A year ago, Amma Johnson designed her first handbag sample and got the product into her first store.

Today she fulfilled a bigger childhood dream of opening her own fashion showroom to showcase her Amma Jo brand, which includes designer handbags and accessories.

The Ghanaian-born designer, who spent 15 years as a corporate executive in retail, nonprofit and government relations, opened what she hopes will be a flagship store and fulfillment center in Strawberry Square.

"There is always a place for new designers," Johnson said. "I wanted to be in Strawberry Square because it's easy marketing with the mixed uses."

And the traditional suburban mall is not trending well, she added.

... Read more »