Malo women’s handicraft association ready for third export

A women’s handicraft association from Santo’s offshore island of Malo is looking forward to exporting local hats and headwear for the third time since last year.

Formed in the western part of the island, the Bosahe Sector One Women’s Handicraft Association (BSOWHA) aims to create local products for local and international markets.

The idea to form the association came after a training conducted by the Australian Government funded Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Centre on Santo on the importance of starting small businesses.

A local trainer, Linda Natuoivi, was hired by TVET to train the local women on the basics of hats and basket weaving.

The mamas did not hesitate to put their trainings into practice.

A Sydney-based headwear specialist and renowned hat maker, Rossie Boylan, has shown great interest after seeing advertisements online and was keen to see samples.

“We were keen to indulge her when we heard of her plans to visit.

“We made the best hats and waited for her,” said the president of BSOWHA, Elsie Moli.

Boylan was impressed and showed them some extra pointers helping them translate their ancient weaving traditions into the contemporary fashion industry.

Through her guidance they were able to create commercially relevant products and to improve business acumen for local and international sales.

The first market was 17 braided hats which Boylan took home and sent to Hills Hat, a hat manufacturer in Wellington, New Zealand.

A Japanese headwear enterprise was also interested and is now an importer of the BSOWHA products. The second load was sent early this year with a total of 25 woven braids.

A Business Consultant on Santo, Toco Maralau, was also present yesterday to provide some guidelines business-wise. He mentioned the importance of quality, time management and planning, and raw material sustainability.

“To start and grow your own business and be self-reliant is three times pressurizing than working for someone else. You have to have a good time management in order to produce good and quality products,” he said.

The mothers agreed to work extra harder in order to produce better products to sustain their little homes and develop their home island.

President Elsie said: “This is a very good development for us because of the money we are making.

“It supports us with household needs and specially school fees for our children. Therefore am encouraging all the mothers out there to develop our skills and talents for the betterment of our families and community.”

The association’s third order is due for February and March this year.

With Mr Mara also by their side, they will also be expecting buyers from local markets.