Ele Agbe is a local phrase meaning "God is alive." Founded in Ghana in 1996, Ele Agbe Company has made its name in ornamental beads, original jewelry designs and handmade home decor. In 1999, Ele Agbe added handcrafted shea butter cosmetics to its product line and began exporting worldwide.Ele Agbe employs some 50 artisans, all young adults and most of them women. The organization also offers training programs for under-educated youth. Ele Agbe's artisans use traditional Ghanaian tools and methods, and the highest quality materials available, including one-of-a-kind beads and unique scents. At Ele Agbe, artisans pass on their skills to younger generations, conducting workshops for school groups and accepting apprentices from throughout Ghana. Ten Thousand Villages started purchasing from El Agbe in 2008.