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Elizabeth Patterson, joined other Vlisco ambassadors across Africa on an exclusive 3-day trip to the Netherlands as part of their prize for winning Vlisco Women’s Month 2015 and becoming ambassadors for the world’s leading manufacturer of African print fabrics.

During her trip, Elizabeth got to enjoy the sights of Netherlands and visited the Vlisco factory in Helmond, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the authentic Dutch wax fabrics are made.

Elizabeth is the founder and executive director of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG) whose mission is to provide academic and financial support for girls including applicants with special needs, so they may access secondary, higher education, and professional opportunities. 

Elizabeth shares her experience and insights about the trip which took place earlier this month:

·         You recently returned from a trip to Holland with the other Vlisco Ambassadors, visiting the home of Vlisco - How was the experience?

I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Holland again, meet with the other 5 ambassadors, learn their stories, and about their journeys. We got a tour of the Holland factory and several workshops and tutorials, which I believe made us all true connoisseurs of style by the end of the trip. 

·         What was the highlight of the trip for you?

The highlights of the trip were meeting and engaging with the other ambassadors and the surprise horseback riding activity on the third day. I had not been on a horse since my teenage years in high school. It was great to literally get back on the horse after so many years.

·         How was it interacting with the other Ambassadors from Africa?

This was very good. I connected with Dotun from Nigeria the most as we were partners for "the path to being a heroine" workshop which allowed us to share professional and personal stories with one another. 

·         What insight did you gain about Vlisco during your trip?

The trip allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the Vlisco brand more. Touring the factory gave us a visual of the attention to detail that goes into the making of a single fabric- from design to mass printing and distribution. One of Vlisco's pillars is to be innovative and forward thinking - this was seen in the fact that they have collections for the next 3 quarters of 2015, 2016, and 2017! The design team is constantly thinking ahead and creating unique colour combinations that no other brand has. 

·         How would you sum up the trip in one sentence?

The trip was the official beginning of my journey as Vlisco's Ghana brand ambassador and I learned a great deal to become a true connoisseur of style.

·         Anything else to add about the trip?

Meeting with the Vlisco staff and team was equally good for me and the other ambassadors. We observed the dedication the teams have for the Vlisco brand.