Meet the Mamas by Location

Batiking & Sewing (Cape Coast)

Cape Coast is home to our largest production location and was the first Global Mamas location. It was here that our founding Mamas came together in 2003 to produce the first Global Mamas product line. Today the Cape Coast Global Mamas community comprises nearly 100 independent, women-owned businesses. In Cape Coast our Mamas are batikers and seamstresses who work from their own shops or from their homes.

Sarah Adjei, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“I will know I have achieved prosperity when I can build a house on my land. I know Global Mamas will help me to get the money I need.”

Meet Sarah: A seamstress, Sarah first heard about Global Mamas when helping her friend and fellow Mama batik new product designs. Since becoming a Mama herself, Sarah has earned enough money through her Global Mamas orders to put her three children through university and to expand her seamstress shop by purchasing extra machines and training apprentices. Any volunteers who stay with her are greeted with a big smile and an open heart. Teaching the volunteers how to wash laundry and make local foods are experiences she says she will never forget. When not working, Sarah listens to Gospel music and dreams of the house she will one day build on her land.

To everyone around the world wearing her products, Sarah says, “I would tell my customers I am happy now because of Global Mamas. Now I can support myself because I have too become a somebody.”

Molly Linda Djan, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

A step into Molly Djan’s apartment block and it reveals the organized chaos of her life as a Global Mama. Several sewing machines whir through patterned dresess and reversible aprons while an apprentice irons finished work and friends stop by to say hello. Molly is busy all day in Cape Coast while she fills orders, manages her current employees, and trains new ones; she is busy on the weekends too when she travels an hour and a half to visit her family in Winneba. This activity energizes Molly, as she tells us “I am proud of my work and giving my niece the opportunity to go to university.”

Grace “Araba” Koufie, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

Grace “Araba” Koufie’s life is filled with activity—in her busy home, her busy workshop, and the busy open air market near where she lives in Cape Coast. Though she started her seamstress business several years before becoming a Mama, her partnership with Global Mamas allowed Grace to pay off debt and start saving. Now, she earns enough money to cover regular school fees and medical expenses as well as support family members in need. In her own words, "Global Mamas has helped me a lot. Before Global Mamas, I stayed at home doing nothing, but they have provided me with regular business and a regular income.” Grace dreams big—hoping to one day open a bigger shop for more employees and build a bigger home for her family.

Juliana Mustafa, Batiker (Cape Coast, Ghana)

Juliana Mustafa is a talented artisan who has established herself as one of Global Mamas finest Cape Coast batikers, but she proudly explains that she is a “mother first and a batiker second.” While her family is most important to her, Juliana is also a successful businesswoman, grateful to Global Mamas for their help,growing her business. “They have organized training and health care programs for us.” She says, “They pay for bulk orders completely, which has helped me buy a car.” However, Juliana nearly always speaks of batiking and business in the context of how it has helped her family, “I am proud of being able to send my children and 5 year old niece to school. I am able to meet all my children's needs.”

Florence Thompson, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

Before partnering with Global Mamas, Florence Thompson knew she had what it took to be a successful seamstress, but her economic situation made it difficult. Florence was forced to default on a loan and go without electricity for months because she did not have enough money to pay the bills, but all of that changed when she started working with Global Mamas. With over 20 years of sewing experience and the financial jumpstart she needed, today Florence is able to continually improve the quality of her products, do her own bookkeeping, pay her family’s utilities and school fees, and dream for their future. "I pray that one child will be a doctor, one will be a pilot and one will be a journalist," she says.

Hannah Dodoo, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“My prosperity is not only financial, but involves health, community, religion, family, and sharing. Sharing my prosperity makes me prosper.”

Meet Hannah: One of the six Ghanaian co-founders, Hannah has helped shape Global Mamas into the organization it is now. Hannah is a seamstress who creates styles from her broad range of experiences abroad. She draws on her knowledge from Ghana, America and Germany where she learned to sew in 1976. Six years after learning to sew, she opened a shop in Cape Coast where her family resides. When not working, Hannah enjoys scrapbooking and reminiscing over her time on business trips abroad. And while her business has brought her prosperity, she maintains that her comfort and well-being come from more than just her job.

“If I have ever achieved, it has been because I share my talents with others. When I share my talents, it makes me happy. So I share my happiness with others.”

Mavis Thompson, Batiker (Cape Coast, Ghana)

Born and raised in Cape Coast, Mavis Thompson’s story is one of renewed hope. She started batiking in 1989 and soon after opened her own shop called “Press on Towards the Goal.” After experiencing initial success, Mavis was forced to close her shop when a shrinking customer base made it impossible for her to afford the expensive batiking supplies she needed. Mavis was selling lace and curtains by the side of the road when she found Global Mamas, and since then Global Mamas has provided Mavis with a steady income and the means to buy daily food. Mavis is pleased with this change in her situation. “Global Mamas is good,” she says. “They help us. They have given us work to do.”

Betty Cudjoe, Batiker (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me prosperity is not only monetary, but a state of mind. I am not begging. I work for food. I work for clothing. I work for satisfaction. Because of this, I have prosperity.”

Meet Betty: A batiker, Betty started work with Global Mamas after a founding member and close friend introduced her to the organization. Since then, she has always “enjoyed the freedom and dignity” that comes from her work with Global Mamas. While working with the organization, Betty received enough income to help her husband finish building both his house and her workshop. When not batiking, Betty uses colorful beads to handcraft necklaces, bracelets and more.

“As a batiker, I combine colors and designs throughout the day. And then, at the end of the week when the cloth is hanging on the line, you stand at the back and feel very satisfied that you have produced something for people who want your work.”

Bessie Cramer, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity is dependent on my work. When I have many apprentices training under me, I will be prosperous.”

Meet Bessie: Producing a variety of items such as tablecloths, placemats, napkins, potholders, and headbands, Bessie has a passion for sewing and a passion for Global Mamas. “I love working with Global Mamas because I am always busy,” she said. Part of the organization since 2003, Bessie cannot choose a favorite product that she makes – she likes them all. Providing for her three kids, Bessie not only sends them to school, but also cooks for them. “I like cooking for my children, you know, because everybody likes food. Everybody!” she said. One day, Bessie hopes to move production out of her home and own a shop in Cape Coast.

“I’d rather be working than relaxing. I love being busy, sewing products, never sitting down.”

Esther Gyepi-Garbrah, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

Esther Gyepi-Garbrah has come far from when she started working as a seamstress in her bedroom, using a borrowed manual sewing machine. After dealing with customers who delayed payment and export partners who cheated her, Esther is grateful for the reliable business that comes from working with Global Mamas. With her perseverance and dependable work ethic, Esther has maintained a loyal customer base and taught many apprentices over the years. “Through Global Mamas, I have been able to achieve my dream of helping people.” She says, “Before Global Mamas, my income was limited and I could not afford to help others. I will always appreciate that Global Mamas has helped me help others. They have helped a lot. They have done their best.”

Alice Korsah, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“I will know I have achieved prosperity when I have made enough opportunities for myself to achieve my goals.”

Meet Alice: Invited to partner with Global Mamas in 2005 by one of Global Mamas' former volunteers, Alice is one of the few Mamas who has worked as both a seamstress and a batiker for an extended period of time. To Alice, sewing is both an occupation and a passion. She has earned a strong reputation among her customers for the timely and high-quality products she provides with support from Global Mamas. Sewing is also a family business for Alice, who employs a handful of family members. After a day of sewing, Alice unwinds by listening to gospel music.

“Being a seamstress is not just my job, it is my hobby. I really love it.”

Elizabeth Ampiah, Batiker (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity is having your family and being able to take them to school and having a place for them to live. Prosperity is based in the family.”

Meet Elizabeth: One of the founding Mamas, Elizabeth has been batiking since 1995. After attending batik school with fellow Mama Emma, she used her knowledge of batiking to create designs that she entered into a trade show. When she was picked as one of the six finalists in the show, Elizabeth knew she had found her calling. “My pay went up and my happiness went up after I started batiking.” She opened up a shop with Emma, but when batiking became a highly competitive industry in Ghana, the store struggled as larger customers delayed their payment for months. All of this changed when Emma and Elizabeth became founding members of Global Mamas, setting an example of hard work and smart business for all future Mamas. Elizabeth notes that many other Mamas respect her current business, EliAma, because she and her partner have proven that a business in batiking is sustainable and profitable.

“I know I will have achieved prosperity when I am fully dependent on myself and no longer dependent on other people.”

Esther Aggrey-fynn, Quality Control (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity is being able to give to your children or other’s children, or take care of your health, pay your own medical bills .“

Meet Esther: She has worked at Global Mama since 2012, Esther as a quality control batik and seamstress champion as well as a tour guide for volunteers. She was encouraged by a Mama to apply to this organization and it has since helped her in many ways. Esther explains that “I am asthmatic and the drug for asthma is very expensive. Before I could not afford to pay it myself, but after working with Global Mamas, I am able to buy the drug without the help of anyone.” Her most fundamental goal is to provide for her family. By working at Global Mamas, she achieves a steady income to take care of her sister’s three children. As an ambitious young woman, her dream is to own and manage her own business. She hopes that her work with Global Mamas will provide her with enough savings to open a cosmetic shop and develop as an entrepreneur.

Felicia Asente, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me prosperity is to being able to work so I can earn money and make a good living.”

Meet Felicia: After Felicia started working with one of the Mamas, she decided to join the community as a seamstress herself. She mainly sews baby blankets and the explorer bag, working in her house on a small hill farther away from the business of the market. Since she first started working with Global Mamas, her sewing skills have improved and she has become a much more efficient producer. Through the training provided by Global Mamas, she has learned more about book keeping and managing her money. With her savings, she was able to buy a new sewing machine and open her own bank account.

Felicia has three kids: a 3 year-old, an 8 year old, and a 17 year old. When she’s not sewing and taking care of her children, she sells onions. Even though she spends most of her time working, she’s passionate about what she does. She would also love to sew more in order to develop her skills as well as to grow her business.

Christiane Ahouassou, Quality Control Manager (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity is something everyone can achieve; it is being successful and reaching your goals.”

Meet Christiane: Per a friend’s suggestion, Christiane applied for a position at Global Mamas after completing high school. She began as a quality control champion, and has since been promoted to quality control manager. Her job is to make sure the office is tidy and everyone else is doing their job correctly and efficiently – she is responsible for seven employees! Working for Global Mamas has taught her many skills: not only does she know how to check clothes for quality, but she also has learned how to socialize and has made many friends through the Global Mamas family. As a hobby, Christiane loves to make her own batik desigs. She hopes to one day become a food caterer (she especially loves banku and okro stew). She also hopes to see her young daughter grow up, complete tertiary school, have a better life, and become a Mama like herself!

“To all the women around the world who support Global Mamas, I would like to say a biiiiiig thank you for buying and wearing our products and making us proud!”

Elizabeth “Araba” Aikins, Quality Control Champion (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity is doing something that you put all your strength and mind and materials into and then get to witness the finished product.”

Meet Elizabeth: After working at a pharmacy for very little pay, Elizabeth learned about Global Mamas from a friend and decided to apply as a temporary worker. She then applied for full time work and was accepted into the program as a quality control seamstress champion. Now that she has the income of a direct employee, Elizabeth has been able to rent a room in a house for herself, allowing for more independence in her life. Moreover, she was empowered in November 2015 to make decisions about sewn items for export. Calm, composed, and always ready to focus on the task at hand, Elizabeth loves working with the Mamas and helping them make their products better. She hopes to further her education by completing tertiary school, and then continue moving up through Global Mamas. What she loves most about her job is that she can see someone wearing the finished product that she had a part in producing.

Patience Treve, People Development Manager (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“Prosperity, to me, is the ability to earn a steady income and be able to meet your financial obligations.”

Meet Patience: Patience has been with Global Mamas since the very beginning. Hired by Renee Adam, Peace Corps volunteer and co-founder, Patience was the first official employee. When asked what her role was at the beginning, Patience claimed, “I did everything!” Now she is the People Development Manager and is responsible for the welfare of all her direct staff,mamas and volunteers. Patience has had the pleasure of growing and learning with Global Mamas, witnessing it progress from 6 Mamas to now over 400 individuals – and she has personally met every single Mama! She is the business mastermind behind Global Mamas, with a diploma in marketing and a degree in management studies. Although she has a lot of favorite things about working for Global Mamas, the passion on which the organization thrives is what keeps her motivated to continue her work. According to Patience, “empowering women to be financially independent is so important because it is an investment that grows the nation’s economy and reduces unemployment; it is also the way to let artisans achieve independence and export their products.” Patience is proud that Global Mamas is a unique kind of company: customers can expect fair trade products of the highest quality that are made with passion and that have a woman’s story woven into it. In her free time, Patience loves to go to church, teach her Sunday school class, and spend time with her family. In the future, if the company is able to stabilize production, Patience hopes to see Global Mamas expand beyond Ghana because their mission is to aid in the prosperity for African women and their families.

“To everyone across the world wearing our product, I will say continue to purchase the fair trade product because you are helping to make a woman proud in Africa.”

Louisa Dadzie, Batiker (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity is having my own house, something to eat, and moving on smoothly in life.”

Meet Louisa: While still in high school, Louisa spent two years as a batiking apprentice with Global Mamas cofounders Eli and Emma. She absolutely loved working with them, and now she owns her own batiking workshop with two employees. Just as she has grown through Global Mamas, Louisa has also witnessed Global Mamas grow and include more women in their network over the years. She makes products for both her local market as well as women around the world. Because of her work with Global Mamas, she has been able to save up enough money to build her own house in Cape Coast. She is an enthusiastic Yoga Mama – on the weekends, she takes classes at the Global Mamas office. Louisa also enjoys leading batiking workshops. She comments on the reciprocal relationship she has with other Mamas by saying, “I teach other women how to batik, but I learn from them as well.”

Hubert Mensah, Quality Champion (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity means being successful and giving life worth. I will achieve prosperity when I am able to have my own house, cars, and business.”

Meet Hubert: His friends call him “Huby,” and he is a quality control champion and tour guide at Global Mamas. He first heard about Global Mamas through his aunt, Elizabeth Cato Cudjoe, who is a Global Mama batiker herself. As a quality control champion, he motivates the batikers and seamstresses to submit high quality products, as well as advises and supports them in their production. Since becoming a tour guide at Global Mamas, Hubert has relished learning how to relate to people in different cultures. And he especially loves watching his Mamas achieve their goals. To Hubert, work “feels more like a family here.” His favorite Global Mamas design is “sailing, ” because of the beautiful colors and pattern. In his free time, he loves going to the beach, watching movies, and listening to “high Life” and Gospel Cools music.

Elsie Amonoo, Seamstress (Cape Coast, Ghana)

“To me, prosperity is happiness and being educated.”

Meet Elsie: A dreamer, Elsie loves to dream of travelling to South Africa. She admires South African dances and festivals. Elsie admits that she even draws inspiration from South African fashion. A seamstress in Cape Coast, Elsie joined Global Mamas when she was introduced to Wisdom, a Cape Coast employee. Since, Global Mamas has supplied her with men’s shirt orders which greatly increases her business, she says. When not sewing men’s shirts, Elsie loves listening to Hill Songs, her favorite gospel group. Her favorite food is rice and light soup.

“My proudest achievement is using my business to pay rent and support my junior brother in school.”