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SoloVida

"While attending a vocational school, I fell in love with bead designing and never looked back. I work with all kinds of materials from all over the globe, from traditional glass beads from Krobo and brass beads from the brass workers of Sokoban Krofofrum in Kumasi to natural materials such as horn, coconut, bone and resin from Mali and Kenya. I also use trade beads that originate anywhere from Venice to China.

"I'm Vida Lomotey, and my husband is Solomon Lomotey. I'm a native of Kumasi Asokori, and he is a Ga who hails from Accra. The Women's Assistance and Business Association (WABA) taught me this craft. Today I also offer instruction for other beaders and have trained eight students so far.

"My designs are usually custom made and are influenced by the beads and accessories themselves. I also pay close attention to fashion trends – the desires and specifications of shoppers. My clients' patronage, their demand for more of my work, and expressions of appreciation motivate me.

"The inferior quality of goods produced here and imported tend to lower standards. Also, the erratic and unreliable supply of materials to work with are a challenge for me.

"It is my dream to establish international links and become known to the world of bead designers through exhibitions, exports and training other jewelry designers. I hope to establish my own bead designing factory one day to create my own beads and supply others with the traditional Ghanaian glass beads."