Making ornaments from shells

Business

By Memo Hauke
THE art of using sea shells to make ornaments into something unique is an untapped business which can be exploited, Mary Ikoirere, the owner of Mashiyyat n Mettle Handicrafts and Homely Bliss.
She said the people should be trained for that.
The company specialises in handicraft, flower arrangements, events planning and decoration with flowers and drapes, draping, catering (traditional cooking) and other special dishes.
Ikoirere is from Manus and taught in Grade 6 and 8 before leaving the profession.
She said: “I registered my company and began doing this last year and I am very happy I started this to keep me busy. I usually do mobile sale from my house and did not find a permanent place to trade until now. I am proud and happy with PNG Women in Business because I now have a place to do my trade. With the PNGWiB, I have been to places and have learnt new things.
“One in particular was I went to with Janet Sape, the executive director for PNGWiB to Indonesia for their Trade Expo with six other women. We went last year and visited a factory making ordinary ornaments by placing sea shells to make designs. I was moved by the many bags of sea shells stored in the factory. I was so eager to learn that I had a few trainings there.”