How One Craftswoman in Makeni Built a Thriving Online Presence

In Makeni, a talented craftswoman named Hawa Turay has been creating beautiful handmade items for over a decade. Her intricate baskets, colorful fabrics, and unique jewelry were beloved by locals, but she dreamed of reaching more customers. Then she discovered LinkSalone.

The Beginning

Hawa learned her craft from her grandmother, who taught her to weave traditional baskets using local materials. For years, she sold her creations at the local market in Makeni. "I loved my work, but I knew there were people beyond Makeni who would appreciate it," Hawa explains. "I just didn't know how to reach them."

Tourists who visited Makeni would often buy multiple items, telling Hawa that her work would sell well in Freetown or even abroad. But Hawa didn't have the connections or resources to expand beyond her market stall.

Discovering LinkSalone

A customer mentioned LinkSalone to Hawa in early 2023. "My nephew helped me set up my profile and take photos of my work. I was nervous at first—I didn't know if anyone would find me online."

Hawa's profile featured photos of her baskets, jewelry, and fabrics, along with the story of her craft and her grandmother's teachings. Within weeks, something remarkable happened.

The Breakthrough

"I received a message from someone in Freetown who saw my work on LinkSalone. She wanted to place a large order for a wedding—dozens of baskets as gifts for guests. I couldn't believe it."

That order changed everything. Hawa fulfilled it with help from her sister and niece, and the wedding guests loved the baskets. Soon, more orders followed—from Freetown, Bo, Kenema, and even from Sierra Leoneans living abroad who wanted authentic crafts shipped to them.

Building a Business

Today, Hawa's business has grown beyond her market stall. She now has a small workshop where she trains three other women in her community, passing on the traditional techniques she learned from her grandmother.

"LinkSalone didn't just help me sell more—it helped me share our traditions with more people. My grandmother would be so proud to know that her craft is reaching people all over Sierra Leone and beyond."

The Power of Photos and Story

Hawa credits her success to two things: good photos and her story. "People don't just buy my baskets—they buy the story behind them. When they see photos of the weaving process and read about my grandmother, they connect with the work in a deeper way."

She advises other artisans: "Take clear photos of your work. Show the details. And share your story—why you create what you do, who taught you, what makes your work special. Customers want to know the person behind the product."

Advice for Other Artisans

Hawa's advice to fellow craftspeople is simple: "Don't be afraid of technology. LinkSalone is free and easy to use. Start with a few photos of your best work, write a little about yourself, and see what happens. You might be surprised."

She also emphasizes the importance of quality and reliability. "When someone orders from you, deliver exactly what you promised, on time. Your reputation is everything."

The Future

Hawa dreams of opening a shop in Freetown someday, showcasing not just her work but the work of other artisans from across Sierra Leone. "There's so much talent in our country. I want to help more people discover it."

For now, she's focused on fulfilling orders, training her team, and sharing her craft with anyone who appreciates it. "Every time I pack an order, I think about my grandmother. I hope she's smiling somewhere."

Find Hawa's Creations on LinkSalone to see her beautiful handmade items and read more of her story.