Ghanaian Interior Designer Benefits from Global Communities’ Business Incubator Program

Gloria Anang is a 28-year-old resident of Accra and owner of Gloo Gallery. She graduated from YIEDIE, a Global Communities that creates economic opportunities in Ghana’s construction sector for economically disadvantaged youth. Soon after she went on to start a successful business in interior decorating. Her store can be found in Teshie, a coastal town in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District. The journey to achieving her dream of being a storeowner and self-sufficient entrepreneur was not an easy one.

Gloria is the youngest of five girls, and throughout her childhood, both her mother and father worked day and night to sustain the household and ensure that all the essential necessities were available. But her father died when she was in primary school, leaving her mother as the sole breadwinner in the family. Gloria’s mother began experiencing difficulties in supporting Gloria and her four sisters.

There came a point where the expenses at home became too high, forcing Gloria to leave home and fend for herself. It was soon after when she heard about the YIEDIE project at her community church. She learned that the project offered training in interior decorating, among other trainings, at no cost to the trainees. She registered for the six-month apprenticeship-based training in technical skills, where she trained under a master craftsperson, gaining technical experience in interior decorating and learning various other business skills. She was continuously recognized by her trainer and peers for exceeding expectations and being extremely passionate about her work.
After graduating from the training, Gloria began to receive numerous small contracts. She worked on weddings, parties, and other engagements, further expanding her experience and skills. However, she noted various challenges faced along the way. “Even with the training, there were times when there just wasn’t enough work,” she said. “And the times there was work, the income was fairly low.” Gloria has always wanted to be an entrepreneur and be self-sufficient. Through this experience, she decided to start exploring ways to start a business.

In Gloria’s pursuit to be a self-sufficient entrepreneur, she heard of the Youth Construction Enterprise Fund through YIEDIE staff, which was an opportunity for a select few YIEDIE graduates to be awarded funds toward building a more formal business. To her surprise, she was told that she had won the Youth Construction Enterprise Fund. “I was really, really happy! I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

With the fund, she was able to open a brick and mortar store in Teshie. Gloo Gallery is also where prospective clients can inquire about her services. “Now, I am self-sufficient,” she said proudly.