Meet Barbara, Technical Designer in Cape Coast.
Barbara joined Global Mamas nine years ago, coming to us with a background in design and as a fashion instructor. In her previous role she was feeling confined by the limitations of the school’s curriculum. Working with Global Mamas provides her with a unique platform to train a diverse range of individuals, including rural and older women. As technical designer, she does a lot of training and she loves that this has enhanced her teaching style and allowed her to explore new arenas such as commercial designs and patterns tailored to meet the demands of customers worldwide.
Global Mamas Design Team L to R – Nick, Abigail, Alice, and Barbara
Of her work with Global Mamas, Barbara is most excited to talk about the growth of the Mamas. She guides seamstresses to reach their full potential, by helping them explore new designs, and maintain high-quality standards. One seamstress, initially used to simple designs, became a top producer for Global Mamas, thanks to Barbara’s guidance and support. Filled with pride, Barbara shared, “When they come to share their success stories with me, I get so happy. I’m so proud that in a small way, I’m creating an impact in [their lives].”
Barbara firmly believes that Global Mamas plays a crucial role in raising the quality standards of seamstresses’ products in Ghana. The skills and standards they learn at Global Mamas extend beyond their work for international customers and have a positive influence on their work for Ghanaian customers. Last year, Barbara was even able to travel across Ghana to share the work of Global Mamas and train women outside of the organization in quality control, sharing the standards that seamstresses can follow to produce high-quality products. The trainings included teaching women how to reuse fabric scraps to make sanitary pads for young girls in rural villages, in partnership with our friends at Style Her Empowered from neighboring Togo.
Her work with Global Mamas brought about significant personal growth as well. Barbara is grateful to have developed improved time management skills, set achievable goals, and become mindful of her nutrition, hydration, rest, and even incorporated regular walks into her routine. Financial security was of particular interest to her. She was thrilled to report that she has been able to increase her savings and invest for her retirement while helping to support many children in her extended family. She pays for their school supplies and books. She is hopeful that they can further their education and have a peaceful life, emphasizing “I want them to reach the sky. The sky even should not be their limit. They should go beyond the sky.”
The ability to travel, experience new cultures, and learn from our customers is also a personal highlight for Barbara. In 2019 she participated in a tour of Germany where she visited over 30 stores selling Global Mamas’ products. During her travels, she was able to speak about Global Mamas’ work and share her experiences. When she witnessed the genuine appreciation for the designs and the curiosity surrounding the work of the Mamas, her heart was filled with gratitude. Barbara was overwhelmed to see her very own designs on the runway of a fashion show hosted by one of the stores. She joyfully exclaimed, “Wow! [They] are selling [my designs]. I was so happy. Since we are producing the dresses here [in Cape Coast], I didn’t know how far my designs can reach…I was proud when people knew that I’m the Ghanaian designer behind them.”
Reflecting on her time with Global Mamas, Barbara celebrates the significant changes in her life. She has achieved financial stability, experienced personal growth, and gained new skills and experiences. Barbara’s family and community hold her in high regard, seeing her as a role model for the children. She aspires to own a home of her own one day and continue her educational journey by enrolling in a master’s program, enhancing her expertise, and expanding her impact.
