The seeds of Beyond Beads & Bags started in August 2007 when my daughter took part in a short term mission's trip to Phnom Phen, Cambodia to work with In His Steps International (IHSI). IHSI works extensively with those at risk teaching them marketable skills, such as sewing, with the goal of establishing them in micro-enterprises. Upon her return, she brought back items produced by those in the program for sale in the United States to help support the work in Phnom Phen.
I was taken with the beauty of the items produced and moved by the plight of those struggling to survive. Additionally, as a mother of a daughter, my heart was stirred to help other's daughters who were being trafficked, abused, and exploited. Additionally, IHSI also assists the poor and shunned members of society, both men and women, through vocational training and also assistance in the establishment of micro-enterprise.
So, I started my company Beyond Beads & Bags to work solely in collaboration with In His Steps International (IHSI). The goal of my collaboration is to provide an on-going market for the beautiful items those in Cambodia produce. Hopefully, this collaboration will help to empower the powerless through economic independence and help to restore them not only economically but also physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.
Subsequently, Beyond Beads & Bags is dedicated to finding outlets for the produced items which include beautiful handmade, mostly silk, handbags and totes. These outlets include craft fairs on Long Island and street fairs in New York City.
This has been a tremendous undertaking and I could not have done it without the continued support and assistance of my loving husband and children. Seeing my own healthy, happy, safe and secure grandchildren inspires me to keep going and dare to make a difference in someone else's life who does not enjoy the abundance that we do.
I thank the good Lord for keeping from me the depth of what I was getting myself into...had I known, I may have run in the other direction...and missed out on so much. Although I am fortunate to have a great job that I am thankful for, the desire of my heart is to do something that matters. I believe with all my heart that this matters...and I hope you do too.
Stop by to say hello at a craft or street fair!
Laura
