Sandrina is one of the founders of ƐTↃ. She lived in Ghana, West Africa, on a monthly basis for 15 years. Her bathroom was so small when the company was founded that there were no shelves other than the toilet seat...and bam, when she turned around, her toothbrush fly into the porcelain - because of course there was no toilet seat either. Completely frustrated, Sandrina trudged off to Florence, her trusted seamstress. She had the solution to her storage problem in her pocket. A design for a fabric shelf that nestles flat against the wall and fits into any bathroom, no matter how small.  

Florence is so enthusiastic about the idea that she recommends Sandrina to set up a company. Florence wants to use the profits to fulfill her dream of opening a dressmaking school. The aim is to train women from socially disadvantaged families in particular. Training in Ghana is subject to a fee. This means that many women are denied vocational training, as sons take priority when in doubt.  

Florence has experienced domestic violence herself. Ultimately, her profession gave her the financial independence to get a divorce. Bringing women into the workforce is therefore not only a step towards emancipation, but financial independence is an active prevention of violence against women and children.  

Sandrina, who has always been in love with the colorful cotton fabrics, is immediately on board.  

ƐTↃ is born  

ƐTↃ (pronounced eto with a slurred o) means river in Ewe. The Volta, the largest river in the West African country, runs right through Ghana. The Volta supplies the metropolis of Accra with drinking water and generates electricity for West Africa via the Akosombo Dam. But it has also always connected people in the north and south of the country and serves as a trade route. Thus, ƐTↃ also symbolizes the connection between the global North and South. This symbolism is also reflected in our logo - in which a woman carries a boat on her head, surrounded by waves.