From Africa to New York and back again
Moctar Yara from Mali built a business in New York around 30 years ago. He sells fabrics for African fashion in Harlem, runs a wholesale business, and has an online shop – and now he’s returning to Africa.
‘I told my son: Today is my 33rd birthday!’ says the 58-year-old Yara. Recently, it marked the anniversary of the day he arrived in New York – with nothing but a thin jacket, a broken suitcase, and 80 dollars. He didn’t even own winter shoes and was completely vulnerable to the cold of the New York winter. Since then, he has achieved a lot and emphasizes: ‘I am very grateful and feel blessed.’
Collaboration with Getzner Textile
About two years ago, a meeting at a Senegalese restaurant in New York led to a partnership between Yara and Getzner Textil. Tobias König, head of the BU Africa division, was in New York on business to meet a client who also knew Yara. ‘My acquaintance invited me to a business dinner, introduced me to Tobias König, and we started talking about textiles. That’s how a long-term collaboration began. I’m very happy to be part of the Getzner family,’ says Yara. He especially values the professional service and the excellent quality of Getzner Textil: ‘Even my customers are convinced by Getzner damask.’
Formative time
When Yara reflects on his early years in New York, he says: ‘I was young and thought nothing could happen to me. But I had never experienced cold weather. I didn’t realize you could die from the cold. Today, when I see people who are new to New York, I help wherever I can, because I know that feeling.’
In Guinea-Bissau, Yara will build a new future with his wife and five children. ‘I will continue my business in Africa and am looking forward to returning.’ He will always carry with him the lessons life has taught him, which have shaped him into the person he is today.