Puzzle Solved: Entrepreneurial Alumna Finds Fulfillment in Puzzle Business

Entrepreneur Ann Emefa Amenuvor ’12 of Accra, Ghana, arrived at Westminster College in 2008 unsure of what she wanted to major in or what career path she should take. And she was homesick.

Originally planning to major in biology, Amenuvor says various Westminster classes outside of her major broadened her interests and helped her find a supportive community among faculty members.

 “As a liberal arts college, you have the opportunity to take classes across various disciplines, which helps you narrow down your true interests,” Amenuvor reflects.

She adds that taking classes such as Caribbean Literature with Dr. Heidi LaVine and Africa and De-Colonization with Dr. Sam Goodfellow were a turning point for her.

“They helped redefine my African identity, which asserts my current pursuits,” Amenuvor explains.

She soon realized biology wasn’t really for her and instead majored in economics with a minor in accounting. Today Amenuvor is glad she made the switch.

After working for the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, a think tank back home in Accra, Amenuvor put her degree and minor to use and launched an online puzzle gift and souvenir start-up, Play Portraits GH.

The business owner says another boost to her self-confidence while at Westminster was the involvement of various members of the Fulton community — a few local women regularly invited international students into their homes.

“They contributed significantly in enriching our experiences, because we often felt homesick,” Amenuvor explains. “Today some of us call them our ‘American moms.’”

Originally from Tegbi in the Volta Region of Ghana, Amenuvor is accustomed to small towns and says she would recommend Westminster based on its size, dynamic community, and various educational emphases.

“I would always recommend the school to anyone in search of a liberal arts education which focuses on building global citizens,” she says enthusiastically.

When she isn’t creating her specialized photo gifts for customers, Amenuvor can be found in her downtime watching world history documentaries or kicking back with a Korean drama, for lighter viewing. She also loves reading and recommends The Secret Lives of Baby Segi’s Wives, which explores the ways women exert their autonomy in spite of obstacles.

Having overcome a number of obstacles herself, Amenuvor reflects on her past and says Westminster truly helped her find her purpose.

“I believe the Westminster experience challenges you to pursue your interests without fear,” she says, directing words of encouragement to current and prospective students. “Go out there and be great. Dare to be different.”