Nittaya

Nittaya lives in a rural area of Northern Thailand and is part of a new generation of Hmong women who no longer see farming as their only path forward. Like many families in her region, she once relied on slash-and-burn agriculture, where income depends on unstable crop prices, weather, and physically demanding labor.

To build a more secure future for her family, Nittaya chose to learn artisan hammock weaving alongside other women in her community. The steady income from her artisan work has made a meaningful difference. Nittaya uses her earnings to support her two sons’ education, make vehicle payments, and cover daily household expenses. She proudly says that life feels more stable and manageable now.

Nittaya has become a skilled weaver and signs each hammock she completes with her signature, a mark of pride in her craft. This loan will allow her to purchase yarn and materials so she can continue weaving consistently throughout the year, strengthen her income, and keep moving toward long-term financial independence.