Sese Wood Bead Dangle Earrings on Brass Hooks from Ghana, "Ahofe"

"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."