Meet the Team
Charlotte
1. What is your role at Ndara?
I'm the founder and the manager. I am involved with all aspects of what Ndara is, but where I focus my energy is mostly training the Ndara team. This means training in quality control, and general management such as how to do inventory, invoices, manage orders etc, but also leadership and teambuilding. I am also responsible for product development.
2. Why did you set up a company mainly focusing on female artisans?
Women are the backbone of society in the Central African...
Vanelle
1. What is your role at Ndara?
I can make most of the Ndara products. I started with Ndara making rugs and baskets, then I learnt how to sew, first by hand, then using a sewing machine. Today I produce a lot of animals, foldable baskets as well as rugs. I also help to manage the boutique.
2. What does Ndara mean to you?
Ndara means second chances to me. I started working for Ndara, but did not do a very good job. I was lazy and didn't pay attention to quality,...
Kossi
1. What is your role at Ndara?
I am the manager of the Ndara workshop and boutique in Bangui. This means I oversee and manage the production, sales, upkeep, maintenance as well as customer relations in Bangui. But, my most important task is to train and support the artisans; in the skills of sewing, discipline, how to manage a workshop, repairs and all that is the Ndara work. I do my very best to keep things upbeat and to motivate the team to take on new challenges and be more diligent. I am also a...
Racey
1. What is your role at Ndara?
I'm one of the founders and my main responsibilities are to manage the finances, the logistical tasks on the U.S. side (including shipping all orders from the web shop), and serve as a sounding board for Charlotte.
2. What is your favourite thing about the Central African Republic?
The resilience and the joyful perspective of the people is absolutely inspiring. In the face of so much struggle and strife, Central Africans continue to smile hello, hug their children, show gratitude for small things and come to...
Jocelyne
1. What is your role at Ndara?
I am a seamstress, and I am particularly good at making clothes. I love clothes and fashion, that is why I am good at sewing clothes. I am also really good at making computer bags. They call me the “mother of computer bags” in the workshop. But I am happy to make any products. One week each month I work in the boutique as an assistant boutique manager. I struggle to read and write, so I am still learning to make invoices and inventory. But in the boutique I...