June 27, 2022
The Faces of RoHo: Meet Our Sandal Artisans
Who makes our products? At RoHo we want you to know the faces behind the products we make. Knowing their stories & honoring their work is central to our mission.
Name: Maimuna
Occupation: Master Beader
Maimuna is a single mother of three children - two boys and a girl. The two eldest children, twins, are currently in secondary school, which Maimuna is particularly proud of because no one else in her family has reached that level of education. When asked, she mentioned she would like her children to grow up to be nurses or teachers. Maimuna is known in the workshop as "Mama Workshop" because she has worked with Lydia the longest and has an incredible commitment to RoHo sandals.
Name: Christine
Occupation: Master Beader
Christine loves when she gets to bead with the orange beads. The Chama (Party) sandals are her favorite design because they are bright and colorful and have lots of orange! She has recently started working at the workshop. Although she is not married she assured us she has a handsome boyfriend.
Name: Rogers
Occupation: Master Finisher
Rogers is 27 years old and married to Christina, whom he met at the workshop! Christina is currently pregnant with their first child. Before becoming a sandal finisher, Rogers was a semi-professional soccer player, but wasn't making enough money to support the three children he hopes to soon have.
Name: Louise
Occupation: Master Beader
Louise is a mother of three children, a set of twins, Charlotte & Josephine, as well as 1 year old Jackson. In her free time, Louise enjoys singing, dancing and taking care of her children. Louise is saving for her children's education and a VACATION!
Name: Esther
Occupation: Master Beader
Esther is a Workshop Manager and has been working with this group for over three years. She has two children, two girls who are both attending secondary school. She and her husband, a professional craft wood carver, live a short walk to the workshop. She also works with her sister, Rachel in the workshop.
Name: Hassan
Occupation: Master Finisher
Hassan, originally from Tanzania, is 32 years old and has a three year old daughter named Sibor. In his free time, Hassan is an actor and has starred in several local movies including Seven Days of Divorce. Because of his acting career, we call him the Brad Pitt of the workshop!