Omenaa Mensah with former First Lady Michelle Obama. Mensah uses her travels to discover new artists and uses art to create better understanding.

Omenaa Mensah

Amma Omenaa Mensah has built a reputation as one of Poland’s leading philanthropists, media personalities, and cultural entrepreneurs. The Ghanaian-Polish founder of Omi Productions, several fashion brand and a furniture brand, recently launched Phenomenaa Gallery in Warsaw, a space dedicated to African and non-European art. Her travels have taken her to more than 75 countries. Her goal is to add 10 new non-European destinations each year. Mensah says her travel is with purpose. She travels to seek out artists, cultures, and experiences that inspire both her gallery and charitable initiatives. From safaris in Botswana and gorilla treks in Rwanda to visits with artists in Ghana, India, Algeria, and Peru, travel serves as both a source of discovery and a tool for building cultural connections. Mensah recently talked about how she travels, what inspires her journeys, and the hotels and destinations that have left lasting impressions. Below is an edited transcript of the conversation.

Q: How often are you on the road?

Travel is central to everything I do. I recently launched an art gallery in Warsaw dedicated to African and non-European art, and much of what I present comes from experiences I've gathered around the world. I've visited more than 75 countries so far. Every trip is an opportunity to discover new artists, cultures, traditions, religions, and perspectives. I always connect with local artists directly, often visiting their studios and meeting them personally. Those experiences help shape both my gallery and my philanthropic initiatives. My husband and I have even set a goal of visiting 10 new non-European countries every year. Each destination enriches me emotionally and creatively.

Q: How does travel influence your work as a gallery founder and curator?

Almost every trip results in new artistic discoveries. In Botswana, for example, I met artists Boi and Cebulo through a local arts leader named Atang Arnold. Their work is now being introduced to audiences in Central Europe through my gallery. In Bulgaria, I discovered a young artist known as Nikyoto, whose work was inspired by Kyoto, Japan. She later came to Poland, and we began collaborating. Travel allows me to connect emerging artists with entirely new audiences. It also helps me identify talent that might otherwise remain unknown outside their local communities.

Q: Ghana holds special meaning for you. Why has it become such an important destination?

Ghana is my second homeland. My father was born in Kumasi, and about 12 years ago I traveled there for the first time to learn more about my roots and heritage. What began as a personal journey eventually led me to discover Ghana's extraordinary contemporary art scene. Ghana has produced some of Africa's most influential artists, including figures such as Amoako Boafo and Ibrahim Mahama. Today, every trip to Ghana combines family history, philanthropy, and art. One of the first Ghanaian artists whose work I acquired was Kwaku Yaro. In fact, I later presented one of his works to Barack Obama during a meeting.

Q: What are some of the more memorable artistic discoveries you've made while traveling?

Peru was a wonderful surprise. I arrived at the airport and immediately noticed a beautiful textile-based artwork. I asked who created it and then had my team locate the artist. A few days later I was visiting her studio. Her name is Christy Arias, and her work is completely handmade. Some pieces take three or four months to create. I acquired several works, brought them back to Poland, and they sold out. That's the beauty of travel—you never know where inspiration will come from.

Q: When you're traveling, how important are hotels?

Comfort matters, of course, but hotels are never the primary reason for my travels. Sometimes people focus too much on where they stay rather than what they experience. I travel because I want to see something unique, learn something new, or encounter a different culture. There are destinations where luxury accommodations simply don't exist, and that's perfectly fine if the experience itself is extraordinary.

Q: Can you give an example?

The Faroe Islands are a great example. We knew it would rain. It rained almost the entire time. But the landscapes were breathtaking. The beauty of the islands made the weather completely irrelevant. The same was true when I traveled to Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. The hike was difficult—about 90 minutes climbing through dense vegetation—but seeing gorillas in their natural environment made every step worthwhile. Those experiences stay with you forever.

Q: When you do stay in luxury hotels, what appeals to you?

I love historic buildings and great restoration projects. My family is involved in several restoration projects, including properties in Italy, Malta, and Poland, so I pay close attention to architecture and preservation. One hotel that truly impressed me was Adare Manor in Ireland. The restoration is extraordinary. The history, the design, and the attention to detail are remarkable. I also loved the golf course there. My husband and son were absolutely captivated.

Q: Are there other properties that stand out?

In Africa, I really enjoyed Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana and Kisawa Sanctuary in Mozambique. In Ghana, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra is always a good choice. I also recently enjoyed the new Orient Express property in Venice (Orient Express Venezia). It is a beautiful hotel and a wonderful addition to the city.

Q: What does your packing style look like?

I am a woman, so I need to be prepared for everything. I need clothes for a nice dinner with my husband, meetings with friends, gallery visits, and also practical clothing for walking, hiking, and exploring. You always have to be ready for a new adventure.

Q: How do you decide when to fly commercially and when to use private aviation?

It depends entirely on the destination. Some places simply cannot be reached efficiently without private aviation. Other trips work perfectly well using commercial airlines. This year we're traveling to places including Bhutan, Nepal, and Lagos, and those itineraries require a combination of commercial and private flights. The key is planning ahead and working with experienced advisors who understand complex travel logistics.

Q: When you fly commercially, do you have favorite airlines?

Qatar Airways is excellent. Emirates is also consistently very good. I also fly LOT Polish Airlines frequently and they do a good job. I enjoy discovering new airlines and travel experiences. Every trip is another opportunity to learn something new, whether it's through the destination, the people, the art, or simply the journey itself.