Oral history interview with Madam Safoa and Serwa Akoto

Madam Safoa spoke about the opening of her business where she sells all types of African materials and sews any style of clothing; and hiring her assistant, Serwa. She explained the demographics of her customers; why everyone wants to wear cultural dress; and that her business shares space with a grocery store in Langley Park Mall. Madam Safoa and Serwa Akoto spoke about when and why they came to Washington, DC from Ghana; how they learned to sew and who taught them; the types and styles of clothing they make; customers' responses to the clothing they make; the prices of the clothing; and their future plans. They named and described the different dresses and styles of clothing; and explained the meanings of the names of the clothing. Madam Safoa also explained she attended a training school for seamstresses in Ghana and was taught to sew clothing without using patterns. Serwa Akoto also spoke about her joy working for Madam Safoa's business. Interviews are mostly in English; names of clothing are not in English. Digital audio files include white noise and static, and loud background noise. Interviewees' voices are intelligible for the most part.