Our story
How a personal journey became a family, a craft, and a future for women in Ghana
Beginnings from the founder
When struggle became the seed of something good
PCOS shaped a defining chapter in the life of our founder, bringing physical, emotional, and personal challenges that deeply altered her perspective. Through a project titled Dealing with PCOS, created to document and raise awareness about the condition, an unexpected connection formed—linking women across borders through shared experience. That connection ultimately led her to Ghana, to Bolgatanga, and to the women whose craftsmanship and resilience would become the foundation of Yema.
Connection
A woman, a vision, a reason to go
Years of conversations across continents built a quiet connection between our founder and a woman in Bolgatanga who was leading a group of weavers with purpose and vision. From a distance, she witnessed the strength of what was being built — an ecosystem of support, dignity, and opportunity for women. But distance had its limits. After a decade of connection through phone calls alone, she knew the story had to be experienced in person. Seeing the work firsthand was not just about baskets—it was about understanding how weaving could shape livelihoods, futures, and generational change.
Why the work mattered
She showed her how weaving was more than craft. It was survival, dignity, and hope woven together.
Belonging
Under the baobab tree, everything changed
The first meeting took place beneath an ancient baobab tree. The women welcomed her with song, laughter, and an openness that felt immediate and sincere. In that moment, a simple question was asked — Can I be part of this family? The answer came through shared space, shared work, and shared warmth. Yema was born there, under the baobab, grounded in belonging.
The roots
What Yema truly means
In the Akan language, Yema means our children, the future we build together.
Purpose
Security and independence for generations
Every basket woven is an investment in a woman's dignity, her children's education, her family's tomorrow. This work carries forward the same belief that shaped my own journey—that women deserve to heal, to thrive, to choose their own path.
Collaboration
Respect for hands, respect for tradition
We design with intention, honoring the raw talent and heritage of Bolgatanga while creating pieces that belong in Nordic homes. Every pattern, every shape, every choice is rooted in respect—for the weavers, for sustainability, for fair wages and safe conditions.
This is just the beginning
Our baskets bring beauty and function into everyday life.
They add warmth, color, and quiet elegance to any home.