Artisan Organization: Trashy Bags

Country: Ghana

Anastasia Lavie has no memories of playing as a child, but she does recall seeing other children at play and wondering how they had the time. Most of her own time was spent selling food on the street for her family, who were too poor to put her in school.

But Anastasia never let go of her fervent desire for an education. At 18, she finally gained some training in sewing and textiles. Instantly, her future became charged with a glimmer of possibility and she resolved to give her own children the chances she lacked.

And the happy memories. “Children need good memories,” she says. On behalf of her children, Anastasia commutes several hours a day to work, and looks after them while at home. Having worked for Trashy Bags since 2007, Anastasia is one of their most skilled, and positive, employees.