Elsa’s Traditional Clothing Store and Factory

Elsa’s Traditional Clothing Store and Factory

It is no exaggeration to say that Elsa works 16-20 hours a day.  Her husband died three years ago leaving her with two children, now 11 and 9. Her husband had a little factory.  Elsa took the challenge.  Her factory now employs 10-11 workers permanently.  The workforce goes up to 20 when she has orders of 500-600 units.  Her factory is in her home.  A lady named Blessing was at Elsa’s shop for our visit.  She did some interpreting and was our model.  Blessing is a minister well named! 

At the factory (Elsa’s home), I was amazed at the variety of product being produced.  The sports suits with the Ethiopian flag in the colors of Ethiopia look great for football (our soccer) and are being produced by the hundreds.  She has a large cutting table and an electric cutter.  After sewing, the football two piece ware are packaged in a special area.

A baby is asleep on the bench, unaware of all the activity around her.  Her mother needs to work.  Lots of variety in products:  t-shirts all sizes and colors, baby layette sets in pink and pure white.  A baby bath towel with a hoodie as well as traditional dresses.  Amazing really.   A link to the slide show is below.

https://www.slideshare.net/LydiaSorflaten/elsa-traditional-shop-and-factory-addis