Overcoming the Storm (Hurricane Katrina)

In 2006, I had an opportunity to interview Sosse Ly. Sosse Ly is the owner of Sosse Fashion. Mrs. Ly was born in Ivory Cost of West Africa. She moved to the United States and built a successful home based business in New Orleans. Last year Sosse had to close her clothing business (Sosse Fashion) and relocated to Atlanta due to Hurricane Katrina.

I had a wonderful opportunity to interview Mrs. Sosse Ly and hear her amazing story of how she and husband lost everything in New Orleans and are rebuilding their lives in Georgia. Even though she been through a lot she is very positive and has a very bright spirit. Sosse Fashion is an African clothing store. Sosse Ly designs some of her garments herself. She sales her African clothing line at Art Festivals through out the country. She has also created African tradition costumes and outfits for Dance Companies and dance groups through out the country.

I asked Sosse to tell me more about how she got into the clothing designing business. "My sister taught me how to sew. I learned by assisting her with her African clothing line business. I come from two generations of sewing. My mother and younger sister also sews. "So Sosse, how many years have you been in business?" "I have been in business since 1994. When I was laid off from the bank in 1994, that was when I helped my sister with her business and how I learned. Later I learned how to sew and I started doing it myself." Sosse smiled as she spoke about her business. Her expression showed how passionate she is about her gift of sewing and designing beautiful African garments.

I asked Ms. Ly who she make her clothing line for. "I make my African garments for dance groups and individuals. I specialize in making and designing lapas, tops, and bottoms." Sosse shared with me the important elements that are needed in order to have a thriving business. "You must be patient. Quality is most important and the outfits must last. Having a company identity is also very important.

Sosse is very optimistic about her future with Sosse Fashion. "I am relocating to Georgia and starting over. Georgia is opening doors of opportunity for me. First my job, work permit, business is growing. The future is looking bright for me. I got the help that I needed with the DeKalb County Workforce. Once I am fully established and situation with my relocation, I will get back into going to art festivals and selling my products. Thank you Sosse for sharing your remarkable story with our readers. I wish you the best with your business.