ข้ามไปที่เนื้อหา
AKHA MA-DE IS A COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN HIRING AKHA WOMEN TO CRAFT CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS FROM THEIR HOMES SINCE 2021. AND NOW, WE ARE TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
1 - TOGETHER, WE WILL BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY IN ASHA VILLAGE.
What began in a bedroom with 2 Akha women in 2021 is now transforming into a factory that will employ 10 women. We are making a lasting impact on our community—and this is just the beginning of something much bigger.
HERE IS OUR BEAUTIFUL TEAM:
AMA MISHU (Ama means "Mother" in Akha)
Mishu (60) is always on the go, managing her plantation, home, village organization, and family with remarkable strength.
She is a powerful, ever-helpful force, balancing countless responsibilities and truly embodies the strength of Akha women.
ABU JAN (Abu means "Daughter" in Akha)
Jan (30) is all about determination. She will do whatever it takes to push Akha Ma-De forward.
She is another Jor, learning new skills at lightning speed, and is also the mother of a funny 4-year-old boy.
API MINIUM (Api means "Grandma" in Akha)
Despite her age, Minium (76) remains incredibly active and highly skilled with her hands.
She can work for hours non-stop without lifting her head, sometimes even forgetting to chew her beloved betel. She is Nicha’s grandmother.
ABU ANNA
Anna (36) laughter is contagious, and her positive outlook brings so much to our team.
She is the optimist when challenges arise, providing much-needed comfort and encouragement.
ABU JOR
Jor (28) is a true superwoman, radiating happiness. She brings incredible energy to the group, and Akha Ma-De wouldn’t be what it is today without her.
She is Nicha’s right hand when Nicha is in Bangkok and the mother of a 5-year-old girl.
ABU NICHA
Nicha (31) is the initiator of the Akha Ma-De project. Her mission is to be everywhere, radiating the strength of her mother, Mishu.
She carries most of the challenges in bringing Akha Ma-De to where it should be. Born in Asha Village, her roots run deep in the community she serves.
2 - AKHA MA-DE FACTORY WILL BE PRIMARILY DEDICATED TO OUR CRAFT PRODUCTION.
In this factory, we will create the cutest Christmas decorations in Thailand for your trees, but also our original Phuang Malai. All handmade with natural cotton.
3 - IT WILL INCLUDE AN ORIGINAL AKHA BEDROOM FOR YOU TO COME AND MEET US.
A magical Akha-Christmas bedroom with view on the village, where you can discover our cherished culture, participate in traditional workshops, taste our incredible local cuisine, and most importantly, meet us.
4 - AND A LIBRARY CORNER FOR THE KIDS OF THE VILLAGE
This factory will feature a library, a game corner, and a mini-cinema to spark the curiosity of the children and give them the same opportunities as kids living in the city.
WHY SUPPORT US WITH THIS CAMPAIGN?
We can hardly believe it ourselves, but we’re NOW COLLABORATING WITH 23 MAJOR STORES across Thailand, in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, and Chiang Rai.
And doubling that number with other market players who know us, and growing with current partners, IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
HOWEVER, OUR PRODUCTION LEVEL DOESN’T ALLOW US TO SUPPLY ALL OF THEM.
• This Christmas 2024, we face the tough decision of supplying ONLY 15 OUT OF THE 23 stores.
• We'll need to almost SACRIFICE OUR ONLINE SALES, which made up 48% of our 2023 revenue, to protect this growing partnership network.
• and STEP AWAY FROM CHRISTMAS MARKETS, which have been incredibly profitable for us.
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THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT LOSS—ABOUT 41% OF OUR PROJECTED REVENUE —which could have allowed us to:
• Employ more Akha women
• Increase wages
• Hire an English teacher for the ladies
• Open more guestrooms
• Buy more books and games for the kids
• Organize events at the Factory
• or provide funding to help reconstruct Asha Village church
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AND WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT THIS LOST REVENUE IS ONLY FROM CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS?
Our partners are eager to sell our souvenir keychains and Malai garlands ALL YEAR ROUND.
We now have certainly the power to make an immense impact, and now it’s JUST A MATTER OF CASH FLOW to finance this virtuous Akha growth.
The destiny of Akha Ma-De is bright, with the potential to build a local economy in Mae Yao District through crafts and cultural tourism, all while protecting the rich Akha culture.
THIS FACTORY IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF A REAL CHANGE for our community.
YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN WILL ENABLE US TO:
✅ BUILD THE FACTORY TO EXPAND AND SUPPLY ALL OUR PARTNERS AND ONLINE SALES✅ HIRE 2 MORE WOMEN AND CREATE FULL-TIME POSITIONS.
✅ STOCK UP AND PURCHASE MORE MATERIALS.
✅ CREATE NEW REVENUE STREAMS THROUGH THE BEDROOM AND WORKSHOPS, TO DIVERSIFY OUR ACTIVITIES.
✅ INJECT MONEY INTO THE VILLAGE BY HIRING LOCAL WORKERS FOR RENOVATIONS.
✅ PROTECT AKHA CULTURE AND BUILD PRIDE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
✅ INSPIRE THE YOUNGER GENERATION THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
