The Success Story Of Monte Carlo

The chief executive of Monte Carlo Grand Café, Mrs. Sally Kanbonaba Kleyn, has declared her intention to use her outfit to promote Ghana's tourism industry.

She told Beatwaves that despite her huge investment in the entertainment industry she believed there was a lot to be done if stakeholders want to maintain the standard in the industry.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Beatwaves at her office, Sally disclosed that she started from a humble beginning and with determination she had reached this far.

According to her, in 2004 she established Monte Carlo Forever Fashion off the Osu Oxford Street in Accra on her return from Europe.

Two years later she established a bar and restaurant as well as a night club, since to her, the tourism industry in Ghana was booming.

Two weeks ago she relocated her Forever Fashion House from the Osu Oxford Street to the premises of the bar and restaurant under the theme; “Monte Carlo Under One Roof.”

In addition she opened a VIP private clubbing section within her club. This decision was to satisfy the growing demand of clientele who always visit plush joints, she said.

When asked how she came by the name Monte Carlo, she said, “I adopted the name Monte Carlo for my bar and restaurant from Monte Carlo, a suburb of Monaco.

There is so much class attached to the name itself which made me want to bring it to Ghana.

So I named my restaurant Monte Carlo.”

Sally who is affectionately called Mama Luu (a Dutch word meaning Auntie), disclosed that she is used to living an expensive lifestyle.

“I unfortunately or fortunately developed very expensive taste for fashion. Everything to do with things around me, from furniture to clothes is authentic and expensive,” she declared.

The sight of her plush Monte Carlo Grande Café no doubt suggests so.

According to Sally, her taste for such posh lifestyle was an influence from a city called Monaco where she resided with her Dutch husband, Mr. Hank Kleyn and her five-year-old daughter.

Everybody in Monaco, she revealed, lives an affluent lifestyle.

Sally, who owns a Hummer H2 model, Range Rover sports 2007 model, Mercedes X-Class 500 and an Escalate, as well wears classy international designer clothes from lines as Christian Dior, Gucci, Roberto Carville and Lorenzo among others. Locally, she patronises high quality Kente and African designs from Woodin.

Sally who said she is hundred percent Ghanaian hails from Bawku in the Upper East Region.

She completed her General Certificate Examination (GCE O'Level) at the Sekondi College in 1994. She later came into contact with a man from Switzerland who traveled with her to that country.

The Monte Carlo CEO told Beatwaves that after shuttling between Ghana and Europe she decided to stay at home and find a permanent job for herself, but somewhere along the line she met her husband and they moved to Monaco, one of richest cities in the world.

Personally Sally says she thinks she is a successful business woman in

the area of show businesses. “I have everything I want to achieve.

There is nothing I really wanted that I have not been able to get, but with business I think I am not all that successful,” she stated. She indicated that she does not enjoy her affluence alone as she also helps society.

She hinted that besides providing jobs for the unemployed in society, she gives to institutions that need support from business men and women.

“I have adopted a maternity ward at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where I have relieved some of the mothers who were not able to pay their medical bills.

I also provide the ward with things that the babies need. I am not saying this because I want recognition, but to prove to you that I also support society.”

Sally's greatest dislike in life is people who don't respect others. “I don't like such people since I myself respect people. I am humble.

I grew up with my sister and father. I was only fortunate to marry an European. So I won't do anything to disrespect others because I am successful in life.”

She as well told Beatwaves that beautifying was her utmost hobby.

“My hobby! My major interest is spending time at home beautifying myself.

I have to be honest with you; I like taking care of myself by making sure that every detail or every part of my body is done. I like to do my hair, my nails.

I also like speaking to my family. I don't have any special hobbies. I will probably say my business is a hobby at the same time because I do enjoy it when I'm working,” said the 32-year-old woman.

By Francis Addo & Gorge Clifford Owusu