Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Toliver.
Ciara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Have you ever experienced walking into a room and seeing someone wearing the exact same outfit, shoes, or even handbag as you? You immediately go from feeling ‘BOMB AF’ to ”OMG! Please tell me I have a backup in the car.” I have never been able to grasp the idea of spending hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars on an article just for it to lack individuality and uniqueness. What’s the point? I’ve always loved a good story and when I see these beautiful hand-woven bags that’s what I get. I see the story of the weaver, the village in West Africa, the land where every inch of straw and leather was cultivated. I feel the beauty of the Mother Land. At first, this attraction was merely for self, but later, I saw the opportunity to bring a part of Africa to the “world stage” and I wanted to be apart of that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ha! Nothing about this has been easy nor smooth. Between being a mother, business owner, and working a 9-5, you learn the importance of time management and being resilient. BUT, I wouldn’t change it for the world because I want this. I see La Femme D’Afrique being the beginning of my legacy’s generational wealth. To build wealth requires sleepless nights, early mornings, and Sutter Homes versus Clicquot (my attempt at humor) on Friday nights. Being a minority-owned company comes with trials within itself but I’m staying focused on the triumphs.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
La Femme D’Afrique seeks to change this narrative by providing quality, traditional, 100% leather and straw African handbags that do more than sit on your arm; they speak to your soul. The typical quest for “the perfect handbag” leaves both women and men alike paying more than they should for a low-quality product that isn’t as original as once thought. The purses are handmade in Northwestern Ghana and each come with a story as unique as every customer. For years, I have watched women spend astronomical amounts of money on handbags they consider a “one-of-a-kind”, trading true authenticity and uniqueness for a well-known logo, yet never feeling truly satisfied or represented by the product that they’re wearing.
What were you like growing up?
Curious. Your girl here has always been a curious one. I’ve always wanted to know how things work and how to stay ahead. My love for seeking answers came from my love for God. God is the most controversial, mysterious, yet open, being anyone can discuss. I don’t move unless God tells me to- or at least I try not to. Traveling is very important to me. I come from a mother who has only been on a plane once in her life and a father who believes the best classroom in the world is the world. My parents were my first glimpse of the meaning, “opposites attract”. I’ve always been very cultured, but my heart has forever longed for everything my origin has to offer- everything Africa has to give.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LaFemmeDAfrique.com
- Phone: 404.647.4528 / 678.559.7103
- Email: LaFemmeDAfrique@gmail.com
- Instagram: LaFemme_DAfrique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaFemmeDAfrique/
- Other: http://g.page/LaFemme_DAfrique/review
Image Credit:
Jessica Bobbie, Snapped360 Photography
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