Friday, August 31, 2012
No regrets for going into fashion designing - Julia
As a fashion designer she takes her ability to mix and match colours to a whole new level. Ama Amankwah Baafi obtains a designer's view of her hard work.
MS Julia Opare, a fashion designer found her calling at an early age. “My mother was a seamstress so right from childhood I had been artistic,” she said.
Julia has come a long way from an ordinary dressmaker to a fashion designer who sketch designs, select fabrics, creates clothing and footwear.
When GRAPHIC BUSINESS spoke to Julia at her workshop at Banana Inn, a suburb of Accra, she said she completed vocation school in 1995 at Kaneshie in Accra.
Known as TRUWORTH Fashions, her products include gents and ladies African wears and African design slippers.
“For about two years I worked at home before I moved to my current place where I have a workshop and a showroom”. Julia said she designs all kinds of wear.
Getting started as a young fashion designer was not easy, let alone getting market for her products, but through the support of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, she was linked with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and began marketing her products through fairs locally and internationally in 2008.
Julia said she often gets job orders after participating in such fairs, especially outside Ghana and is able to meet demand with staff strength of seven. Apart from participating in fairs facilitated by the GEPA, she takes the initiative to go on her own.
She said she works hard on her collection, particularly for fashion exhibitions as she sees it an opportunity to make the most of.
Passion for creativity is the inspiration for Julia’s collection. “You get to see what was in your mind, and then in your drawing, and then in your pattern, as a finished product.”
Julia looks forward to get funding to expand her work even beyond the borders of Ghana. “Money is the most important because if I have money I can acquire the materials I need and I can work well”.
She could also purchase modern and more machinery to work and employ 15 additional staff.
When asked whether anything about her journey so far has surprised her, she said, “I get surprised about how many people pay attention and recognise my products. Getting calls for orders from people who admire my work and want to collaborate is satisfying”.
She said clients of TRUWORTH Fashions get unique products; excellent finishing, promptness and on time delivery.
So what advice would Julia give to younger ones who want to start a fashion design career? “Starting a fashion career is not a fast-paced thing, but if you love it, stay with it. You must be creative and you should also stay true to your vision”.
However, Julia feels strongly that most young people of today are not interested in learning such vocations such as fashion designing because it is not fast-paced. “I have tried several times to get people to train for free but they have not been cooperative”.
The 38 year old mother of three said she has never regretted going into fashion designing because it is lucrative. “I began fashion designing with my twin sister but she stopped along the lines and now she tells me she has regretted and wish she could turn back the hand of time. I can say I am able to immensely support my husband financially. Everything I have now I got it from my work”.
She was full of praise for her husband who she said has been very supportive, especially taking care of the children when she is away on a business trip.
Though grateful for the support from the GEPA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry so far, she appealed more from them and other stakeholders in the creative industry to come on board so people like her in the industry can make it.
“Made in Ghana goods are held in high esteem outside Ghana so if it is promoted it will contribute to economic development”.
From teaching to entrepreneurship
He quit teaching to pursue an entrepreneurship dream. But the journey to entrepreneurship is still a distance from where he wants to be. Ama Amankwah Baafi reports
He began brewing “soobolo” in 2001. His main selling joint was at the ‘Salvation Park’ located at Mataheko, a suburb of Accra, place noted for Saturday football matches.
Koffi said he could make sales of GH₵50 weekly. In 2008, he quit teaching to brew soobolo full time under the name BISKOMA Enterprise.
He told GRAPHIC BUSINESS that he did not have enough money then, “but I was determined to do it. At that time I decided to stop the use of used bottles though I had money for only 48 bottles.”
Now, Koffi says he is able to buy about 3000 bottles a month for production. Major clients of his brand, “Bisko bissap drink” are the various university campuses in Accra, banks, churches and individual households. They come in different flavours of ginger, pineapple etc.
Motivation
He said that is innate and by divine revelation. “I believe it is part of my purpose on earth. I don’t allow what is outside to influence me but what is within. That is why against all odds I have decided to go ahead to pursue my dream.”
Initially, he used motor cycle to distribute and which was associated with its challenges, “I remember there were times the ‘Ghana-must-go bag’ in which I put the products would fall off during distribution. Yet I remained focused.”
Production
He said he began production by buying on credit, including employing the services of a consultant. He said his mini factory uses simple machinery for now since machinery is capital intensive.
Out of determination and a passion to produce quality drink that has natural taste, ingredients used in the production process include dried bissap (hibiscus leaf), natural ginger, lemon grass and other local spices such as ‘whintea’, as well as water.
“I have been using these ingredients because I want to brew purely home based drink. My choice also gives the drink real taste. When you buy Bisko bissap drink, you can be assured that there is no artificial colouring and carbonated additives”.
He uses industrial fire to boil the mixture at 100 degree Celsius and afterwards allow to cool for hours before bottling. “Production period depends on the quantity. Averagely, it takes a full day. It is important to allow to cool or else the bottle would deform.”
Unlike some entrepreneurs, Koffi says he does not only supervise but is still involved in the production process from start to finish to maintain quality.”
Hurdles
It has been difficult to get dedicated staff, apparently, due to the intensity of labour. However, he employs casual personnel when necessary. Also since major consumers are the universities, when they go on vacation, then the factory has to operate below capacity. Again, access to long term credit has been a challenge.
NBSSI support
Koffi said he had so far been as beneficiary of the capacity building programmes provided by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI). Seminars on product management and improvement, proper bookkeeping, etc have helped to improve Bisko bissap drink. “The NBSSI has again begun the process of creating websites for our businesses. Sometimes they also send our products to fairs.”
Achievement
BISKOMA Enterprise has been able to purchase a vehicle for distribution, acquired some machinery and land to put up a modern factory. “I am doing well and I thank God for bringing me this far.
Health benefits
He said researched has proved that the drink reduces high blood and aids proper functioning of the heart.
Imparting knowledge
He said several attempts to train the young generation had been vain. He remarked the youth of today seem too interested in acquiring wealth quickly but not in investing / investments.
Future
BISKOMA Enterprise projects to market its drinks nationwide in the next five years. Koffi said his great ambition is to set up a bigger factory and employ about a million staff. “I am also working hard to be able to break into the African market and subsequently European market.”
Personal profile
Agbehonou Koffi Medard has a Ghanaian mother but Togolese father. He is married and has a nine month old boy. He has no regrets in going into such a business enterprise. When he is not brewing soobolo he enjoys swimming and winning souls for Christ. He deems it a responsibility to give back to society what he has been blessed with.
“I believe I have not reached where I want to be. My biggest dream is to provide basic necessaries of life for the less privileged in his society. My dream is that none of my generation would be poor, except the person chooses to. By age 45, I should be able live even if I do not work again”.
He has dreams to pursue his education, particularly in product development and seeks inspiration and advice from others.
Bissap drink industry
He condemned the attitude of unscrupulous persons who add food additive and colour to the drink. He said it is about time designated authorities get tough on local drink producers who use used bottles to package their products. “Using used bottles poses a health risk. The public should also desist from patronizing and consuming such products”.
To contact the writer:amaachia@yahoo.com
http://www.graphic.com.gh/business/
He began brewing “soobolo” in 2001. His main selling joint was at the ‘Salvation Park’ located at Mataheko, a suburb of Accra, place noted for Saturday football matches.
Koffi said he could make sales of GH₵50 weekly. In 2008, he quit teaching to brew soobolo full time under the name BISKOMA Enterprise.
He told GRAPHIC BUSINESS that he did not have enough money then, “but I was determined to do it. At that time I decided to stop the use of used bottles though I had money for only 48 bottles.”
Now, Koffi says he is able to buy about 3000 bottles a month for production. Major clients of his brand, “Bisko bissap drink” are the various university campuses in Accra, banks, churches and individual households. They come in different flavours of ginger, pineapple etc.
Motivation
He said that is innate and by divine revelation. “I believe it is part of my purpose on earth. I don’t allow what is outside to influence me but what is within. That is why against all odds I have decided to go ahead to pursue my dream.”
Initially, he used motor cycle to distribute and which was associated with its challenges, “I remember there were times the ‘Ghana-must-go bag’ in which I put the products would fall off during distribution. Yet I remained focused.”
Production
He said he began production by buying on credit, including employing the services of a consultant. He said his mini factory uses simple machinery for now since machinery is capital intensive.
Out of determination and a passion to produce quality drink that has natural taste, ingredients used in the production process include dried bissap (hibiscus leaf), natural ginger, lemon grass and other local spices such as ‘whintea’, as well as water.
“I have been using these ingredients because I want to brew purely home based drink. My choice also gives the drink real taste. When you buy Bisko bissap drink, you can be assured that there is no artificial colouring and carbonated additives”.
He uses industrial fire to boil the mixture at 100 degree Celsius and afterwards allow to cool for hours before bottling. “Production period depends on the quantity. Averagely, it takes a full day. It is important to allow to cool or else the bottle would deform.”
Unlike some entrepreneurs, Koffi says he does not only supervise but is still involved in the production process from start to finish to maintain quality.”
Hurdles
It has been difficult to get dedicated staff, apparently, due to the intensity of labour. However, he employs casual personnel when necessary. Also since major consumers are the universities, when they go on vacation, then the factory has to operate below capacity. Again, access to long term credit has been a challenge.
NBSSI support
Koffi said he had so far been as beneficiary of the capacity building programmes provided by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI). Seminars on product management and improvement, proper bookkeeping, etc have helped to improve Bisko bissap drink. “The NBSSI has again begun the process of creating websites for our businesses. Sometimes they also send our products to fairs.”
Achievement
BISKOMA Enterprise has been able to purchase a vehicle for distribution, acquired some machinery and land to put up a modern factory. “I am doing well and I thank God for bringing me this far.
Health benefits
He said researched has proved that the drink reduces high blood and aids proper functioning of the heart.
Imparting knowledge
He said several attempts to train the young generation had been vain. He remarked the youth of today seem too interested in acquiring wealth quickly but not in investing / investments.
Future
BISKOMA Enterprise projects to market its drinks nationwide in the next five years. Koffi said his great ambition is to set up a bigger factory and employ about a million staff. “I am also working hard to be able to break into the African market and subsequently European market.”
Personal profile
Agbehonou Koffi Medard has a Ghanaian mother but Togolese father. He is married and has a nine month old boy. He has no regrets in going into such a business enterprise. When he is not brewing soobolo he enjoys swimming and winning souls for Christ. He deems it a responsibility to give back to society what he has been blessed with.
“I believe I have not reached where I want to be. My biggest dream is to provide basic necessaries of life for the less privileged in his society. My dream is that none of my generation would be poor, except the person chooses to. By age 45, I should be able live even if I do not work again”.
He has dreams to pursue his education, particularly in product development and seeks inspiration and advice from others.
Bissap drink industry
He condemned the attitude of unscrupulous persons who add food additive and colour to the drink. He said it is about time designated authorities get tough on local drink producers who use used bottles to package their products. “Using used bottles poses a health risk. The public should also desist from patronizing and consuming such products”.
To contact the writer:amaachia@yahoo.com
http://www.graphic.com.gh/business/
No regrets for going into fashion designing
As a fashion designer she takes her ability to mix and match colours to a whole new level. Ama Amankwah Baafi obtains a designer's view of her hard work.
MS Julia Opare, a fashion designer found her calling at an early age. “My mother was a seamstress so right from childhood I had been artistic,” she said.
Julia has come a long way from an ordinary dressmaker to a fashion designer who sketch designs, select fabrics, creates clothing and footwear.
When GRAPHIC BUSINESS spoke to Julia at her workshop at Banana Inn, a suburb of Accra, she said she completed vocation school in 1995 at Kaneshie in Accra.
Known as TRUWORTH Fashions, her products include gents and ladies African wears and African design slippers.
“For about two years I worked at home before I moved to my current place where I have a workshop and a showroom”. Julia said she designs all kinds of wear.
Getting started as a young fashion designer was not easy, let alone getting market for her products, but through the support of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, she was linked with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and began marketing her products through fairs locally and internationally in 2008.
Julia said she often gets job orders after participating in such fairs, especially outside Ghana and is able to meet demand with staff strength of seven. Apart from participating in fairs facilitated by the GEPA, she takes the initiative to go on her own.
She said she works hard on her collection, particularly for fashion exhibitions as she sees it an opportunity to make the most of.
Passion for creativity is the inspiration for Julia’s collection. “You get to see what was in your mind, and then in your drawing, and then in your pattern, as a finished product.”
Julia looks forward to get funding to expand her work even beyond the borders of Ghana. “Money is the most important because if I have money I can acquire the materials I need and I can work well”.
She could also purchase modern and more machinery to work and employ 15 additional staff.
When asked whether anything about her journey so far has surprised her, she said, “I get surprised about how many people pay attention and recognise my products. Getting calls for orders from people who admire my work and want to collaborate is satisfying”.
She said clients of TRUWORTH Fashions get unique products; excellent finishing, promptness and on time delivery.
So what advice would Julia give to younger ones who want to start a fashion design career? “Starting a fashion career is not a fast-paced thing, but if you love it, stay with it. You must be creative and you should also stay true to your vision”.
However, Julia feels strongly that most young people of today are not interested in learning such vocations such as fashion designing because it is not fast-paced. “I have tried several times to get people to train for free but they have not been cooperative”.
The 38 year old mother of three said she has never regretted going into fashion designing because it is lucrative. “I began fashion designing with my twin sister but she stopped along the lines and now she tells me she has regretted and wish she could turn back the hand of time. I can say I am able to immensely support my husband financially. Everything I have now I got it from my work”.
She was full of praise for her husband who she said has been very supportive, especially taking care of the children when she is away on a business trip.
Though grateful for the support from the GEPA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry so far, she appealed more from them and other stakeholders in the creative industry to come on board so people like her in the industry can make it.
“Made in Ghana goods are held in high esteem outside Ghana so if it is promoted it will contribute to economic development”.
Competent local managers critical to Africa’s development - AMI
The African Management Initiative (AMI) is leading a campaign to build a critical mass of African managers, supported by high-quality schools and resources, and working in dynamic organisations that allow talents to flourish.
According to the AMI, a larger pool of competent local managers is critical to drive competitive African private and public sectors, and to cultivate knowledge-base economies, as well as to achieve development goals.
A report by the AMI formed by the Association of African Business Schools, the Global Business School Network, the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Lundin Foundation, identified an acute shortage of quality managers as a major bottleneck for growth in Africa.
Though foreign investment is said to be on the rise, with Africa’s economic growth among the fastest in the world, the growth is rapidly draining the pool of local managers.
The report titled, “Catalyzing Management Development in Africa”, estimated that Africa’s formal labour force of 111 million includes approximately 11 million managers.
Therefore, to entrench the practice of good management, there is need to ensure that at least one in 10 million of them (over 1 million managers) are equipped with the knowledge needed to drive the continent’s next phase of development.
According to the research, the biggest need is in the middle of the organizational pyramid. Interviewees cited a huge gap between senior executives who enjoy the benefits of international business schools and work experience, and a much less able engine room of middle and lower level managers. This gap leads to execution problems.
It showed that many African organizations are hierarchical and constrained by ‘founder syndrome’; therefore, there is need for programmes that will coach senior leaders in developing the organizational culture systems that allow their own managers to flourish.
Also, employers outlined the kind of skills and qualities they required from managers. These include; personal drive; planning skills; ethics and integrity; critical thinking skills; practical experience and flexibility.
The report revealed that Africa has roughly 90 business schools offering an MBA (one per 11 million people) compared to India that has over 1, 500 MBA-offering schools. Less than 10 of these African institutions measure up to international standards.
While South Africa and parts of North Africa are said to be strong, Central and West Africa are woefully underserved. The AMI report said many local business schools are low quality, overly academic and out of step with the requirements of fast growing African economies.
On the other hand, the non-academic management training market is fragmented and of generally low quality. “We urgently need high-quality and affordable institutions and programmes at this level, which can also reach rural and underserved urban areas”, stated the report.
The research recommended that Africa should have its own models for management education and development with potential for real scale. It cited four areas for possible action; inputs, providers, organizational enablers and quality assurance.
SAHEL Sahara Bank has opened its 12th branch at Achimota in Accra as part of measures by the bank to bring banking to the doorstep of its customers.
The move is also intended to match competition in the banking industry as far as the spread of banks is concerned.
The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Robert Kow Bentil, said the bank was spreading its branch networks across the country in a strategic manner to enable it serve customers better. He added that “it is also to attract new customers to do business with us”.
He hinted that the bank was planning to open three more branches by next year to move the number of branches to 15.
About the performance of the bank, Mr Bentil said, “Sahel Sahara Bank Ghana’s operating income grew from GH¢2.9 million in 2008, to GH¢10.3 million in June this year; Deposits also rose from GH¢5 million in 2008 to GH¢81 million by June this year”.
He added that the bank’s total assets also rose from the 2008 figure of GH¢1.9 million to GH¢123.6 million in June 2012 while loans and advances increased from GH¢2.2 million in 2008 to GH¢53.4 million in June this year.
“In 2008, the bank recorded a loss of GH¢1.6 million. However, by June this year we had broken even and made a profit of GH¢2.6 million,” he said.
He attributed the bank’s success to the commitment of its staff and further called on them to continue to do more.
The Sahel-Sahara Bank, which was inaugurated in March 2008, is owned by the 26-member Community of Sahel-Saharienne States of Africa (CEN-SAD) of which Ghana is a member.
The bank operates in some of the 26-member Community of Sahel-Saharienne States of Africa (CEN-SAD) including Ghana.
Network to promote shared growth
A NATIONAL platform of civil society organisations, the Economic Justice Network (EJN), has resolved to promote trade and finance reforms to ensure that the major drivers of the country’s economic growth spring from domestic and regional sources.
The EJN, devoted to equitable national economic development, said it would roll out series of activities that would go to transform domestic economic sectors, actors and interests and improve their inter-linkages for increased productivity.
Speaking at the re-launch of the network in Accra, Mr Tetteh Hormeku of the Third World Network-Africa (TWN), said the activities of the network would also promote an inclusive growth and development through equitable re-distribution and realignment of production capacities within the economy, as well as improvement in productivity-centred livelihoods that supported socio-economic justice and poverty eradication in the country.
The EJN was formed in 2005 in protest of what they described as continuing policies and experiences of economic injustice.
He said the network had been at the forefront of advocacy on economic policy issues affecting ordinary Ghanaians, especially against what he described as the “discredited Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)”, the planned free trade pact between European Union and Ghana (and other African and Caribbean countries) that threatens to damage the local economy and undermine the future of ordinary Ghanaians.
According to Mr Hormeku, the fundamentals of the country’s economy, like many other African economies, remain extremely fragile after three decades of uncontrolled liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation, as those policies and models had restrained and undermined the structural transformation of the economy to benefit ordinary Ghanaians.
“Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) strong performance in recent years had been due largely to the increased international demand and high prices for its mineral and agricultural raw material exports. By the same token, the economy is even more vulnerable to violent external shocks,” he said.
“We have pursued economic policies that privileges foreign private sector. Unless we are able to counter address pressure exerted by foreign policy on our governments, we can never ensure economic development. Taxes are sources of revenue so why do we stress the few tax sources, especially the informal sector,” he asked.
The social activist emphasised the EJN was not a new entity but largely a synergy of knowledge to confront the socio-economic challenges, adding “we should use our own knowledge and experience to formulate policies so they become a reference point to the struggle against bad policies”.
With the re-launch, the EJN will immediately start a national advocacy campaign.
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