When Global Mamas brings new Mamas into the ‘family’, we take the commitment seriously. This means we hire with intention and only when we know we have the capacity to offer long-term, regular work for a new partner.

During Fashion Revolution week we wanted to introduce Dorcas Quianoo, one of the newest batikers to join our Cape Coast team. She started with Global Mamas in summer of 2018 and has been a part of batik production for the new 2019 line which is online now! Batik designer Nick Ruffalo was able to get in a quick interview with her during a training earlier this spring.

N: Why did you want to do batik?

D: I wanted to learn hairdressing but the school was full; they only had room for batik and beadmaking so I learned both.

N: How did you get trained in Batik? How long have you been batiking? When did you start batiking for your own business?

D: I went to vocational school in Tema to learn batik. My father was working as a policeman in Accra, but he’s retired now in Moree [just outside of Cape Coast]. I started my own business right out of school in Accra where I worked for a few years. I was making batik to sell at market and making good money. I’ve been in Cape Coast now for 12 years, but I’ve been selling food for the past 6 years. It was difficult work. I would wake up early to prepare and come home late to wash dishes.

N: Why did you want to come to Global Mamas and leave your food business?

D: I learned batik, so I wanted to use what I learned to work. The money is now better in batik. Before, the money in food wasn’t reliable; my income wasn’t enough to pay back the bank for borrowing money. I left food because I was tired; preparing and cleaning up took all my time. Batik is also hard work, but at least there is time to rest at the end of the day. I receive steady orders from Global Mamas. It’s difficult sometimes with rejects, but otherwise it’s nice.

For years Dorcas had her own business preparing and selling food, but the income wasn’t reliable.

N: What is something you’ve been able to do in the past year that you haven’t been able to before? What accomplishment are you proud of?

D: I have begun saving to build my own workshop. Right now, I have a table under a mango tree. I want to expand.

N: Have you enjoyed your work? What is one thing you enjoy about working for Global Mamas?

D: It’s nice to be back in batik. When I receive rejects, I like that they call me and will discuss it with me.

N: Do you support anyone?

D: I support my three children: 2 girls, 1 boy. The eldest girl is now a beauty technician. She can do manicures, makeup and hair. My younger girl is 6 years, and the boy is 4 years. I also help support my junior brother’s son, who is 3 years old. He will start school soon and I will help him.

N: Do you have any employees? What are your plans for your future business?

D: No, I do not have employees, but I want to grow and hire them. My goal would be to grow to have 5-10 employees. It would be great.

N: What is one long term goal you hope to achieve with the help of orders from Global Mamas?

D: I want my kids to finish school and graduate college. I also want to buy land and build a house.

We’re so pleased to have Dorcas on board and look forward to sharing how she reaches her goals in coming years. Thank you for joining us in wishing her a warm welcome to our community!