Discover Deborah Ababio’s journey as a luxury event curator, blending creativity, authenticity, and advocacy for Black women through AD Curated Agency.
‘Being a black woman feels like carrying both legacy and limitless potential all at once,’ says Deborah Ababio, a dynamic entrepreneur. Her career seamlessly weaves together design, styling and high-profile event curation, culminating in the creation of AD Curated Agency. Her journey is as vibrant as the places she calls home.
Where do you call home?
Home is a blend of places that reflect my journey and passions. Originally from Ghana, I have strong ties to my roots there. I spend significant time in London, where I run my business (AD Curated Agency) and enjoy the city’s vibrant energy. I also cherish travelling, which allows me to explore new cultures and experiences that feel like temporary homes along the way. Each place contributes to my sense of belonging and influences who I am.
How has your career evolved?
My career has evolved in ways I could have never fully predicted. I started out with a passion for design, initially wanting to be a ready-to-wear designer. That creative drive led me to explore styling, where I learned to channel my eye for aesthetics into personal expression for clients. Becoming an executive assistant gave me valuable insight into operations and management, eventually leading me to an entertainment director role, where I gained experience in curating high-profile events and collaborations. Now, as the founder of AD Curated Agency, I’ve combined all these experiences to create a business that blends creativity, luxury and authenticity.
How did you come to be the successful entrepreneur you are today?
I’m just seven months into my journey as an entrepreneur, and it’s shaping up to be a very successful and fulfilling experience. The path has been a blend of hard work, passion and learning. Building a strong foundation, embracing new challenges and staying true to my vision have all been crucial to my progress. Every day is a new opportunity to grow and refine my approach, and the support from an incredible network of collaborators and clients has been invaluable. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and how it continues to evolve!
What makes AD Curated Agency unique?
AD Curated Agency stands out by seamlessly blending luxury with a personal touch, crafting experiences that are both high-end and deeply meaningful. Our unique approach combines a genuine passion for curating exceptional events with a meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. We don’t just organise events, we create immersive experiences that forge authentic connections between brands and audiences. Our ability to tailor each project to re lect our clients’ values and visions sets us apart. With our extensive network and personalised approach, every project – whether a high-profile gala or an intimate dinner – shines with creativity and lawless execution.
What does your typical creative process look like?
The creative process begins with immersing in various sources of inspiration, such as industry trends, personal experiences and creative collaborations. Ideas are brainstormed and sketched out through mood boards, allowing imagination to low freely. After settling on a concept, I focus on refining it to align it with the client’s project or brand goals and values. Detailed planning and organisation follow, culminating in execution involving collaboration, material sourcing and attention to detail. Remaining open to feedback and revisions is key, with ongoing evaluation to identify areas of improvement. The process is both structured and lexible, fostering creativity while maintaining focus.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career?
The biggest challenge in my career has been learning and knowing how and when to pivot. Navigating shifts in the industry, adapting to new skills and responding to changing environments can be daunting. It requires a mix of intuition, strategy and lexibility. Each pivot has taught me valuable lessons about resilience and innovation, helping me refine my approach and stay ahead in a dynamic field. Embracing these changes has been crucial in ensuring my continued growth and success.
What assumptions do people make about your career that, in reality, are the complete opposite?
Some common assumptions are that it’s all about glamorous events and high-profile appearances. While those aspects do exist, the reality is that a significant part of my work involves meticulous planning, problem-solving and handling difficult situations behind the scenes.
What has been your experience being a black woman or non-binary person in your industry?
Being a black woman in my industry has posed challenges and opportunities for growth. On one hand, there have been moments where I’ve felt the weight of underrepresentation, especially in spaces where diversity is lacking. Sometimes, you have to work twice as hard to be seen and heard. However, on the lip side, it’s also been empowering. I’ve learned to carve out my own path and embrace my unique perspective, allowing me to bring something fresh and dynamic to the table.
My background has inspired me to push boundaries and open doors for others, leading me to be determined to advocate for individuals like myself and pave the way for future generations while staying true to who I am.
How has your relationship with your hair been throughout the years?
The journey with my hair has been quite an adventure! Growing up in Ghana, I had to keep my hair very short for school – literally a No.1. As a child and teen, my hair was fine in texture and mostly braided. During my teenage years, I started relaxing and braiding it, and eventually became a hair model for a friend who needed a last-minute stand-in. She transformed my shoulder- length hair into a Mohican with bleach and colour. Since then, I’ve experimented with countless colours, wigs and styles, mostly learning from YouTube videos. This year, when I turned 40, I decided to cut it all off and go purple. I absolutely loved it!
What message and/or advice can you give to other black women and non-binary people?
You are powerful and your voice is essential. Embrace your authenticity unapologetically, knowing that your journey, while challenging at times, is opening doors for others. Take up space, trust your vision and know you deserve every success and joy that comes your way.
Surround yourself with those who uplift you and prioritise self-care to nourish your spirit. Resilience and vulnerability can coexist – honour both. Keep pushing forward, knowing that your presence is a gift and your potential is limitless.
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@debsababio
@adcuratedagency