Blog

At Ndara, we believe that each stitch, each handcrafted piece, is more than a product - it's a thread woven with stories of hope, resilience, and dreams. The impact of Ndara goes far beyond craftsmanship. Each Ndara artisan experiences a transformative journey that reaches into the heart of their families, their communities, and beyond. Ndara is not simply a workplace or a source of income; it is a catalyst for life-changing growth. Through their work, they inspire others around them and uplift entire neighborhoods, spreading hope and opportunity across generations.

As you read each of these portraits, you’ll see how the threads of each artisan’s story intertwine with Ndara’s mission: to create a legacy of empowerment and pride for artisans and communities alike.

During each market, we share portraits of our artisans along with their personal stories, revealing how their lives have changed since joining Ndara. Since language barriers prevent many artisans from connecting directly with clients, we’re displaying these stories in our Bangui boutique during our Christmas markets, giving customers a glimpse into the lives and dreams behind each handcrafted piece.

Please take the time to get to know our artisans and see the impact you can have. Your support changes lives and spreads hope.

Introducing Josiane

Josiane, affectionately known as "Ma-Jo" (short for Mama Josiane) by the Ndara team, is more than just an artisan—she is an elder, a mentor, and a living testament to resilience. At 42, she brings wisdom, kindness, and an unshakable work ethic to every project she touches.

Before joining Ndara, Josiane made a meager living selling firewood. She had learned to crochet and embroider by watching her mother, who made baby clothes and tablecloths to support the family. Josiane practiced with scraps, developing a skill that her mother soon came to rely on.

It was her younger sister, Meryse, who first heard of Ndara and encouraged Josiane to seek it out. Reflecting on her life before joining, Josiane marvels at the transformation. Ndara brought her a stable income, yes, but it also brought her respect and a sense of empowerment she had never known. In her community, her opinion is now sought after, and she is now a person who others look to in times of need. For her family, this shift has been profound. She now holds her own financially - no longer dependent on her husband to meet her children’s needs. Instead, she and her husband stand side by side, choosing to be together out of love rather than necessity.

Among all the creations at Ndara, the rugs hold a special place in Josiane’s heart. To her, the Ndara rugs embody the organization’s essence: resilience, growth, and transformation. The rugs are a testament to the power of learning and dedication—she remembers the journey from simple braiding to intricate crocheting, each step a reminder that one can create beautiful things through perseverance. Ndara has also taught her the art of recycling, which has shifted her perspective on value. She once thought that repurposing scraps was only for those in need, but now she sees how upcycled baskets and stuffed animals carry a profound message: strength lies in transformation. Her favorite stuffed animal to create is the pangolin, a creature she remembers from her childhood. The pangolin, once hunted for food, now lives on in her creations, a symbol of protection and preservation that she passes on to her children.

Through her earnings at Ndara, Josiane has purchased a piece of land and is slowly gathering stones to lay the foundation for her own house. Each stone represents her journey, and she dreams of her future home. She has also invested in a sewing machine to increase her income from home and is teaching her younger sister to sew, hoping to see her open a small tailoring shop one day.

Learning to manage the boutique was one of Josiane's most challenging experiences. Before Ndara, she had never written an invoice or managed inventory, let alone spoken with clients. The language barrier has been difficult; clients sometimes speak quickly or misunderstand the limits of what the Ndara team can offer. Communication in French has been hard, but Josiane remains determined to improve. She hopes to return to language classes in 2025 to gain the confidence to express herself fully.

Christmas holds special memories for Josiane. As a child, receiving a toy was a rare and cherished gift, something she saved for years. Today, as a mother, she is committed to giving her children a magical holiday. She plans to buy them new clothes and shoes to last through the year and will take them to church, capturing family photos as treasured keepsakes. For their Christmas meal, Josiane will prepare a local dish of dried fish with fresh mushrooms and vine leaves - a taste of her family’s heritage.

The boutique has transformed more than just her work; it has shaped the way she manages her own life, instilling in her a love for order and beauty. Each Ndara product, from stuffed animals to rugs and beautiful garments, is infused with hope. Josiane prays that Ndara continues to grow so that more women can experience this transformation, creating better lives for themselves and their families.