Massan is originally from the West African nation of Togo. She is a mother, educator, and creator. Born the youngest of three girls, Massan was always an entrepreneur. At a young age, Massan sold various items to help her mother cover her school fees. In 1980, Massan traveled to the United States and brought the fashion and artsy of her native nation to her new home. She studied at the NewYork Fashion Institute and learned to infuse traditional African design with western techniques. In 1991, Massan opened Mawule’s African Jewelry, named after her oldest daughter, in Philadelphia. Today, Massan designs and creates jewelry with semi-precious stones and premium metals.