Cotton Handle Handbag with Chain Motifs from Ghana, "Chain of Unity"

"I'm Victoria Afua Agbai and I was born in Ghana in 1989. I create jewelry and handbags. My friends say am smart, confident and assertive.

"I love creating designs that excite people. I became interested in this craft before I earned my degree. I was on holiday and didn't want to be bored. I had to practice constantly to perfectly master this craft. Since then, I've also trained young women from different places around Ghana.

"Starting on my own wasn't easy. I worked very hard to sell my creations, and felt like giving up several times. But it has all been very rewarding and fulfilling.

"For my jewelry, I use glass bottles, terracotta and bone, while my handbags combine leather with African fabrics. My favorite part about this craft is how calming and relaxing it can be, although it can be quite time consuming it is to create each piece. I'm inspired by nature and its colors.

"More than ten people from my community collaborate with me, which allows them to earn a living. I also train and mentor disadvantaged people.

"I've experienced stressful moments when I had to manage two major international events at the same time without the help of my colleagues. Once, I had to place a lapel pin on an ambassador and placed it on his tie instead, which was really embarrassing.

"In the future, I'd like to be a business consultant along with running my current venture. I hope to be a mentor and support many more young women."