Representative Rugie Yatu Barry, during the second graduation ceremony of the LA Princess Fashion Academy, delivered an inspiring address to the graduating class, emphasizing their crucial role as “economic architects” in Liberia’s future. She urged these newly minted fashion designers to view themselves not just as creatives but as entrepreneurs capable of driving economic growth through their skills and innovation. Barry encouraged the graduates to leverage their training to create their own opportunities, build their personal brands, and ultimately stitch prosperity into the fabric of the nation. She stressed the importance of viewing their sewing machines not just as tools of their trade, but as assets capable of propelling them towards their personal and professional goals. Her message underscored the potential of the fashion industry to contribute significantly to Liberia’s economic development.
Central to Barry’s message was the concept of wealth creation, which she defined not solely in monetary terms, but also as a process of adding value, achieving self-reliance, and empowering others. She challenged the graduates to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, urging them to start small, develop a clear vision and plan, and persevere through challenges. This approach, she argued, is a more effective way to combat poverty than relying on handouts, as it empowers individuals with the skills and mindset needed to create their own opportunities. She further emphasized the ripple effect of entrepreneurial success, highlighting how growing businesses lead to the creation of partnerships, employment opportunities, and ultimately, a stronger national economy.
To illustrate her points, Representative Barry shared her own personal journey from humble beginnings as a cassava seller to becoming a successful businesswoman and eventually, a representative of the people. Her experience served as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial vision. She recounted how she built her business from the ground up, creating jobs and contributing to the economy, without relying on her academic credentials to seek traditional employment. This personal narrative provided a powerful and relatable example for the graduates, demonstrating that success is possible through dedication and a proactive approach to opportunity.
Barry commended the LA Princess Fashion Academy for its role in equipping young Liberians, particularly women and youth, with the skills needed for economic empowerment. She recognized the crucial role of such institutions in providing opportunities for individuals often marginalized in the formal labor market. Furthermore, she highlighted the broader significance of fashion design, moving beyond its artistic dimension to emphasize its potential as an engine of economic transformation. She argued that the fashion industry not only empowers individuals but also stimulates entrepreneurship, drives local industry, and showcases Liberian culture to the world.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of fifteen young Liberian women who completed their training at the LA Princess Fashion Academy. Among them, Cynthia Rogers was recognized as the “Star Girl of the Year” for her outstanding performance, receiving a cash prize of 50,000 Liberian dollars. This recognition highlighted not only individual excellence but also the high caliber of talent nurtured within the academy. The event showcased the graduates’ creativity and skills through a fashion show held in the ballroom of the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, providing a platform for them to display their work to a wider audience.
Princess Pratt, the CEO and founder of the LA Princess Fashion Academy, addressed the graduates, encouraging them to apply the skills they acquired throughout their training in their daily lives. She emphasized the importance of adapting to challenges with agility, flexibility, curiosity, openness, and compassion. This message highlighted the academy’s commitment not only to technical skill development but also to fostering essential personal qualities that contribute to success in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for these young women, signifying their readiness to embark on their professional journeys and contribute to Liberia’s economic and creative landscape.
