We recently had the chance to connect with Yaw Ankrah and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yaw, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building that no one sees is a future for my family through the work I do for others. Every video I create for a client isn’t just about content; it’s about helping their business grow, making them more money, and connecting with their audience. Behind the scenes, I’m stacking those wins to build something lasting. It’s not flashy or obvious now, but one day it’ll be clear what all of this was for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have a creative mind capable of doing just about anything, and I mean that. I run Ankrah Studios, a production company that takes pride in handling projects of any size with precision and purpose. We recently produced an ENTIRE reality show called Selling The DMV that’s now live on YouTube, and whether it’s a full-scale series or a short-form social ad, we focus on making the entire process smooth, strategic, and results-driven.
What makes us different? We don’t just make videos that look good; we make content that actually works. From concept to delivery, we’re all about making the process efficient and the outcome impactful.
This camera has opened doors I never thought I’d walk through, and now that Selling The DMV is wrapped, I’m focused on bringing even more bold visions to life.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Back in school, I wasn’t the best student on paper, but teachers always loved me. They’d talk about how creative I was or how creative/unique I was, even though I didn’t really get what they meant. I was just being myself: funny, curious, and full of ideas. A few of them specifically told me to stay true to that creative side, and while I didn’t fully understand it at the time, I think about those conversations to this day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The first 2-3 years of my business were the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. I was working crazy hours with almost no return. Some months I’d hustle non-stop and bring in $2K–$4K. Other months, I made $100, maybe $300 max. It was rough not knowing what the future looked like, but I always told myself that if I gave up now, I’d never find out where this could take me.
I remember one moment clearly, a $400 Airbnb photo project in West Virginia, nearly 4 hours away. Their budget wouldn’t budge, and I had no other projects lined up. I knew the drive alone would eat up my whole day, and honestly, the money barely covered the effort. But I didn’t have the luxury to say no. I packed up my gear and made the trip.
Projects like that tested more than just my work ethic; they tested my belief in myself. When you’re driving hours just to make ends meet, questioning if it’s all going to work out, it can get really discouraging. But I kept showing up, even when it didn’t make sense on paper. And looking back, those low-budget, no-glamour days are what built the grit I rely on now. That season taught me how to hold the vision, even when the results weren’t there yet.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth I rarely say out loud, but live by, is this: your mindset shapes your life. If you think positively, you become positive. I’ve never met a negative person who didn’t constantly dwell on negative thoughts. There’s so much chaos in the world that you can’t control, but if you let it take over your mind, that’s on you.
Another one tied to that: you can’t control how other people act, only how you respond. I’ve learned not to let other people’s energy or emotions drag me out of character. Protecting your peace starts with how you think and how you choose to carry yourself, no matter what’s happening around you.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
One thing I think people will misunderstand about my legacy is how much I had to go through, especially at a young age, to get here, and to keep going. The good moments get attention, but most of it was built through struggle, family drama, setbacks, and quiet work. I think about those moments every day, even now. But I don’t bring them up often, because to me, that’s not the most important part.
What matters more is what I’m able to bring out of people, and what I’m able to bring to life. A lot of people let their past define or limit them. I let mine fuel me. I’ve never let where I started stop me from going where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ankrahstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yawankrah_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yawankrah_
Image Credits
@ashleyjeancreative
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