Dalayphone Sayasithsena: SAYA: Empowering Laos Women and Preserving Culture Through Sustainable Fashion

In November 2018, the SAYA brand was born in Laos with a mission to create valuable products made from Laos cotton by women from different communities. Founded by Dalayphone Sayasithsena, SAYA is a social enterprise that aims to empower local women by providing them with sustainable income opportunities. This article delves into the inspiring journey of SAYA and how it has become a voice for communities across Laos while promoting their rich culture through unique patterns and colors in their products.

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The Genesis of SAYA:

Dalayphone Sayasithsena's background in social development led her to realize that local communities possessed the skills to create products, but they lacked the knowledge of quality control and marketing. This realization sparked her idea to establish SAYA, where she envisioned a platform that could bridge the gap between these skilled artisans and the market. SAYA's primary goal was to create a sustainable source of income for the women in these communities, empowering them to support their families and preserve their heritage.

From Social Development to Social Enterprise:

Dalayphone Sayasithsena's academic journey in International Relations and International Communication laid the foundation for her career in social development. After briefly working in the field, she decided to pursue her dream of making a lasting impact on Laos communities through her own social enterprise. This marked the beginning of SAYA, where she combined her passion for social development with her love for her country and its people.

Pride in Team and Culture:

One of Dalayphone Sayasithsena's greatest sources of pride is her team. Despite hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, they work cohesively towards a shared vision. The team's unity and understanding exemplify the strength of collaboration and foster an environment that values cultural diversity. Moreover, Dalayphone takes immense pride in the women associated with SAYA, who share her commitment to preserving their heritage through their craft.

Inspiration and Growth:

Traveling serves as a wellspring of inspiration for Dalayphone Sayasithsena. By exploring different countries and observing their approaches to various aspects of business, she gains insights that help her team evolve and reach new heights. These experiences become invaluable lessons in shaping SAYA's growth trajectory and driving them towards success.

Navigating Challenges as a Woman:

Being a woman in Laos' culture comes with certain expectations of being gentle and soft-spoken. For Dalayphone Sayasithsena, who often finds herself speaking on stages and handling business matters, this can be challenging. Nevertheless, she perseveres and breaks barriers, determined to create a lasting impact on the lives of the women she represents. As a working mother, Dalayphone also faces the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, but her commitment to SAYA remains unwavering.

Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs:

Dalayphone Sayasithsena's advice to young women aspiring to venture into entrepreneurship is simple yet powerful – just take action. She encourages them to embrace their ideas and passions without overthinking, as the fear of failure should not hinder their progress. Emphasizing the importance of learning from experience, she believes that every failure is an opportunity to grow and move forward.

The Future of SAYA:

Looking ahead, SAYA envisions expanding its reach by exporting products to three countries. Additionally, they aim to empower more women in various provinces across Laos, thereby increasing the value of Laos cotton and promoting its cultural significance on an international scale.

Conclusion:

The SAYA brand, founded by Dalayphone Sayasithsena, stands as a remarkable example of a social enterprise that not only produces high-quality products but also empowers and uplifts women from different communities in Laos. Dalayphone's unwavering dedication to preserving culture and creating sustainable opportunities for women has made SAYA a force for positive change. Through her journey, Dalayphone inspires young women everywhere to follow their dreams, embrace their passions, and make a meaningful impact on their communities and the world at large.