The Storyline Collection: Meet Mae
To create our Storyline Collection, our Artisan Partners use refined materials like 10k gold and semi-precious stones to create beautiful designs that tell a story—both for the wearer and the maker. With your purchases, you make it possible for our partners to walk alongside more women as they overcome human trafficking and exploitation and step into a life of hope and dignity. Meet one the women who brings this special collection to life.
Name: Mae
Birthday: December 3, 1966
Arrived at Our Partner Workshop: June 2013
Job Title: Production Staff
In my whole life, I have never attended school. When I was little, my parents forbade me from going to school because they thought it was a waste of time and money for girls to be educated. They only allowed my brothers to go to school. When every semester started, I remember clearly that seeing the other kids go to school would always make me so sad; I could do nothing but hide myself and cry. Whenever I was free, I would stand at the gate of the school trying to listen to what the teacher was saying. I admired those students. I hoped I could learn things like them one day.
Now, I realize that my dreams have come true. I never thought I would have the chance to study, especially for a woman at my age. Ever since I started working here, I have been learning how to write and read Chinese characters through the classes they provide. I am even studying English and computers. I am so happy that I can finally be able to learn as a student from my amazing teachers.