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Meeting Susana: Seamstress & Entrepreneur

Writer's picture: Lynn NestingenLynn Nestingen

Without a doubt, the people I've met here in Namibia have been the most memorable part of my time with the Peace Corps.


Rather than blogging more about the details of my daily routine—mostly meetings, research, and grant writing—I wanted to introduce you to some of the wonderful individuals I’ve had the privilege to meet during my time here.


In this post, meet Susana, seamstress and entrepreneur.


Single Quarters


It is my understanding that many women either make their own dresses or have one made by a local seamstress. As someone who learned to sew herself (thanks to my mom, who is an amazing seamstress), I thought it would be fun to find a seamstress to make an Oshiwambo dress (more on this style and choice later in the post).


One morning a couple of weeks ago, I asked a colleague, Aletta, if she had any recommendations for a seamstress. Without hesitation, she said she knew someone and suggested we could go "now!"


Before I knew it, we were on our way to "Single Quarters."

Single Quarters is a business center in Katutura where tailors and seamstresses work and sell their products. It's what we might call a 'strip mall' in the States, except it’s U-shaped and houses about 20 small businesses—mostly salons and seamstresses, but some food stands as well.



The Oshiwambo Dress


Before going, I had admired the Oshiwambo dresses I’d seen many times during my time here. Many colleagues wear them for work on any day of the week, but also on public holidays or at special gatherings such as retirement parties, weddings, and birthdays.



I asked several colleagues if it would be respectful and appropriate for me, a non-Namibian, to wear a "tribal dress." They assured me, “Absolutely—it’s a compliment to the culture.”


The Oshiwambo dresses I admired were bright pink and red, but they also come in other colors such as blue and green.


After browsing a few shops in Single Quarters, I was drawn to Susana’s corner. I introduced myself and showed her the design I had in mind.


While she had a few dresses on hangers ready to take home, they weren’t quite the right size, so she took my measurements and promised to call when she was done.


The dress I had made is embellished with cheetah print, which I was told represents the strength of the cheetah.


By Monday, it was done! The cost? $350 NAD—about $17 USD.


When I returned to pick up the dress, I asked Susana if I could interview her about her life and work. She agreed, and I came back a few days later to sit with her in her sewing space.


Susana’s Story


Susana grew up in Omhedi, a village in the Ohangwena region of northern Namibia, where Kwanyama, a dialect of Oshiwambo, is spoken. This region, known for its dense population, thrives on agriculture and cattle farming.


In 2009 and 29 years old, Susana moved to Windhoek when her father was hospitalized. She decided to stay, as “there was nothing to do in Omhedi.


Initially, she worked security at a Pick n’ Pay, then as a hairstylist at a salon. When the salon business didn’t work out due to a lack of customers, she decided to try sewing.


Susana also made an apron
Susana also made an apron

Susana didn’t own a sewing machine or have formal training. A local “meme” lent her a machine and taught her the basics. (On a side note, I am also called a “meme,” which means “mother” or is used respectfully to address an older woman.)

Susana's "borrowed" straight machine
Susana's "borrowed" straight machine

Susana taught herself to sew, sourcing small pieces of fabric from China Town and asking others for patterns. Within a couple of months, she mastered dressmaking.

Today, Susana rents a shared space in Single Quarters, where small business owners work long hours to build their businesses. When I called to set the appointment, she had already arrived at 07h00 and planned to stay until 19h00!

Where Susana cuts out her patterns
Where Susana cuts out her patterns

Susana faces daily challenges, like not owning her own sewing machine. She often borrows a serger, which limits her ability to work independently.


Buying a straight sewing machine costs around $8,000–$9,000 NAD, while a serger costs $15,000–$17,000 NAD—expenses she cannot afford while supporting her son’s nursing education, her 11-year-old daughter, and her parents in Omhedi.


Hopes and Dreams for the Future


Despite these obstacles, Susana has big dreams. She wants to name her business “Ndahepuluka,” which is her second name, and attend training workshops to learn design and business skills.


Susana also hopes to teach her daughter to sew when she turns 12, passing on her skills to the next generation.

Susana in her "storefront"
Susana in her "storefront"

Meeting Susana reminded me why I cherish my time in Namibia: the incredible people. Like so many others, she dreams of a better future. Her story of resilience, resourcefulness, and hope is a testament to the human spirit.


My hope for Susana is that she will someday achieve her dreams. Her joy in creating beautiful dresses for her customers is inspiring, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet her and to share her story!

I love my dress and thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Susana in the making!
I love my dress and thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Susana in the making!


 



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