The Creative Graduate Story

A young graduate of Ghana Institute of Journalism has braved the odds by turning used and rejected vehicle tyres and scraps into beautiful and useful furniture and a business venture.

It had been four years since Jean-Marie Wellrich was gainfully employed; In 2018, she lost her job because she was pregnant and her employer, who was not enthused about the news, found a nice way to dismiss her. She sought for other jobs but without any success; as skillful and creative as she was, she took the opportunity to learn a craft. 

Hitherto, she has two children and in addition to her mother and wife duties, she manages to recycle scraps into useful things.

Presently, she has mastered the craft of turning scraps such as deserted vehicle tyres, wood, and metal into exotic furniture suitable for homes, offices and emporiums. She would occasionally pick-up the scraps at vulcanizer shops, carpentry shops and wayside, bring them home, clean and work on them. 

She started by creating sofa chairs and tables for her home, then, she created and sold some to friends. She currently makes the furniture based on orders; proceeds generated from this craft, she supports herself and family.

I interviewed her about what inspired her about her craft and she said, " initially, I learned this craft because I was desperate , then my desperation turned into inspiration that sparked my creativity and drove me to create useful things with recycled materials so I could contribute to environmental improvement,provide furniture for my family and friends and lastly, turn my new found interest into a money making venture" 

Unemployment is at its height in Ghana as the country produces thousands of graduates who are only interested in white collar jobs; some of the graduates who are not able to make it to the job market, get frustrated and engage in undesirable activities; only few learn a craft or trade and become self-employed of which Jean-Marie is one.

Jean-Marie additionally, admonished graduates who are interested in learning her craft to join her club so they can acquire profitable skills; she also encouraged donors and lovers of the environment and recycling to support her initiative. 

 You can reach Jean-Marie on +233245570052 or jmnabare@gmail.com 

The writer and interviewer of this writeup is Victor Wellrich, husband to Jean-Marie Wellrich; I was there when it all began, I saw everything and I assure you that I am a true witness of this creative story. Become a Creative Graduate Today!

Reach me on victorwellrich@gmail.com 

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