Meet Gold Rain
Reposted from Noonday Collection’s Blog written by Carla Rosas.
In the countryside of Myanmar, a girl named Gold Rain grew up with her parents and three siblings. “I come from a family of farmers,” she says, “My parents did not finish school.”
Myanmar, while known for beautiful terrain and ancient temples, has undergone a decades-long civil war that continues to harm entire communities like Gold Rain’s. “Because of the civil war, we would move away from our farm and then back to it many times until we finally moved to a town further away from the fighting,” she says.
Gold Rain works on a Noonday piece at Sojourn Studio’s workshop in Thailand.
Determined to gain an education and build a stable life for herself, Gold Rain became one of the first in her family to finish school. She went on to earn her GED and complete an intensive English language program before receiving a scholarship to study at a university in Thailand. One day, Gold Rain stumbled upon a job opening posted by Sojourn Studio – a job opening made possible in part, because of Noonday customers and their purchases.
Gold Rain works with the workshop’s kiln.
Artisans use clay to create your favorite Noonday pieces from Thailand.
HOPE THROUGH HANDCRAFTING
Our Thailand Artisan Partners use clay as a means of empowering young women, many of whom are refugees, along the Thailand-Myanmar border. This past August, with the help of sustainable purchase orders from Noonday, they were able to build and open a brand-new permanent workshop to replace the makeshift carport that had previously served as their workspace. They were also able to hire their first Studio Director, Gold Rain!
Today, Gold Rain spends her days supervising her team of Artisans, managing production and studio maintenance, and creating a supportive community through intentional conversation and coordinated trainings. With the launch of our Spring Collection (available now!), Gold Rain and her team continue to grow.
Artisans in Thailand gather for a group photo outside of Sojourn Studio
THE POWER OF YOUR PURCHASE
“Noonday is keeping us busy,” says Gold Rain, “Partnership with Noonday has expanded our core workforce from three women working 15 hours per week to six women working 20-40 hours per week, and we are looking to hire more women this spring! In addition to a basic income, each Artisan employed receives benefits and personal development training. With their income, they are able to help their families’ financial situation and improve their lives.”
The Marbled Sky Studs, Thrive Necklace, Assorted, and Union Earrings are available now!
Your purchases of the products made in Thailand help like Gold Rain overcome their obstacles and pursue a hope-filled future. Shop the new Marbled Sky Studs, Thrive Necklace, Assorted, and Union Earrings now!