Ivy Mowtey Products - UNICEF Market Canada

Ivy Mowtey

"My name is Ivy Mowtey and I was born in the Volta region of Ghana in 1982. I create bead jewelry. My friends say I am hardworking, sociable and dependable. "I became interested in African beaded jewelry because it's a craft that's been passed down in my family. I reprocess and recycle plastic bottle caps to create wearable art. I learned by helping my mother, and later enrolled in an arts and crafts institute. "I mastered this craft by training, observing and researching fashion trends. I also learned from other artisans. "Starting out on my own wasn't easy. I had to move away from my mother's older styles and find my own artistic voice. "I worked hard to get ahead. For a while, I made and sold porridge to earn money to buy materials. My passion for jewelry pushes me forward. I find inspiration in my surroundings, like our traditional festivals and also in the fashion world. "I used to sell my jewelry house to house. Once, I visited a home where a woman expressed interest in buying my jewelry, but her husband didn't agree. He insulted me. He said that we use beads to extort money from people. I felt embarrassed, but later I ran into the man at a craft bazaar. He apologized to me and we laughed about the incident. "I love it when I see people wearing my designs because it's like a part of me goes with them. "I hope to grow this venture and help others by teaching them how to craft jewelry so that they acquire a skill to earn a living."

To hear more about UNICEF and sign up for news, programs and appeals visit www.unicef.ca

Ivy Mowtey

White Recycled Glass Beaded Necklace from Ghana Jewelry 'African Glamour'

Stay up to date with UNICEF news, programs and appeals.

Find us online

Ivy Mowtey

White Recycled Glass Beaded Necklace from Ghana Jewelry 'African Glamour'

Stay up to date with UNICEF news, programs and appeals.

Find us online

UNICEF MARKET