Howdy,
In this feature we bring you the story of Maama Antonio, one of our artisans in Sembabule District. Uganda.
As stated in our mission statement, the Beulah Shop goes beyond just a distribution store. We are an initiative that seeks to empower artisans in rural communities in Uganda, by bringing their products to the marketplace. In the next business year, our gaze is fixed on Sembabule District, where we aim to establish a workstation.
So we had a brief chat with Maama Antonio, real name Nanyondo Phionah, one of our beneficiaries at the Beulah Initiative and she shared with us a few interesting things…
(This interview has been translated from Ganda to the English language; to benefit a larger audience.)
1. How did you get into basket making?
I started making baskets while at school, even though, even at home we used to make some.
2. After school, what inspired you to keep making baskets?
I wanted to increase my income. Generally I and my husband saw the need to increase our household income, making baskets was one of them. One of the ways I could contribute. When I started to make them seriously, then I realised that the people in my community loved the baskets, they were buying them.
3. Why Baskets and not craft shoes, mats, crotchets, or any other hands-on skill?
In the community I stayed in, the baskets were really selling. They were moving. So I just decided to do that.
4. For how long have you been doing this?
I started five years ago.
5. What are some of the challenges you face as an artisan?
My biggest challenge has been getting materials. The materials I use to make these baskets. They are expensive and in most cases, I don’t go in the wild to source them myself. I send other people, so it is expensive.
6. How has your engagement with The Beulah Initiative benefited you?
For me this is a way to get income. So my market then becomes bigger. The Beulah Initiative allows me to serve more people. I would like to ask you to keep creating a bigger market for the products I make.
7. What would you say to other people out there, that may want to get into this trade?
Especially those who are living a life the one I used to live, I would advise them to start making baskets too. This is one sure way to make money. And even if the materials are expensive, you do not need a lot of capital to start.
Enjoyed Reading Maama Antonio’s Story? Proceed to the shop to make a purchase. You too can join our community or support us in our mission to empower artisans in rural Uganda by:
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- Subscribe to our Community
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