In the heart of Asuogyaman District, Ghana, Christiana Ssrakobea, a single mother of two, has transformed her life through sheer determination, resilience, and the unwavering support of the IFAD, funded REP. What began as a small business importing soap from Togo has now flourished into a thriving local enterprise, Soko Crystal Ventures, which not only sustains her family but also creates employment opportunities in her community.
Christy’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2014 when she decided to import soap from neighboring Togo to sell in Ghana. Despite her passion and commitment, she struggled to make a profit and was consistently operating at a loss. The weight of financial instability bore heavily on her shoulders, yet she refused to give up hope.
Her turning point came when her employer informed her about a soap-making training program being organized by REP. Intrigued and eager to explore new opportunities, Christy made a life-changing decision to enroll. She was determined to master the craft, regardless of the challenges ahead.
Mastering the Art of Soap-Making
Christy threw herself into the training, which REP fully funded, determined to succeed despite her initial unfamiliarity with the process. Within a month, she had not only grasped the fundamentals but had also perfected the art of producing high-quality soap in impressive quantities. The training equipped her with practical skills, including selecting raw materials, improving soap texture, and enhancing fragrances.
Her father, a figure of unwavering support, celebrated her achievement with immense pride. As news of her skills spread, people from across Ghana sought her expertise, visiting her modest production facility to learn from her and purchase her products. But Christy knew that to scale her business, she needed proper machinery and financial support.
Other Support from IFAD’s Rural Enterprises Programme (REP)
Aside the skills training, the Rural Enterprises Programme provided Christy with access to funding, which enabled her to procure essential soap-making machinery. Additionally, she acquired a milling machine to extract oils used in her soap production, ensuring a more efficient and self-sufficient supply chain.
REP also provided Christy with business management training, equipping her with knowledge on bookkeeping, marketing, and scaling production. These skills proved invaluable in transforming her home-based operation into a recognized soap-making business. Christy has also attended over 10 tradeshows and exhibitions with footing most of the cost of participation.
Gaining Recognition Beyond Borders
Christy’s reputation as a skilled soap maker extended far beyond her community, thanks to the consolidated support services received from REP. A defining moment in her journey occurred when a group of Dutch visitors stumbled upon her factory. Impressed by her craftsmanship and high-quality products, they invited her to showcase her soap in the Netherlands. The international exposure not only boosted her confidence but also positioned her as a leading entrepreneur in Ghana’s cosmetics and personal care industry.
Her recognition didn’t stop there. Her community, acknowledging her contributions and leadership, enstooled her as the queen of her tribal village of Agyina, bestowing upon her the title of Nana Asantewaa I Tuufohemaa of Agyina. This honor symbolized her impact, not just as a businesswoman but as a community leader dedicated to uplifting those around her.
Empowering a Community Through Enterprise
With her business steadily growing, Christy made a strategic decision to invest in a palm tree farm, equipped with machinery to extract palm oil—one of the key ingredients in her soap production. This forward-thinking approach ensured a stable and cost-effective supply of raw materials for her business, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
More importantly, Christy’s success has had a ripple effect within her community. SOKO CRYSTAL VENTURES now provides direct employment to over 25 individuals, many of whom previously faced limited job opportunities in rural Ghana. By creating sustainable jobs, she has empowered others to earn a stable income, support their families, and contribute to local economic growth.
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
As a single mother, Christy has faced her fair share of hardships. Despite financial struggles in the early days of her business, she remained steadfast in her mission to provide a better future for her children. Her resilience paid off—her son has successfully completed university, a milestone that stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and perseverance.
The challenges of entrepreneurship are never-ending, but Christy continues to adapt and innovate. She is committed to refining her soap formulas, improving branding, and exploring new markets to sustain and grow her business. She dreams of expanding her factory and venturing into additional skincare products to meet the increasing demand for locally made, high-quality cosmetics.
Christy’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance, skills training, marketing/ business exposure and access to financial resources. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, demonstrating that success is achievable with the right support and determination.
She remains an ardent advocate for women in business, frequently mentoring young women who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Through workshops and training sessions, she shares her knowledge, encouraging others to believe in their potential and embrace opportunities for growth.
Christy’s success story underscores the vital role that IFAD’s Rural Enterprises Programme plays in empowering small-scale entrepreneurs across Ghana. By providing financial assistance, skills training, and access to resources, REP continues to enable individuals like Christy to break free from economic hardship and build sustainable livelihoods.
Through her journey, we are reminded that transformative change begins at the grassroots level. With continued investment in rural entrepreneurship, countless others can turn their aspirations into reality, just as Christy has done.
Her legacy extends beyond soap-making—it is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of resilience, and an enduring example of what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity.
