| How one record-breaking tsunami inspired our founder to find a way to help the people who saved her life.
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As Elizabeth was ushered to safety, she was surprised and profoundly touched by the consideration and selflessness of the Thai people. The idea that people living in extreme poverty and inhumane conditions, whose homes, belongings, and loved ones had just been swept away by one of the deadliest disasters in history, still found it in their hearts to have hope and service others, deeply moved her. Upon returning to the U.S., a determination settled in Elizabeth’s heart, not only to give back, but to pay it forward.
Elizabeth wanted to create a way to generate economic opportunity for the people who had helped her, and others like them in impoverished areas around the world. Locally, she started hosting trunk shows in private homes and public restaurants, selling various artisan’s work, and turning over 100-percent of the proceeds to the artisans she had met. As the trunk shows grew in popularity, she realized if she could bring these designs to more people in more places, she would be helping the artisans develop their own small businesses, thus building their local market.
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