Creating Sustainable Entrepreneurship with Nana Boateng Osei

Nana Boateng Osei, founder of Bôhten Eyeglasses.

Utilizing his eclectic background and upbringing, Nana Boateng Osei is taking the world of entrepreneurship by storm. Built on the values of strong leadership and intentional networking, he is passionate about sustainability and, specifically, his current venture, Bôhten Eyeglasses.

Bôhten was born out of Nana’s love of nature, style, and culture, and the vision that sustainable and stylish eyewear can also be made in Africa. Now, he and his team work hard to create high-quality eyewear and provide exceptional service to their customers.

We were able to chat with Nana to discuss how he landed in entrepreneurship, why he’s so passionate about sustainability, and why Bôhten will likely not be his last entrepreneurial adventure.

Hi Nana! Tell us a little about yourself.

I am visionary entrepreneur who believes in elevating Africa as a whole through communities to innovate, create, and build. British-born, Ghanian-molded, and American-raised, I am an undergraduate from Carleton University with vast experience in the marketing and advertising industry. My entrepreneurial journey started with the organization of expedition trips and limousine nights from Ottawa to Montreal.

I have built strong leadership and networking skills through the launching and organizing shows that exposed people to new innovative, sustainable, and stylish brands. My growth and discovery taught me how to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of business including the product development, high tech, and fashion consumer merchandise. I am currently the CEO & co-founder of Bôhten Eyeglasses.

How did you get started in your field of work?

The concept of sustainable glasses grabbed my  attention when I went to visit family in Kwahu, Ghana, the highest habitable place in the country. There, I  realized that I had family in the wood and timber industry, sparking the idea of sustainable wooden glasses. In summer 2012, I joined the Carleton Entrepreneurs program, offering access to market-specific expertise while supporting student startups. By the end of the year, I had partnered with four other students from different disciplines to learn from their own perspective and build Bôhten.

What are you passionate about in your work? 

I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship—Bôhten wasn’t my first business venture and it likely will not be my last. Being a dreamer forces you to think bigger and step into the reality that you visualize before it materializes itself in the physical world. This has driven me to greater heights. Being a leader means there is always room for growth and adaptation.

How do you advertise your service to others? 

We mainly utilize social media including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. We also engage our newsletter by featuring other brands and creatives that we work with on a monthly basis. Finally, we use partnerships as a way to build new audiences. We recently worked with Google, Facebook, HBO, and Pinterest  on various collaborative features.

What does your ideal workspace look like? 

My ideal work place is a summer hut right by the beach looking over the ocean. I am very attracted to the ocean, as there is something very calming about it.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is big on personal connection, loves learning about new cultures, and is a digital nomad. He also lives in urban cities on either the east or west coast.

And last, but not least, tell us where we can find you! 

You can find us online at www.Bôhten.com, and also on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter at @Bôhten.