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Getzner fabrics in Moctar Yaras Shop

African Fashion connects continents

African Fashion connects continents

Moctar Yara from Mali built a successful business in New York about 30 years ago. In Harlem, he sells high-quality damask for African fashion, runs a wholesale business, and operates an online shop—now bringing this experience back to Africa.

"I told my son: Today is my 33rd birthday!" says 58-year-old Yara. Recently, it marked 33 years since the day he arrived in New York—with nothing but a thin jacket, a broken suitcase, and 80 dollars. Since then, he has achieved a lot and emphasizes, "I am very grateful and feel blessed."
Moctar Yara in his shop in New York.

Cooperation with Getzner Textil

A meeting in a Senegalese restaurant in New York led to a partnership between Yara and Getzner Textil. Tobias König, Head of BU Africa, met Yara during a business dinner. This encounter developed into a long-term collaboration. Yara emphasizes, "I am proud to be part of the Getzner family. My customers appreciate the professional service and the outstanding quality of the fabrics."

The photo was taken two months after Yara's arrival in New York.

Formative Years

Reflecting on his early years in New York, Yara says, "I was young and thought nothing could happen to me. But I had never experienced cold weather before. I didn’t realize that one could die from the cold. When I see people who are new to New York today, I help wherever I can because I know that feeling."

In Guinea-Bissau, Yara will continue to expand his business with his family. "I look forward to sharing my knowledge and actively shaping the textile market in Africa." He will always remember the lessons life has taught him and how they have shaped the person he is today.

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