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From Simple Stitches to Crocheted Dreams

In 2017, Meryse walked into Ndara’s makeshift garden shed workshop with a foundation of basic hand stitching and a stubborn hope for a better life. She had been living in internal displacement camps for the past 3,5 years, moving from camp to camp to avoid the then ongoing violence in Bangui. Ndara’s founder, Charlotte, first taught Meryse how to crochet. Meryse practiced for hours, crocheting rugs out of scrap materials. Before Meryse learned how to get the crocheting even and straight, she had to rip out meters of crocheted threads, but eventually, she got the hang of it and started producing Ndara’s first product, the crocheted rug.

As her confidence with needles, scissors, and measuring tape grew, Meryse turned her hand to improving her hand stitching and learning to draw patterns and crafted our stuffed animals. Acknowledging Meryse’s potential, we decided it was time to equip her with a game-changer; a foot-pedaled sewing machine and the knowledge of how to operate it. This opened a new chapter in Meryse’s life.

A Thirst for Knowledge and Tireless Dedication

Meryse is the epitome of hard work. During crunch time in our workshop, when something has gone wrong or we are running behind schedule - her tireless efforts are invaluable. Meryse is our rock that we count on. She consistently goes above and beyond.

But more than being an exceptionally hard worker, Meryse’s curiosity drives her to constantly explore new possibilities, and she has developed several new Ndara products because of this. When presented with a new product or a challenge on how to improve an old product, she is the first to embrace it with enthusiasm.

She will recreate a product from a photograph or a scrappy drawing, working from home through the night under the glow of a petrol lamp (due to the lack of electricity) once she has put her children to bed. In the early mornings, she will arrive at our workshop with a new or modified prototype, eager to show her team what she did and to hear input.

Breaking the Chains and Building a Brighter Future

When Meryse joined Ndara, she was in an abusive relationship. She was, unfortunately, dependent on him to support herself and her kids, as she had no means to earn an income that would be enough for her kids to survive on.

Ndara soon became more than just a haven to Meryse, offering not just skills but also financial independence. Empowered, she made the courageous decision to leave her relationship.

Today, a single mother, she takes pride in providing for her own children and extended family. Her perspective on love and partnership has shifted dramatically. Recently, in the Ndara workshop, the artisans were chatting about love, and Meryse stated loudly: "The next man I meet is going to have to be really good because I do not need a man anymore. I have my own money and my independence - so I have no time for a man that is not good to me or my children."

From Land Ownership to Leaving a Legacy

Meryse's hard work extends far beyond the walls of the Ndara workshop and boutique. Together with her sister, they saved enough money to purchase a piece of land – a historic achievement. The property is registered in her name, making her the first woman in her family to own land, a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

The Ndara Family: A Tapestry of Support

One of our core values is that we are all teachers and students, regardless of who you are and how much experience you have. Everyone has something to teach, and everyone has something to learn. While we have many examples of how the Ndara team has embraced this spirit - recently, Meryse and Omega reminded us all of how very real this is and what an incredible impact it has in our lives.

Omega, already a gifted seamstress when she joined Ndara, has been giving Meryse lessons on how to make clothes in their free time. First, Omega cut the patterns, and Meryse did the stitching of simple cuts. Now, Meryse cuts, assembles and stitches her own wrap dresses (one of the best sellers in our boutique). 

From mastering simple stitches to creating patterns, Meryse blossomed under Omega's guidance. The day Meryse walked into our Bangui boutique and workshop, proudly modeling a wrap dress she made entirely by herself, was a moment of shared triumph. The pride on Omega's face mirrored that of the entire Ndara team – a testament to the unwavering support that forms the bedrock of the Ndara spirit.

This culture of mentorship and skill-sharing is our greatest strength. Every Ndara member arrives with a steep learning curve, facing countless trials and errors. Yet, our artisans become invaluable teachers, passing on their ability to uplift the entire team. This collaborative approach creates a safety net of support and inspiration that drives our collective growth but also reaches far beyond our Ndara team.

Experimentation and the Spirit of Innovation.

Ndara is a company in constant evolution, and the artisans are active participants in this journey. When brainstorming for new boutique products, they bring their self-made designs to the table. These designs are often a beautiful blend of different elements, like sleeves from one dress and the bodice from another, a hem used in one pouch mixed with another style seen on a photo somewhere, all fused together to create something new for Ndara's customers. Meryse's story is just one thread in the rich tapestry of Ndara. It's a place where raw talent is nurtured, transforming lives and fostering a supportive community. Ndara empowers not just artistically but also holistically, placing the reins of their futures firmly in the hands of these artisans. Meryse's magic lies not just in her intricate stitches and beautiful creations but in the resilience and dedication that she embodies – a spirit that inspires not just her fellow artisans but everyone who meets her.