Inspiring Women Magazine September 2023

failing to complete their education. I was
determined not to fall prey to that stereotype
so I worked hard in school and was able to finish
my education.
I completed my college education in 2004, and
the following year, in 2005, I secured a position
at the largest and most established bank in the
country. This opportunity filled me with
excitement as I was assigned to work at one of
the bank’s branches in a different city. It marked
the first time I left the comfort of my parents’
Yerie with husband and children in Chisinau
home and ventured out on my own. Since I
began my employment working at the bank, I
have never returned to live with my parents.
This transition was a bittersweet moment for
me, as there were times after work when I would
find myself crying in my room, overwhelmed
with homesickness. However, over time, I
gradually overcame those feelings. I remained
employed with Sierra Leone Commercial Bank
for five years.
I first met my spouse while celebrating my
birthday with friends. I remember being slightly
intoxicated and quite talkative and we became
good friends. Eventually, we transitioned into a
romantic relationship, and, after several years
of dating, we decided to marry. Due to my
husband’s job posting in Chisinau, we relocated
to Moldova as a family. We are blessed with two
wonderful children, twins, a boy and a girl. Since
I am unable to work in Moldova as a diplomat’s
family member, I chose to engage in charitable
work and joined the International Women’s Club
of Moldova.
Given my passion for fashion,
I conceived a charitable
initiative through a fashion
show, aiming to showcase my
homeland’s heritage and
promote my country.
Consequently, we organized
the first-ever African Fashion
Show for charity in Moldova.
The event took place at the
Museum of History, where
I had the privilege of
presenting them with a
representative garment from
my heritage, known as
country cloth – a locally
crafted garment woven from
natural wool and dyed
using plant-based colors. This
unique Sierra Leonean dress
now hangs proudly in the
historical museum.
Tell us about your earliest
experience with fashion.
My earliest encounter with
fashion occurred during my
teenage years when I
participated in my first beauty
contest. I vividly recall my
beauty coach, who assisted me with various
outfits, selecting one that did not complement
my body type. I respectfully expressed my
concerns, stating that the dress was not suitable
for my petite frame. I inquired if it would be
possible for me to have a say in choosing
dresses that flatter my body features and colors
that harmonize with my skin tone. Agreeing with
my suggestion, she proceeded to help me select
all the necessary outfits for the contest. At that
moment, she acknowledged my keen fashion
sense by remarking, “You have a good eye for
fashion.” For me, fashion holds significance in
terms of my identity, allowing me to express
myself and represent my beliefs.
Models showing Yerie's creations
for her first-ever African Fashion
Show in Moldova.
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