Phebe A. Cudjoe is a Ghanaian Nigerian painter who studied Science Laboratory Technology and graduated from the Accra technical University, previously the Accra polytechnic. Initially, she wanted to be an Actress and worked so hard to chase that dream. She also attended the Accra Film School and the Ghart Film School (now Gavana Talents and Film School). Then she started building her passion for painting and is now the CEO of Shazzy Paint that offers interior and exterior commercial painting services.
She answered our questions on her work, motivation and aspiration.
Why did you choose this Profession?
Actually I’ve always been drawn to painting, each time I see a messy wall or a bad color mixture or a bad painting it really disturbs me and I kept wondering how I could have done it better and make it more beautiful and attractive.
And back at home I kept changing my room designs and colors and when my siblings and mum saw what I can do I was allowed to paint the living room, so gradually I got better and I started painting for friends which deriving much joy in doing it and it was fun for me too.
What is your motivation?
What motivates me in such a field is the fact that it is actually a challenging work. In as much as I love what I do it is one of the most challenging professions especially for a woman. To be able to scale through a male dominated job is really not easy and I get motivated by that, especially when I’m been looked down on by these men whenever I’m about to start any job. Sometimes when I do approach some developers, supervisors etc… and introduce myself, they either laugh thinking it is a joke or they end up giving me just a little portion to work on. But eventually they come after seeing my work. Most times they will give me a work someone already did which didn’t go well to repaint. I always, and I mean always give them what they never expected. 
What are your Aspirations?
My aspiration in life is to bring in more strong and beautiful women into this field. To show them that this is a lucrative work and it is not necessarily a man’s job but it can be both and we can change the narrative and do even better in it. Eventually, I can start producing paints and doing other things related. And I wish along the line it will become a big industry that will bring jobs and opportunities to everyone both male and female. It will be my own way of helping people out.
What can you say to women who thinks your work is only for men?
Painting isn’t a man’s Field. Infact, I believe there’s no such thing as a man’s field. If you think you can do a certain job then you go for it. Man or woman, you go for it as long as it is legit and puts food on your table. I mean I’ve seen male nurses, male cleaners, male chefs, male tailors etc….
To everyone out there, especially to the women out there. Please there’s so much in us that we can do legitimately. We shouldn’t be shy to do any profession as this can limit us. You will never know if a job is good until you start. And believe me, when you start, it always brings in glory. So keep the faith and work.
