Eunice first came to Dandora Market in 1986, determined to start her tailoring career independently. She had worked at a few places before, but this was her leap into building something of her own. Listening to her speak, I could tell that she had countless stories to share from her decades of experience. Her path has not been easy. She describes the ups and downs of running a business: the slow months, the struggle to maintain good team members, and fluctuating market prices. Like many, she faced a harsh setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she made it through. “I refuse to get old,” she jokes and laughs, explaining that she is still energetic and keen on making uniforms and training new tailors who are following in her footsteps.

This year, Eunice and her team made uniforms for Dandora Hope Education Centre and Badili Education Centre. Dandora Hope has a special place in her heart; she has watched the school grow from just three students to full enrollment. She has been there from the beginning, sewing uniforms for the students each step of the way. Over the years, she has seen the growth of many schools around Dandora, and her role as their uniform provider is woven into the fabric of the community’s educational growth.

For these projects, Eunice worked with a team of ten, with each person handling a specific task, some working on shirts, trousers, others on dresses, and the rest managing finishing touches like buttons, seaming, ironing, and packaging. She keeps the team small but efficient, ensuring that there is enough work to support everyone sustainably. “You could always add more tailors,” she says, “but the profit margins become smaller. It is important that everyone can take home enough to support their families.”

Her reputation for quality work is well-known across local schools, but Eunice’s true pride is in the people she has trained. Over the years, she has taught more than 50 tailors, many of whom have gone on to open their own businesses. Her son is one of her apprentices, working alongside her. We also met Vinic, a former trainee, who is now an accomplished tailor, even leading a different project with TFE this year making uniforms for Terminus Adventist Primary School. In Dandora Market, Eunice is surrounded by former students who are now her colleagues and friends. Sometimes they might compete for the same business opportunities but to her, this is not a threat but a testament to her legacy and a way to increase opportunities for others. “How can I get more people to benefit?” she often asks herself, always seeking ways to spread opportunity.

Eunice has a vision of shared prosperity and this value runs across her proteges like Vinic. When we spoke to her, she described that when large orders come in, she often collaborates with other tailors to complete the work faster and with consistent quality. She explains that spreading business in this way is better to ensure everything is completed on time and to customer’s satisfaction. Eunice has  also partnered with a nonprofit to train young girls in the community, one of her favorite parts of the job. Eunice’s story reminds us of the power of economic opportunity and community. This International Women’s Day, she stands as an example of resilience, empowerment, and legacy. Through her hands, Eunice is crafting more than uniforms, she is creating a network of empowered tailors and thriving businesses.