I started off 2018 as a banker and 12 months down the line, I write as a full time maker and an artist. My creative self has taken over my whole being and I honestly can’t imagine life without creating. Sometimes I wonder how I sailed through as a banker for 12 years. For a greater part of those years, I very much enjoyed my routine but this dwindled with time. I looked forward to the day I will be literally free from 9-5 confinement.
I found my peace in June this year when I decided to quit banking and become a full time maker and artist. I decided to take my side hustle more seriously and I haven’t regretted my action.
Oye Bags & Clothing is a Ghanaian owned company. We make bags from leather, African Print fabric, recycled jute fabric, handwoven fabrics from Ghana and other parts of Africa. Our objective is to train and create a livelihood for the youth whilst sharing our heritage and our culture through our craft.
Since June, we have made several unique pieces for our customers in Ghana and abroad. We have shared our culture as Africans and Ghanaians with our customers abroad and in Ghana. We have sent smiles to various homes through our pieces.
The past six months has been a jolly ride. We participated in local Pop Ups-once every first Saturday at Dubois Centre in Accra, we were at Spitalfields, London for a Pop Up Shop in May. We were also at a Pop Up Market in New York in May. We participated in Selewa Pop Up Market-East Legon Accra in August for 2 days, we also took part in the week long Flower and Garden Fair in Accra as well as the Accra food Festival also in the month of August. In the month of June & September, we had a two week pop up shop at African Regent Hotel in Accra. For most part of the summer and fall, from May to November, we were also in Boston, New England Open Market and Sowa Market respectively. In all of this we accomplished this feat with a team of 10 individuals who make up both the production and marketing team. Individuals who share in a dream and driven by passion and the desire to succeed.
I must admit that although its been challenging, its been a fun ride of freedom, the absence of fear and the presence of peace. Looking forward to a fruitful new year. A year full of opportunities and a lot more creative ideas.
MY BUSINESS 