Meet The Makers: Stories of Freedom

Every purchase supports a day of freedom from human trafficking. Our makers are the heart of our mission—skilled artisans who build better lives through meaningful work.

We use anonymous names to protect our artisans' safety, privacy, and dignity.

STORIES OF RESILIENCE

Overcoming the Odds, Reclaiming Hope

Aanaya

Aanaya grew up in the mountains of Manipur in a tribal community. Orphaned by the age of three, she endured forced labor and chronic malnourishment while moving between neighbors’ huts. At age 10, a lifeline came in the form of an orphanage, where she was fed, educated, and shielded from child labor. Inspired by others who became garment workers, Aanaya set her sights on MADE FREE. Today, she is a team leader, passionate about training other orphaned young women to achieve safe and meaningful employment, just as she has.

Lakshmi

Born into extreme poverty in the slums of Chennai, Lakshmi faced unimaginable struggles. Flooded sewage often submerged her family’s shack, and survival took precedence over education. Widowed at 23 and left to care for her children and mother, Lakshmi nearly lost hope. But a neighbor introduced her to MADE FREE, where she found more than just a job—she found a family. Today, Lakshmi supports her family and sends her children to school, saying, “Through this job, I have found hope and joy.”

Saima

Saima, the eldest of four sisters, defied the cultural belief that girls are a burden. When her parents became unable to work, Saima joined MADE FREE, where she gained income and empowerment. Now, she supports her family, proving daily that women are a source of strength and hope.

Babli

Babli’s life began in a squatters’ camp, filled with fear and poverty. Thanks to education and vocational training, she now works in a steady job with MADE FREE, saving to buy a home and rescue her sisters from the slums. Babli dreams of breaking the cycle of poverty for good.

STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION

Breaking Cycles, Building Futures

Ayanna

Raised within a culture of neglect, Ayanna doesn’t even know her own age. All of the money she made standing in the lines along the streets of Sanagachi was used to provide for her family, and rarely left enough for her to eat. Ultimately it was this unrelenting selflessness for her family that brought her to discover work as a maker, and find freedom from life as a sex worker. She is now providing a life for her family that she never had the chance to have for herself.

Jyoti

As someone who was rescued from a life in the lines, Jyoti now makes visits to the brothels as a free woman to tell the girls that there is another way, and to show them that a path to a greater life exists. Now as a successful crafter she professes that she feels like an entirely new person; healthy, at peace, and living with a husband and family who truly love her.

Bijoya

Since she was a child, the life of a sex-worker loomed heavily over Bijoya’s life. With a mother who constantly had customers in the same room as her and her brother, she was unable to study, and was pursued by the same men that her mother brought into their home. As she grew older, Bijoya would leave the house when customers were there, and it was on one of these days that she happened to meet a man who offered her a job as a maker. She is now married, in her own home, and makes enough money to help her mother break free of the life she has lived for so long.

Guddu

Growing up amid challenges, Guddu learned resourcefulness early, striving to support his family. At 14, he left home to work in other cities but was often exploited, going months without pay. Today, Guddu works on MADE FREE products, earning fair wages on time while being treated with respect. His resourcefulness shines as he solves technical problems and maximizes materials, bringing energy and joy to the workshop with his infectious smile

Fair Wages to End Human Trafficking

We empower men and women in India by providing livable wages, safe environments, skills training, and career opportunities, all through our fair trade standards.

Handouts of food, clothing, and water offer temporary relief but don't change the circumstances for tomorrow. To end poverty, those who make our fashion goods need to earn a livable wage.

LEARN MORE

STORIES OF LEADERSHIP

From Makers to Mentors

Kanika

If you met Kanika today, you’d see a hardworking single mother with hope and a future—but her outlook wasn’t always so bright. Kanika and her family were just getting by when her husband passed away. Left with little to her name and no workable skill, Kanika found herself on her own to provide for her son with special needs. Her desperation took a turn when she connected with MADE FREE in Indian village, where she works as a crafter today. She used to feel alone in her struggle. Now, she has a community. Through this support and the skills she’s acquired, Kanika not only provides beautiful goods for the MADE FREE community—she provides for her family. And her hope doesn’t end here. Kanika’s next goal is to buy a house to call her own and, with your help, she can.

Shahida

Shahida’s warm, shy smile draws you in, but her determination is what truly inspires. Each day, she stitches works of art that not only travel the world but also build a future for her four children in North India. She dreams of her three daughters being the first in her family to graduate college and her son becoming a compassionate, educated man.

A skilled and dedicated maker, Shahida quickly masters every new design, providing steady work for herself and the 10+ women she oversees. From her sunlit sewing station, she weaves hope into each piece, ensuring her children have food, schooling, and a brighter future.

With tears in her eyes, she shares, “Since working here, I have had peace in my heart. Now, I have so much peace.”

Anita

Anita is a young and happy woman. She wanted to be educated and have a good career, but due to unfortunate circumstance and acute financial difficulties she decided to give up her studies. She started working so that she could support her younger sister's education and sustain her family. Along with making MADE FREE bags, Anita is encouraged to continue her studies. Finding a job has mitigated the possibilities of Anita being set astray by people seeking vulnerable opportunities.

Ahmad

Ahmad takes immense pride in his role as a lead maker, crafting MADE FREE products with dedication and skill. With four growing children and a wife who struggles with chronic illness, consistent work and a reliable income have been life-changing for his family.

Before joining MADE FREE, Ahmad faced constant uncertainty, struggling to find stable work to cover school fees for his children, medical care for his wife, and even food for their family. Now, through his hard-earned wages and a scholarship provided by his workplace, all four of his children can attend school. His wife receives regular visits from the company nurse and finds support in a community of women who encourage her through the challenges of raising a family.

Ahmad says, “We work hard, and it is a kind and wonderful atmosphere.” With each day, he experiences hope, knowing his work provides a brighter future for his loved ones.

STORIES OF HOPE

Crafting Hope, One Stitch at a Time

Sangeeta

“I have changed a lot from the way I used to be” Sangeeta reflects.  She remembers a happy childhood with her parents, but her life took a turn for the worse and she found herself trapped in a situation she thought she’d never be able to get out of. Since working with MADE FREE, she has found a new life full of hope. “It is almost like getting my childhood days back” she shares. Adding that she likes the community here. “ Sometimes we fight, but we also hang out together. I am proud of the way I live now and, even if things are still difficult, I can hold my head up high.”  In the future Sangeeta would like to buy her own home. A goal we’re happy to be a part of helping Sangeeta achieve!

Heena

Heena arrived in Delhi, India, from a family with limited resources, no father figure, and an abusive older brother. As the eldest of four sisters, she took on the immense responsibility of supporting her ailing mother and siblings.

Despite these challenges, Heena dreams of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Through her work as a MADE FREE maker, she not only provides for her family but also funds her own education, steadily building a path toward her future aspirations.

Sayna

“Before I worked here, I had never been to parks like Aquatica. I had no money, no trusted friends, and no sense of security,” Sayna recalls. “Now, I trust my workmates, and I know they want the best for me.”

One of Sayna’s proudest moments was receiving an ID card that shows she works for a respectable company. “I could never save money before, but the first thing I did when I started working here was open a bank account.” Since becoming a MADE FREE maker, Sayna has set up a savings account and secured an insurance plan for her family. “I can't always save much, but I always try to put something aside,” she says, knowing each step brings her closer to stability and a brighter future.

Pooja

Pooja vividly recalls being locked in a 6' x 6' room for seven days as a child, a memory that still lingers as a symbol of her early struggles. As the second of five siblings, she became the sole breadwinner after her father abandoned the family, growing up in a slum where leprosy was common.

Despite these hardships, Pooja found her way to MADE FREE's first partner in India. Now part of a supportive community, she has grown into a skilled leader, managing administration, finance, and high-quality leather crafting. Currently training in quality control, Pooja is working to help her younger siblings escape the difficult circumstances she once faced, serving as an inspiring role model for her family and community.

Your Ethical Choice: The Ripple Effect

Buying ethically made products reduces an individual's vulnerability to exploitation, helps fight modern slavery, and promotes global human rights.

Fair wages empower individuals, stabilize communities, and build stronger economies while undermining systems of exploitation.

As consumers, we have the power to drive change. Every purchase moves us closer to a world where dignity and fairness are at the heart of every product.

SHOP ETHICAL PRODUCTS

See What They’ve Created

Navy Blue Aprons with Pockets Apron

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Hip Pack AW Charcoal

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Roll Pack Backpack in Charcoal Black, 100% Recycled Poly Backpack

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Stylish Leather Journal Journal

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Hip Pack AW Mustard

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Hip Pack AW Taupe

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group of women in vibrant traditional clothing, raising their hands in the air with smiles, appearing energetic and joyful.

Questions About Our Makers

For the safety and privacy of our artisans, many of whom come from vulnerable or challenging backgrounds, we use anonymous names. This ensures their dignity and security while sharing their inspiring stories.

MADE FREE provides fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for skill development through our fair trade certified factories in India.

Many artisans also receive access to education, healthcare, and community support, enabling them to build brighter futures.

Every purchase helps provide a full day of fair-wage work for an artisan, offering financial stability, independence, and a pathway out of poverty or exploitation.

Our products are handcrafted in South Asia, primarily in India, by artisans in ethical workshops that ensure fair labor practices.

Fair trade ensures that artisans receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. It’s a step toward breaking cycles of poverty and exploitation while empowering communities with sustainable opportunities.

You can further support our mission by sharing our makers’ stories, gifting MADE FREE products to others, or donating directly to programs that support our artisans.