Problem

• There is a lack of job opportunities in Ghana.
• Ask what ages are working for her? Is this combatting youth unemployment.
• There is a surplus of deadstock and vintage fashion in Ghana from the West that goes to waste and often goes to landfill creating environmental issues.
• Machine-made manufacturing is prolific in the fashion industry as the main method of production which takes away the value of handmade fashion pieces.
• Fashion a—a $2.5 trillion sector—is the second most polluting industry on Earth, right behind oil. The pressure to reduce costs and speed up production time means that environmental corners are cut in the name of profit. Fast Fashion’s negative impact includes the use of cheap, toxic textile dyes – with the fashion industry the second largest polluter of clean water globally after agriculture.

Solution

• Our production usually takes a slow fashion approach where the KAYADUA pieces are often made by hand (and can take a day to weeks of production time on one piece ), which interprets our perspective offering the wearer solidity whilst featuring in style.
• I employ 11 artisans to create and collaborate on my designs which is providing and creating employment.
• KAYADUA explores the connection between self and strength through traditional techniques such as weaving, beading and other intricate processes with our team here in Accra.
• We do not produce in large quantities.
• We use recycled materials to manufacture our products. 40% of our products are made from organic materials.
• Our production process is mostly by hand so we do not produce emissions in the process.
• We do not employ anyone below 18 years old. Most of the production is in-house so I personally have a one on one relationship with everyone involved and manage the process of manufacturing from beginning to end.