We stopped writing the blog during our time in Ghana as we researched production and tried to determine how to manufacture within the country. Overall, we were in Ghana for two months in which time we had the opportunity to meet with various artisans and craftspeople, large-scale fabric manufacturers as well as business-people operating in Ghana. The trip was a great experience -- it was truly eye-opening and we worked hard to establish the right contacts to ensure future growth and success! After exploring various options, we found that although there are a plethora of skilled craftspeople working throughout Ghana -- it is difficult to obtain the consistency in product that is needed to compete in Europe and North America. So we have decided to start small and have found some great artisans with which to work on some of the line, using man-made leathers and cloth while working with more established manufacturers and incorporating cloth made in Ghana in the leather and water-resistant products in the line. So as we continue to grow we have set a longer term goal to move manufacturing to Ghana and expand to other African nations and to train and up-skill the workforce.
So our journey continues... to date, we have succeeded in creating all of our beautiful cushions in Ghana...and they are a hit! After having just returned to the UK a month ago --we have sold out of our kente cushions and we are currently back in Ghana producing more housewares which will be available online, at Portobello and Spitalfields markets as well as in stores where we are currently stocked.
We have also begun working with a great craftsman who has done an amazing job creating our bags! Thus far our new designs have been well-received and again one of our popular orange tote bags has already sold out a mere 4 weeks after coming to market! Again, we are now back creating further handbags to be sold online and in-person!
We have also been listening to our customers who love the African inspired handbags and want accessories for all occasions and seasons. In order to meet this demand we are introducing weather-resistant cloth bags mixed with both real and man-made leather. Our hope is to ensure that our customers can rock our goods both at work and play, rain or shine! Hence, again we are working hard to make this development a reality! At the moment we are not able to produce these bags in Ghana but with growth comes greater possibilities...for now we are partnering with manufacturers who are able to provide the technology needed and for the long term we will look to grow our manufacturing in Ghana and across the African continent.
I hope you enjoy the new line as we introduce them! Thanks to those who have posted on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages we look forward to hearing from many of you over the next few days, weeks, and months!
I hope you enjoy the adventure...I know we are!
PS - here is a sneak peak at some of the leather bags to come as well as some pics of the great work done in Ghana thus far!
xx
mefieuk
Our new leather designs!
Some of the wonderful cloth and bags made in Ghana and designed for you!
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