community primarily populated by widows and orphans, they had established two homes for street children, provided aid to widows, and funded and built a well for their neighborhood. They were proof of what she had been told about the spirit of Togo: “You go to Togo for the people—then you never stop going.”
All around her she saw the brilliantly-colored Ankara, the African wax prints worn by the women of the country, and learned of its history as a kind of nonverbal communication throughout Africa. All around her she saw the brilliantly-colored Ankara, the African wax prints worn by the women of the country, and learned of its history as a kind of nonverbal communication throughout Africa. She also observed that almost all the women she encountered knew how to sew. An idea began to form in her head of how those skills might be paired with the iconic textiles to tell a story and create a lucrative and sustainable business for the community. Returning home, Walters, a woman of great faith, began to have
vivid dreams about a new business for Togolese women. “I had always loved fashion, and I dreamed about using it to make a lasting global impact, using the skills and the materials these people already possessed.” God ignited her heart for the women of Togo. Her dreams were detailed and specific, and built around creating clothing for modern women that could actually change communities. “I saw these colorful skirts. I saw the brand name and the label. I saw racial reconciliation, with ads that showed African women and white women wearing the same clothes. I literally saw us at Charleston Fashion Week.” Sewing and Reaping Walters talked to Seacoast’s Missions Minister, she spoke to friends, and she prayed. God answered with a plan that would marry her love for well-made, fashion-forward clothing with her faith in what God wanted for her and the women of Togo. She began to design a collection. Enlisting Francis and Benedict Avoyi as her Togolese partners, the Francis + Benedict brand was born; named for the couple who inspired her with their faith in God and their selfless support of those less fortunate. Cultural Affair Left to right: A seamstress carries textiles through the workspace; bolts of fabric ready to be turned into beautiful skirts; the children of the seamstresses are inspired and uplifted by the hard work of their mothers; collaboration and education are part of the fabric of Walters' company.
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