By Michaella Faith Wright
Born and raised in The Gambia, 31-year-old artisan Fatou K. Jarju is transforming personal hardship into purpose through skill-based entrepreneurship, using creativity and resilience to provide for herself and her child while inspiring other women to believe in their potential.
Fatou K. Jarju, born in 1994, is a multi-skilled craftswoman specializing in makeup artistry, hair weaving, sewing and dressing, bead handwork, bead slippers, and the creation of traditional attire. She promotes her business online, which she says has helped her attract customers and grow her brand.
Growing up, Jarju faced significant challenges rooted in poverty and social judgment. “Being different was not easy,” she said. “People saw me differently, sometimes with pity, and many times I wanted things I could not afford.” Her struggles deepened after the early death of her father, leaving her sister as her main source of support.
“My sister supported my education up to Grade Eleven, but my schooling ended when I had a child,” Jarju explained. Determined to survive, she turned to skill acquisition with her sister’s encouragement. “She always told me to focus on what truly matters to me,” she added.
Jarju said she reinvests her earnings to sustain her work. “When I get paid, I use part of the money to buy materials so I can continue producing,” she noted. Over the years, she has learned multiple skills, which she says have brought positive personal and social change.
Becoming a young mother came with stigma and mockery, but Jarju remained focused. “People judged me, but I chose to empower myself through skills for the sake of my child,” she said.
She now urges women to embrace their uniqueness and strength. “Giving birth does not make you a bad person,” Jarju said. “Women must empower themselves, share their stories, and fight for their talents until those talents become reality.”
By Michaella Faith Wright Born and raised in The Gambia, 31-year-old artisan Fatou K. Jarju is transforming personal hardship into purpose through skill-based entrepreneurship, using creativity and resilience to provide for herself and her child while inspiring other women to believe in their potential. Fatou K. Jarju, born in 1994, is a multi-skilled craftswoman specializing The Fatu Network
holidays in antananarivo Our honeymoon trip was magical thanks to TravelShop Booking. They made sure everything was romantic, private, and well-organized. We couldn’t have asked for more thoughtful service. https://etherealvilla.gr/?p=2498