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 Vanelle

Vanelle’s hands have always been her strength, and her journey to Ndara is woven from the same resilience she carries in her craft. Small in build and quiet by nature, Vanelle may seem reserved, but her spirit is steadfast. From her first days with Ndara, she has been determined to transform her life, one stitch at a time.

As a child, Vanelle would stand beside her aunt, watching her crochet and embroider. Money was tight, and there was never enough yarn for her to practice with. So, Vanelle improvised, whittling a piece of wood into a crochet needle and knotting discarded yarn scraps into something she could work with. It was with this makeshift tool that she taught herself to crochet, learning embroidery soon after. She began selling small tablecloths in her neighborhood to make ends meet, but it was a struggle. When a friend, Nadia, told her about Ndara, Vanelle saw a chance to lift her family out of hardship.

Once at Ndara, Vanelle had a steep learning curve—she’d never used a sewing machine, let alone made products like rugs or stuffed animals she had never heard of or seen. For months, she lay awake at night, running her fingers over imaginary stitches, determined to master the new techniques she was learning. Yet, with every challenge, she grew more confident. And, for the first time, her income was steady. She could support her children, buy food, and cover basic needs without relying on anyone else. Her sense of self-worth grew along with her skills; her opinion now mattered in her community, and she was seen as someone who could give back.

The Ndara boutique became a source of great pride for Vanelle, who brought her entire family to visit and see what she and her fellow artisans had created. Her early days in the boutique were filled with nerves; reading and writing invoices in front of clients was a challenge. With support from literacy classes and her own determination, she eventually grew confident enough to take the lead, now mentoring other artisans.

In 2023, Vanelle used her savings to buy her own piece of land, something she never thought possible. She also invested in a sewing machine to work from home and dreams of opening her own tailoring shop one day, hiring a tailor to work while she’s at Ndara. She looks forward to learning pattern-cutting skills and, one day, hopes to learn leatherwork from Macaire, whose handbags are her favorite pieces in the Ndara boutique. They are exquisite, crafted entirely by hand, and she dreams of mastering that skill herself.

Christmas for Vanelle has always meant music and joy, and as a mother, she wants her children to feel the same. She remembers dancing at church with the neighborhood kids and plans to recreate those simple, joyful memories for her own children - a church service, a special meal, and a time to celebrate together.

Through her quiet resilience and steadfast dedication, Vanelle embodies Ndara’s mission of hope. Her hands, once weaving scraps, now sew the fabric of a future she once thought impossible, with each stitch a testament to the hope, strength, and dreams Ndara has helped her build.