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Tina Quaye

A descendant of the Ga Mashie royal family, Tina Naa Larmley Quaye was born in a small suburb of Accra on June 28, 1970. Unfortunately, when she was just three weeks old her father died. Her life-long desire was to become a teacher, working especially with street children, however her age and financial status worked against her. She taught some reading classes at her alma mater, the Ada Secondary School while she trained in auto spraying. Tina worked at a textiles company during the weekdays; during weekends, she made beaded jewelry for personal customers and to sell at street markets.

Still, her desire to teach underprivileged children grew ever more. Tina identified with them for she too suffered many hardships as a child. "I realized the need to help underprivileged children, so I started a program called 'Children In Need.' In 1996, I decided to help them by teaching them our traditional bead making crafts. In fact it was easier for me because I enjoy putting colors together in the same way that spraying deals mainly with mixing colors."

Tina believes art is life. She combines traditional African beads with copper tubes and glass beads. Her jewelry designs are influenced by Ghana's varied cultural and artistic traditions, of which she has become an expert. Tina feels blessed with her talent, and feels it is her responsibility to each her craft to others.

Making beads has become a part of Tina's life. When she is not at home working, she teaches at The Children In Need School. She has finally achieved her dream – to teach children in need.