A descendant of the Lao-Tai ethnic group, Anong's ancestors come from the central part of Laos, known for weaving beautiful traditional Lao skirts and colorful skirt borders.

• Not long ago, the demand for cheaper, machine-produced skirts and borders cannibalized the market for traditional weaving, so Anong and her family realized they'd have to adapt in order to survive.
• Anong took this as an opportunity. She learned new weaving techniques and realized that she could honor her weaving heritage by seeing the connection between her current work and the work of her grandmothers.
• The income Anong earns from weaving supplements her husband's sporadic construction job and helps them pay for monthly necessities, like clean water, electricity, and doctor's visits for her son.
• Some of Anong's most peaceful times occur when she's weaving at home, listening to the radio, and watching her son play with his puppy.

When you ask Anong about her dreams, she has trouble saying what she wants.

• She'd like to have enough money so that her son can finish school and hopefully become a police officer.
• She also hopes to move into a nicer home eventually so her son can be proud of where they live.
• Anong also says that it would be nice to have more looms in her house so friends can come over, and they can weave together.

The economic opportunity that GIANNA provides for Anong is only the first part of how we make a difference.

• Through weaving, Anong has reconnected with her heritage and learned basic business skills in finance and accounting.
• She's able to work from home, which gives her the freedom to care for her family, tend to the rice fields, and visit friends.
• Perhaps most importantly, Anong's weaving has improved her self confidence and created greater independence.

Anong realizes that she is valuable and that she can make substantive contributions to her family.