Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Andreas Kamasah
Published on 2024-04-11 07:00:00
Jackline’s journey into shoemaking began after senior high school when she chose to learn a craft with her hands. Growing up in a family of skilled artisans, she felt drawn to shoemaking after witnessing a local shoemaker at work. Despite her parents’ desire for her to pursue sewing, Jackline, a native of Bawku, a municipality in the Upper East Region, embarked on a unique path fueled by her own interests. While waiting for an admission letter from the University of Ghana, she made good use of the time to acquire a handicraft.
She finally got admission and studied political science and French. After her National Service, she decided to put to use the shoemaking skill she had acquired before her university education. Jackline has been a shoemaker for about seven years but has been practicing full-time for about two years.
Entering the Male-Dominated Industry:
Facing skepticism and opposition from some quarters, Jackline encountered discouragement while working by the roadside. She recounts, “Some guys would be like, ‘Go home; I will pray for you so that you will find a man to marry you. You are a lady; you don’t have to be doing this work.’ But others have also been inspiring me, purchasing my products and all that.”
Jackline’s resilience shines through as she discusses the challenges she faces. “None of the words people throw at me has made me want to stop the shoemaking,” she declares in an interview with Pulse Ghana’s Andreas Kamasah. Her passion for the craft drives her forward, and she remains undeterred by naysayers. She emphasizes, “The only time I consider giving up is when I get really tired.”
Achievements and Milestones:
Despite the highs and lows inherent in every market, Jackline’s business, named simply as ‘Jackline O’, has found balance. “In every market, there are highs and lows, there are times you’re busy through the week, and there are days you’re not busy at all. But so far so good; it has been balancing itself. The good days make up for the bad days,” she reflects.
Encounters with Challenges:
Jackline candidly shares a challenging experience where she was scammed after a significant order. At the early stage of her business, she invested all her resources into creating products for a customer who later disappeared without paying. Despite this setback, Jackline remains resilient, acknowledging the painful memory but not letting it deter her.
Jackline encourages fellow women to pursue their passions regardless of gender stereotypes. Additionally, she advises those seeking employment to learn a skill they are passionate about, emphasizing its potential for personal fulfillment and independence.
Looking ahead, Jackline envisions significant growth for her business. “I see something big in my head, and so far I see myself walking towards the vision I have,” she declares with optimism. Her determination is evident as she reflects on her progress from a small corner of her room to her current workshop.
Beyond her skills, Jackline aims to challenge the stereotype associated with being a shoemaker. “I want to move away from cobbling because it doesn’t give me time to focus on my craft very well,” she expresses. Jackline intends to educate people about her ability to create shoes from scratch, dispelling misconceptions associated with her profession.
She is constrained by the lack of machines and other equipment to enable her work to the maximum conveniently. She is appealing for help to push her business to where she envisions it to get.
Jackline’s journey from a university graduate in political science to a shoemaker exemplifies the power of passion and determination. Her story serves as an inspiration for individuals breaking barriers in pursuit of their dreams, proving that dedication can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Read Original article on Pulse News
