We recently connected with Elizabeth Chibale and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

It all started when my elder sister who taught me how to saw got tired by my enthusiasm to explore multiple ideas at once. I envisioned grand plans and ambitious projects, sometimes neglecting the basics that my sister emphasized.

Eventually, my exuberance became overwhelming for her. My desire to innovate clashed with her structured approach, and after a heartfelt conversation, she decided to let me go. “You need to focus,” she firmly said. With a mix of disappointment and determination, I stepped away from her shadows and sought out new paths.

Feeling a little lost and disheartened, I turned to my friend Rafatu Issah. Rafatu was always supportive, and she opened her home to me during this challenging time. As we talked late into the night, I had a choice to make: I could either chase fleeting dreams without direction or take my seamstress skills seriously and build something meaningful. The decision weighed heavily on me, but with Rafatu’s encouragement, I resolved to commit to the craft.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more unpredictable, my friend David Martin Ocran returned from Germany. He had a keen eye for fashion and was looking to buy some unique cloth for his wife. After showing me some of the designs he wanted to buy, i told him “if given the chance, i can saw them”, he stared at me, smiled, and handed me the funds to purchase materials and my workmanship. His faith reignited my passion.

With David’s support and a bit of my savings, I took the plunge and bought a second-hand home sewing machine. It was an investment, a symbol of my commitment to my new venture. Fueled by creativity and the lessons learned from my sister, I named my brand Kakoara, which means Royal, and set out to make my mark in the fashion world.

Over time, Kakoara Clothing grew. I poured my heart into every stitch, learning from my past mistakes and from the encouragement of those around me. What started as a simple passion became a successful venture, rooted in resilience and friendship. I had transformed my experience into a thriving project, proving that sometimes, life’s most unexpected turns can lead to the most beautiful destinations.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My life begun in the coastal town of Winneba, located in the Central Region of Ghana. Born to two northern parents from Paga, my upbringing was a blend of diverse cultural influences that shaped my identity.

Growing up in Winneba, i attended local schools and thrived in an environment rich in history and community spirit. From nursery through high school. The vibrant atmosphere of the town, known for its fishing and beach culture, provided me with a unique backdrop for my childhood.

My parents instilled in me the values of hard work and education, emphasizing the importance of these principles in overcoming life’s challenges. This encouragement fueled my ambition, and i often participated in extracurricular activities in the community.

After completing junior high, my aim and vision for the future was blank due to financial challenges. Without plans of entering high school, my dad encourages me to follow my elder sisters’ footstep. My elder sister, Lydia Chibale, was a talented seamstress, and I would often watch her transform simple materials into stunning garments. At age of 15, without an option, i joined my sister as an apprentice to learn dressmaking. Under her dictatorship, I began grasping the basics of sewing, from threading a needle to perfecting stitches.

Lydia and I shared countless hours of home chores and creativity, experimenting with different fabrics, patterns, and styles. I was particularly drawn to the idea of blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, and with each project, my ambitions grew. However, I often pushed the boundaries of what we could create together. Graduating four years later as a pledge seamstress. my explorative nature and high expectations for our projects sometimes led to frustration, not just for me but for Lydia too

At 22 i enroll into high school, starting from 2 year and completed 2yrs later at age 24.
Then i moved to Accra to stay with my elder sister Lydia since she moved from Winneba to live in Accra. In Accra my explorative nature and high expectations for knowledge and projects sometimes led to frustration, not just for me but for Lydia too

One day, after a particularly ambitious project went awry, Lydia and I had a heated discussion/argument. She felt I was more focused on dreaming big than mastering the art. In a moment of frustration, she decided it was best for me to take a break from our sewing sessions and pursue my creative endeavors on my own. It felt devastating to be sacked by my own sister, but a spark ignited within me. Instead of retreating in disappointment or prostitution, which i easily get attention from men, I saw this as an opportunity.

With determination, i contacted a friend named Rafatu Issah, to allow me stay with her for a while i put myself in other. I set out to establish my own identity in the world of fashion. I began experimenting on my own, spending hours watching fashion shows and learning new techniques through books and online tutorials. I started small, creating unique pieces for friends and family, which garnered positive feedback and encouraged me to keep going.

After much trial and error, I launched my own clothing brand called Kakoara Clothing. The name was actually my native name, meaning Royal. As i reflect on my journey with fabrics, traditions, and innovations. I focused on creating a collection that celebrated uniqueness and sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and ethical practices.

As I ventured into this new chapter, I often thought about Lydia and the discipline imparted. I understood her concerns more clearly now. My exploration became more structured, balancing my creative aspirations with the craftsmanship I had learned. With hard work and resilience, I gradually built my brand, carving out a niche in the competitive fashion industry.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in your market relies heavily on several key practices, including consistent communication, effective time management, attention to customer needs, and ongoing support even after a sale. Each of these elements contributes significantly to creating a positive experience for customers and cultivating trust, which ultimately enhances your reputation.

Constant Communication
Maintaining open lines of communication with customers fosters a sense of reliability and trust. By being readily available to answer questions, provide updates, and address concerns, you create a supportive environment. This proactive approach not only reassures customers during their purchasing journey but also encourages repeat business and referrals. When clients feel valued and informed, they are more likely to share their positive experiences, amplifying your reputation within the market.

Good Time Management
Effective time management is crucial in meeting customer expectations and deadlines. By organizing your schedule to prioritize tasks and respond promptly to inquiries, you demonstrate professionalism. Timely communication can set you apart from competitors, showcasing your commitment to exceptional service. This reliability helps establish a strong brand image and encourages customers to view you as a dependable partner in their purchase decisions.

Attention to Detail
Focusing on the details of each customer’s needs allows you to tailor your service, making each individual feel special. Whether it’s remembering past interactions, preferences, or special requests, this attention enhances customer satisfaction. When customers see that you genuinely care about their experience and specifications, it builds loyalty and can lead to positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Availability After Purchase
Showing your availability even after a purchase is a powerful way to reinforce customer relationships. Offering support and guidance, whether it’s care instructions for their dress or assistance with alterations, shows that you are committed to their satisfaction beyond the sale. This ongoing engagement not only increases the chances of repeat purchases but also positions you as a trustworthy authority in your field.

Conclusion
By integrating constant communication, effective time management, meticulous attention to detail, and ongoing post-purchase support, you can create a robust reputation in your market. These practices instill confidence in your customers, encourage loyalty, and enhance your brand’s standing, ultimately leading to greater success in your business. Over time, these efforts will manifest in a solid reputation that attracts more clients and builds lasting relationships.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Unlearning perfectionism is a transformative journey, especially for someone immersed in a craft like sewing. As a seamstress, the pursuit of perfection often manifests as an overwhelming desire to control every stitch and seam. Initially, this mindset can create beautiful results but ultimately leads to burnout and stress. The pressure to maintain high standards can morph into a need to handle every aspect of a project, leaving little room for collaboration.

Recognizing this pattern was pivotal. It became clear that striving for perfection often meant sidelining others, denying them the opportunity to learn and grow within the craft. This realization was eye-opening; I discovered that my insistence on perfection not only hindered my own creativity but also stifled the potential of those around me.

By fostering an environment where mistakes are not only accepted but embraced, I began to witness the magic of collaboration. I offered others the chance to contribute, understand their own processes, and even make mistakes. In doing so, I learned to appreciate that imperfection can lead to unexpected beauty and innovation. Collaboration became a dance of shared ideas, respect, and love for the craft, where every participant felt valued.

This shift in mindset transformed my approach to sewing and life. By letting go of the need for everything to be flawless, I cultivated a nurturing space for creativity to flourish. The stress diminished, replaced by a joy found in shared experiences and the rich tapestry created through others’ contributions. I came to understand that true mastery lies not only in individual skill but also in the ability to uplift and inspire others, and that the journey together—filled with trials and errors—ultimately yields the most rewarding results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kakoara.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakoaraclothing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/KakoaraClothing