extension, facial therapy, braiding, weave-on and hairstyling.

Founded in 1986 by Nikki Boa-Amponsem, who is still Executive Principal and CEO, 2nd Image International has trained over 10,000 students, many of whom now work in top salons and spas across the country.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Naa Asheley Ashetey, CEO of Nova Wellness Centre, and Mr. Abdul Rahaman Zakaria, Deputy Director of TVET, urged the graduates to take their training seriously and help grow Ghana’s beauty and wellness industry.