From cleaner to CEO: Mary Mifetu’s inspiring printing journey

In a bid to ensure that her younger sister could complete polytechnic education, Mrs Mary Abena Mintah Mifetu put her education on hold and took a job as a cleaner to support the family financially.

Later, she moved to Able Printing Press in Tema Community Seven as a cleaner and messenger.

“While working there, a friend introduced me to a graphic designer. Watching him work sparked my interest in graphic design. I would sit by his desk, observe his techniques and ask questions. Soon, I became a cleaner, messenger and typist in the office, just to stay close to the craft and learn whatever I could,” she told The Mirror in a chat in Accra on Tuesday.

Mary, as she is fondly called, said she went beyond watching—she started bringing clients to the printing press in exchange for commissions.
Sadly, this did not last, as her commissions were unfairly cut, and a disagreement with a friend’s family eventually left her without a place to work, she explained.

Mary said she picked up her desktop computer and printer, which she had managed to acquire, and walked away to start afresh. “I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew I couldn’t stay there any longer”.

Printing journey
Using some of the contacts she had built, Mary secured contracts to print calendars. Her first independent job involved printing calendars for big names like Senda Motors, Furniture City, and Hollard Insurance. However, without the equipment for large-scale printing, she outsourced the jobs and handled logistics.

“Those early jobs taught me more than any classroom ever could. I learnt about tight deadlines, trust, the value of quality and the cost of mistakes.”
Gradually, Mary had perfected her craft, and she could design a wide range of visual materials for print and digital use.

“I also handle layout and printing prep, so my designs are ready for production with the right specs and quality. If you have a concept, I can bring it to life from sketch to final print,” she added.

In January 2020, Mary registered her business as Major Royal Ventures with her savings and support from her husband. She poured her energy into growing the business, facing challenges such as delayed payments, demanding clients and stiff competition.

“Every setback made me wiser. Every tough job honed my skills”, she said.
Today, Mary is a proud mother of five and holds a first degree in Marketing, which has shaped her strategic thinking and helped her grow her business into a trusted name in printing, interior décor, furniture and business solutions.

"We serve large industries and individuals alike. Some of the companies we worked with include AngloGold Ashanti, Ghana Eximbank, Ghana Audit Service, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals and Phersons Pharmacy.

Mentoring
According to her, the struggles she endured had contributed to making her passionate about mentoring and supporting her community.

She makes time to speak to young women who want to start businesses, sharing her story—the struggles, tears, small wins, and the bigger dreams she holds dear.

Mrs Mifetu enjoys reading, networking, and exploring new business ideas. Her dream is to see her Major Royal Ventures become a household name in Ghana and beyond.
Mary believes in starting with what you have.

“Understand your strengths. Don’t just follow the crowd. Build something real,” she advises.