Our Laga Handbag Consultants

Meet our dedicated Laga handbag Consultants who so proudly
continue the legacy of women uplifting women

Sylvia Hassard-Johnson ~ Huntington Beach, California “Growing up in Ireland, I always longed to travel the world so becoming a flight attendant after many years of backpacking was a natural progression into working life. And it was quite a shock to find myself settling down at 39 and becoming a wife and mother; sleeping in the same bed every night took some getting used to, even living somewhere as beautiful as Huntington Beach. “I have collected many things from many different places so, when I read an article in the Orange County Register about Vivian selling these bags made by the tsunami survivors in Indonesia, I was immediately interested. I went on the website and ”I was in awe of the beauty, attention to detail and uniqueness of the Laga handbags” “I arranged to meet Roy and Louise in their home and there, surrounded by the wonderful array of colors, fabrics and designs all telling this story of past devastation developing into future hope, I knew this was something I wanted to be involved in. “Laga brings out a passion in me” “Everywhere I go I tell the story of tragedy transforming into hope and creativity. I am proud to be associated with this unique product that is not just selling someone a bag but allowing them to be associated with a community which is surviving despite loss and devastation on a massive scale that changed every aspect of their lives. “I feel privileged to know Roy and Louise and hope to be working with them and watching the progress in Aceh go from strength to strength.” Sylvia was interviewed by iReporter Melissa Fazli at the Irish Fair in which she participated June 2009. And this story was picked up by CNN. Check it out! Back to top

Irene Zuehlsdorff ~ Kalispell, Montana “Many of you who have reached "middle age", which I believe is over 50, may relate to my story. “After working for nearly 30 years for other people…” “…and in a field that was "available" rather than one of my choosing, I decided that if I was ever going to do something different I had better get to doing. After quitting my job and taking a little off time, I realized that “ I wanted a ‘giving’ business” “-- something I could do from home that would make enough that I would have funds to share with several organizations I care about. I considered my options and decided that I should extend our home based multi-level business by setting up a store on the Internet. “Through several years of trial, error, learning and growing relationships and knowledge, my business has taken shape. I have imported over 6,000 baskets directly from other African cooperatives and have purchased and resold many thousands of dollars worth of merchandise… “When I ran across the LAGA Handbag story on the Internet through some link that I cannot remember, I immediately fell in love with the beautiful bags and the wonderful story. I knew these Laga bags fit perfectly with the rest of my business products and goals. I showed the internet site to my daughters and a few other friends. “ Everyone loved the bags,” “…so I knew I had to add them to my product line. I even succumbed to the party idea and have begun scheduling as many as I can. I am most excited to begin including Laga bags in my traveling shows at vendor fairs and conferences. I know my customers will love them and giving will be multiplied!!” Back to top

Melissa Morris ~ Weston, Florida "I am a stay at home mom of two very active and wonderful boys. My youngest has now been in pre-school for a year and my oldest is now in kindergarten. "I have kept busy volunteering my time in the boys' classes and schools as well as various non-profit organizations within my community but started to feel a need to get back into the workforce and contribute financially to our household. However, "I did not want to sacrifice any time with my children or husband" "A few of my friends had started home based businesses and I was thinking of working with them, when I did a general search on the web to see what was out there. That is when I came upon the Laga web site. "I immediately fell in love with the handbags and the company’s mission" "After e-mailing and then speaking with Louise, I was hooked. "Once I had a bag in my hands and saw the craftsmanship I was even more enthusiastic. With my desire to give back to our world as best I can and my desire to help those in need, I felt that Laga is a great fit for me. "I love the bags, and also the knowledge that I am helping to rebuild the lives of others." Back to top

Jill C. Lillie ~ State College, PA "Right before Christmas, my husband and I stopped into a boutique in State College that sells handbags. The Laga handbag in the glass case immediately caught my eye. It was an amazingly detailed work of art! My husband offered to buy it for me for Christmas and I jumped at it. As we spoke with the owner/sales lady, she told me the story of how these bags help rebuild lives and I was hooked. We ended up buying not only that handbag but also a smaller one and two wallets. I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe that God’s hand is guiding us if we pay attention. "The story of Laga connected with me on many different levels..." "I am a member of the Centre County Chapter of Altrusa International, which until fairly recently, had been an all woman’s service organization (men are now accepted). We do a major fundraiser each year and use the profits for seed grants to support local causes such as Centre Volunteers in Medicine, The Youth Services Bureau, and Books for Babies. We also support an international project through the UNA to provide sewing machines to women in Sierra Leone, allowing them to earn a living and better educate their children. "We had been struggling to find an unusual fundraiser and we are always on the lookout for new projects. Laga achieved both. It was a win-win situation. By becoming a consultant, I could use a Laga purse party as our club’s major fundraiser, helping both our club and the tsunami victims. "I plan to donate all my profits..." "...at the March party to our local Altrusa club for grant money. In addition, our club hopes to spread the word about Laga. Our wish is to have other Altrusa chapters champion this cause. Women helping women!" "On another level, I personally wanted to help the women of Sumatra by being a home consultant, even though I currently have a full time job. The bags are so beautiful they sell themselves. "This seems more like a mission than a job!" "How great to have a fulfilling job that gives so much more than a monetary reward." Back to top

Kristan Hinman ~ Orange, California "While in search of a meaningful gift for friends, I came across the article in the OC Register and thought…perfect! But as I thought more about it, I thought this may be "exactly what I have been looking for "...something that brings extra income to my family AND feeds my heart. "The minute I walked through the door of Roy and Louise’s home and saw the bags, I knew this was something special that I needed to be a part of. I joined Laga handbags and "what a wonderful experience it has been with the best surely yet to come!!! "I truly feel God has drawn me to Laga and Roy and Louise, who’s passion for the Tsunami survivors in Indonesia has been a great inspiration. Every handbag party or boutique has been an opportunity to share the Laga mission, but also consistently reminds all of us how much this disaster has touched the lives of so many around the world as others share their stories. "Each person who buys a Laga bag, feeds their own heart..." "...by knowing they are carrying a beautiful bag that is making a difference. "I could no doubt go on and on with the benefits Laga handbags has brought to me and my family, but mostly I am simply grateful to Louise and Roy for creating Laga and giving us all an opportunity to help in our own way!" Click here to see Kristan's daughter, Kalee, doing her part for the tsunami relief. Back to top

Vivian Vanderwerd ~ Dana Point, California "I discovered Laga handbags while surfing the net. I’ve always loved purses. Especially those that are exotic in look and texture. When I happened upon Laga I was immediately drawn to the intricate stitch work. However, as I read Roy and Louise’s story of the insurmountable devastation that occurred in Banda Aceh, Indonesia during and after the 2004 Tsunami, my heart melted. I felt that this was something in which I wanted to become involved. "I contacted Roy and asked if I could stop by and physically inspect the quality of the purses. He agreed, and... "...when I actually saw the purses I felt like a kid in a candy store!" "All these beautiful purses and such an incredibly noble cause as well. It was great. Still being the skeptic I can be, I purchased only one bag so that I could gauge the reaction of others. "The purses sold themselves!" "I signed on as a consultant. I feel as if I’m making a difference. Not just in my life, which was my primary reason for surfing the net in the first place. But in the lives of those that are truly in need. I am somehow making a footprint, a ripple in a waterfall so to speak. Small but significant. After all, isn’t that what we all truly want to do?" Click here to read an interview with Vivian in the Orange County Register Back to top

Zoila "Zee" Rios ~ Denver, Colorado "Since the beginning of the year 2000 I have traveled extensively to 11 different countries and ”…I have loved learning and sharing the beauty of culture…” …and the many beautiful talents of people I have met along the way. On my travels, I have embraced and love the idea of giving back. The main reason I decided to become a consultant for Laga Handbags is because they are in the business of giving back. "Two months after the 2004 tsunami, “I traveled to Banda Aceh to assist in relief work with my church group.” "On this trip, I visited a local shop and purchased several bags with the embroidered Acehnese designs. Upon my return to the U.S., I immediately sold the bags and of course kept one of the beautiful bags for myself! The many compliments I received on the bags made me realize that I needed to share the beauty of culture and the amazing talent of the Acehnese people. "Years later, after doing some research on how to locate bags that I could sell, I came across Laga Handbags. My trip to Banda Aceh was now coming full circle and… ”…an answer to a dream I have had for many years.” "Becoming a consultant with Laga Handbags has offered me an opportunity to give back as well as enable and empower those whose lives were completely destroyed by one of the worst natural disasters of our time and to help them start rebuilding their lives. "I’m proud to point out that I am the first Laga consultant in the State of Colorado. Please feel free to contact me. I’d love to share my story and how I can share the beautiful Laga handbags with you, your family and your friends." Back to top

Rodney & Desiree Thomas ~ Diamond Bar, California Rodney "I met Roy in 2000. We were working together at a mortgage company. After I left the company, we still did business together off and on. In fact, I was in the middle of a mortgage deal with Roy when the Tsunami hit SE Asia, and we spoke quite a bit via email for that first month. "Because of Roy and his first-hand experiences, I felt a real connection to the people in that region. When Roy and Louise formed Laga Designs, I knew this was a great way to support the people directly affected by this tragedy. "In 2007 Roy came to my house. He brought a handbag with him and showed it to my wife. She fell in love with it!" Desiree "Rodney spoke a lot about Roy, filling me in on what was happening during that terrible disaster. And I remember feeling very sad that I couldn't be there to help in some way. Rodney told me a little about Roy and Louise's venture with Laga Designs. But the story really didn't sink in until Roy came by our house with a handbag. I fell in love with the beautiful uniqueness! "The connection between the Laga story and the handbag I was holding [crafted by survivors of this tragedy] had become a reality to me. "I knew this was my chance to help" "In September of 2007 we became official Laga Consultants. We are very excited to be able to help and support the Acehnese people. We commend Roy and Louise for their dedication to their vision and the compassion to give back to these people." Click here to see Desiree's booth at a local event Back to top

Joyce Darr ~ High Point, North Carolina "Hi, I'm Joyce Darr. I was touched by the story of Laga Handbags and the people who survived such a horrible devastation. The pictures of the after effects of the tsunami and the years that it will take to rebuild after so much destruction touched my heart. "My first reaction was to pray for the people of Indonesia" "I know that Laga Handbags is an answer to my prayers. I believe that we all have a purpose, a mission, in life and [I could not] forget about the Laga website. I could not get the one phrase out of my head: "If you're going to carry a handbag anyway, why not carry one that helps rebuild lives?" God showed me through this phrase that if we follow where He leads us we can all make a differnce from where He has put us." Click here to read an interview with Joyce in the High Point Enterprise Back to top

Tiffanie Cade ~ Long Beach, California "I was sitting on my sofa on December 26th 2004 when I heard the news of the massive tsunami that struck the coast of the Indian Ocean. It was horrifyied to see devastation. My heart went out to all the communities who lost everything. I remember wondering... “Just how do people come back after something like that?” "Then I watched, along with the rest of the world, as nations came together to help the people deal with the aftermath of the tsunami. I did what I could from where I lived, but really wished I could be right there with those people, helping them rebuild their communities. "It wasn’t until 4 years later that I discovered Laga Designs International. My niece is a Laga Consultant and told me the story of Roy and Louise and what they were doing for these communities. I saw the beautiful bags and decided I needed to be a part of this great venture. "I have been a consultant for other companies in the past but "Laga is by far the best" "The product is amazing, unique, and makes a difference in the lives of anyone connected with it. Whenever I am asked about my own Laga bag I am so proud to pull out my business card and tell the Laga story. I am grateful to be a part of something so wonderful.” Back to top

Dawn Selanders-Mercer ~ Napa, California “I work at a winery in Napa Valley, CA., and one of our wine club members came in to pick up some wine. I noticed she had a beautiful handbag with her. When I commented about it she told me the story behind it, she said she has spent hundreds of dollars on designer bags but is now buying Laga-Handbags because of the quality, beauty and what they represent. "She gave me a card with the web site on it to get more information about the bags, and the people behind them. “She said it would change my life“ “When I went to the site I was amazed at the beauty of the bags. Then I went on to read the stories - I have never wanted to be so involved in anything before. It’s great to really believe in a product and what it stands for. I am honored to able to say I work with these women and men who have lost everything and have not given up. It gives me all the more incentive to go out and spread the word of LAGA HANDBAGS. "I am happy about what selling these handbags is doing for the people of Indonesia" “I thought when I took the job at the winery it was the best thing, because I really believe in the family and the wines they produce. I knew they were the best in the Napa Valley. I have always had pride in selling them and talking about the way they are produced. It is never hard to sell a product that is produced for all the right reasons. So when I read about how and why these bags were being made I thought “Now here is a product I can really sell!” I believe these bags sell themselves. They are so well crafted that… ”you cannot take your eyes off them (that’s what happened to me!) ” “There is a feeling you get when you see these bags that says ‘I want, no I need a bag like that.’ I feel so blessed to be a consultant for this company. Thank you!” Back to top

Jacqueline Feliciano ~ Milan, Michigan "My name is Jacquie Feliciano and I love handbags. And... "as a stay at home mom..." "...I really wanted to start a home based business. I had looked at several companies and in my search I came upon the Laga website and immediately fell in love with both the bags and the mission. I knew that selling handbags would be easy for me. "Selling handbags with a wonderful mission was an added bonus. I always get wonderful comments about the handbags and... "...my customers have all been extremely happy with their bags. "I am honored to be a part of the Laga Handbag family. Together, we will continue to empower women everywhere, one handbag at a time." Back to top

Mary Ann Vorndran ~ Oceanside, California "I went to a purse party that another Laga consultant was having at my friend’s house and fell in love with the purses. I couldn’t decide which one to buy. They were all so unique and beautiful. I loved the fact that "each one on the bottom had this breathtakingly beautiful individual signature" "of the woman that embroidered the purse. "Needless to say, I bought three purses" "A few weeks later I was trying to think of an opportunity wherein I could bring in some extra income. I remembered Laga, the purses, the story…… It all seemed to fit, my love for international business and the fact I’ve always been drawn to Indonesia and was looking for an opportunity, to 'give back.' "I signed up not having any experience in sales" "But, knowing these purses and the story would speak for itself. I was fortunate enough to meet Hana and hear her story first-hand [when she was here in the United States for a visit]. Roy and Louise are pure of heart and have the right intention to help the people of Aceh. "I am very excited to be able to share this story while enriching people’s lives here and in Indonesia with such a wonderful product." Back to top

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Shenaz Nasser ~ Clark, New Jersey "My name is Shenaz Nasser and I live in Clark, NJ. I joined Laga handbags a few months ago after seeing a customer come in with an exquisite handbag in her hand as she walked into the library where I work. I immediately had to inquire as to where she got the bag. She said she bought it from Robin Hoy (a Laga Consultant) who lives in the town next to me. Of course, I had to call Robin to find out more about the bags. Given that I just had knee surgery, Robin was kind enough to bring all the bags to my home to explain everything about Laga Handbags. I couldn't decide on which bag to buy but I settled on the Percaya "believe". "Now that I had fallen in love with the handbags..." "I had to call Roy and Louise and ask them if I could join the company. Roy and Louise were so nice on the phone and they explained and helped guide me as to what I should buy, so that I would be able to sell them in my area. I am so happy that I am part of the team to help the Tsunami people. I decided that... "part of my commission from selling the handbags would go to another charity as well" "People love the Laga bags and most of the people whom I show them to, buy them. I speak with Kelsey on a regular basis , Laga Handbag's Secretary, to place orders or if I have any questions. She is such a sweet individual and she always tries to help me with selection of colors of bags. "Finally, I was so thrilled to have met Roy and Louise in person recently at the Javits Center in Manhattan, NY. Roy and Louise have a special place in my heart as they are helping the Tsuanmi people and making a huge difference in their lives. God Bless Roy and Louise." Back to top

Megan Helgeson ~ Orange, California "In September 2006 I received the birthday gift of a lifetime from my sister and sister-in-law: the Abadi handbag by Laga. I remember opening it and being in ah! of the beauty, detail and craftsmanship. As they went on to tell me the story of Laga I fell in love. "I immediately went online to find out more and discovered they had opportunities available for at-home consultants. I was working full time and teaching yoga nights and weekends so I was hesitant to take on anything else. After one month of proudly carrying my Laga “Abadi” handbag to work, yoga classes, and social gatherings with friends and family "I could not ignore the barrage of compliments" "...and decided to call Laga headquarters to become a consultant. "Meeting with Roy and Louise was like reconnecting with long lost friends. They are generous, loving, and so much fun to be around that it is no wonder "Laga feels like an extension of my own family" "I feel honored to be a part of Laga and their efforts to improve the lives of families that have endured incomprehensible suffering. I look forward to the inevitable growth of Laga and to one day meeting the women in Aceh responsible for making these beautiful bags." Back to top

Lauren Jarvis ~ Los Alamitos, California "Laga is so much more to me than a beautiful handbag. Laga is about empowering women, helping rebuild hope, and giving purpose to lives that were so brutally devastated by such a horrible disaster. Knowing Roy and Louise and their commitment to each other and Laga just inspired me to want to be a part of something so meaningful and life-changing. “After many home shows and long talks with Louise, ”I knew that this was something greater than a purse, something greater than me” "My sister Erin and I are both stay at homes moms who were looking for something to get involved in as we raise our families. We decided to become consultants and work together to spread the news of God’s love actively working in the world today. “Roy and Louise have helped rebuild many lives in the community of Aceh, and I pray that my work with Laga will help them further their goal of rebuilding many more.” Click here to read Lauren’s daughter Taylor’s story and see her pictures. Back to top

Erin Jaeger ~ Cypress, California "I came across Laga Designs through my mother, actually. ” We as a family had hosted many home show parties for Roy and Louise” and we just fell in love with them as people. The mission of Laga just filled my heart and I knew that this is what I wanted to get involved in. “At first I wanted to help throw as many home shows as possible for Roy and Louise and get the word of Laga out on the street. Finally, Louise talked me into becoming a Laga Consultant. My sister and I, now work as a team and hope to spread the mission of Laga as far as possible. “Roy and Louise have touched so many lives and helped people across the world; I as a consultant can only hope and pray to be as much as an inspiration to people, as Roy and Louise have been to me.” Back to top

Brandy Dominguez ~ Corona, California "Hello, my name is Brandy and I am a stay at home mother of 3 boys and 2 girls (the oldest is 14 and the youngest is 3). I love having a big family and... "I have a passion to help people in need" "I was able to go to Louisiana when hurricane Katrina hit and stayed for a week. It was truly an amazing experience that I would I never forget and always remember not to take anything for granted. "So now that you know a little about me, I could tell you why I was interested in Laga. First of all, the bags are beautiful and unique, and then I heard all about the company and how they helped the victims of the tsunami… "and I thought, “Oh my gosh, I have to be part of this!” "So I signed up in January '07 and it has been a wonderful experience. "I have been able to share the bags and story with so many people and it has touched me in so many ways. I have even been able to bring it to parts of Arizona which has been exciting ... the word is spreading! I am excited to see where Laga is going and I am glad to be apart of it all the way. I look forward to many years of service and blessing other people with Laga." Click here to see Brandy's beautiful family Back to top

Pam Starr ~ Las Vegas, Nevada "One late evening, I found myself surfing the web and came across the web site of Laga-Handbags. "I was completely taken by the sincerity of the cause" "...and the mission to help those in need. I spent hours, reading everything that was on the site. I even went to Louise's blog, and looked at the photos and listened to the heart rendering music there. I became convinced that I needed to see the bags and become involved. Perhaps, I would be able to make a tiny difference. "I emailed Roy, and found that they would be in Las Vegas that very weekend. I was undergoing serious medical challenges, unable to leave my home, and Roy made a stop to visit with me. "I fell in love with the exquisite handbags and the story behind them." "Roy's genuine and sincere approach gave me an immediate connection to the Laga-Handbag mission. I purchased every bag that he had brought to Las Vegas and have shared this heart tugging message of the survivors with all I meet. "The beauty and intricate detail of each distinctive handbag make them a treasure to carry. You truly feel like you can identify with the talented woman who stitched them. They were carefully embroidered by someone who survived the Tsunami. "You certainly don't get that feeling with a store bought bag..." "I carry a large inventory in Las Vegas, allowing you to see the bags in many colors and styles. I invite you to contact me if you are in town." Back to top

Evelyn Bailey ~ Yorba Linda, California "I read the original Laga handbag story in the Orange County Register and I was moved and inspired by their amazing venture. So many of us read about the tragedies that unfold across the world and feel so helpless that we can do little more than send money. Laga, however, really went out on a limb and put their money where their mouth is, so to speak! It was truly an inspirational story. "I then checked out the website and ordered a bag for myself. When it arrived... "it was so beautiful and unique" "and I knew I had to get more involved. "I called and left a message and Roy returned my phone call. At the time, I remember I was so inspired by how passionate Roy was when he talked about Laga handbags. It really impressed me that he called me directly and went into such great detail telling me about the cause and how they were helping the people in Aceh. "That was it, I was hooked!" "Since then, I've been really thrilled to work with Laga. I love the "grass roots" feel of the company, [and that] they have persevered. And, of course, I love the fact that [together] we are doing something for the greater good, even if it's just one handbag at a time! Long live Laga!!" Back to top

Robin Hoy ~ Cranford, New Jersey "I found out about Laga Designs International through a friend. I thought that I did not have enough time to dedicate to being a Consultant, but I kept on receiving a God nudge pushing me to be one. At this time in my life... "I do not want to work just to make a living" "but work only for causes that I believe in. Not only would I be supporting such a worthy cause, but making some money as well." Back to top

Paula Quick ~ Richmond, Virginia "I am thoroughly convinced that there are no accidents and that the introduction of Laga bags into my life is truly a gift from God. I literally stumbled across the information on the bags and was riveted by the story behind them and how the company came to be. "The work you are doing for the tsunami victims in Indonesia is the embodiment of someone who launches the business of their dreams, and especially for a worthy cause. "When I read that one of the bags has crosses embroidered on the bottom (I love crosses), that just about sealed it for me, in addition to the delightful conversation I had with Maggie Mora about how gratifying it is to be a Laga bag consultant. And while I wasn't looking for a direct sales opportunity per se, I must confess that... "I was looking for a product that I could feel really passionate about." "I am honored to have the opportunity to help the women in Indonesia and at the same time share a beautiful product that will help make some woman's day here in the United States. "Thank you Roy and Louise for stepping out in faith to develop Laga bags!" Back to top

Maggie Mora ~ Orange, California "My friend Kristan contacted me after she read the Laga handbag story in the Orange County Register. She told me I had to read this amazing story. Upon reading [it] and meeting with Roy, we joined Laga. We were both amazed and in awe by what Roy and Louise had created and what they hoped to achieve for the people of Aceh, Indonesia. We knew immediately we had met two very special people whose hearts and desire to help was so big and so compelling we wanted to be part of this unique and purpose filled company. "Since becoming a Laga handbag consultant "I have been thrilled by the response" "of all the people who buy a beautiful Laga Handbag and who embrace the mission of Laga bags 100%. Not only does everyone love the beauty and uniqueness of the handbags, but the joy of spending money and knowing it is going to "a cause which will provide hope and purpose" "for the people of Indonesia is beyond gratifying for all. We have had great fun setting up handbag Home Parties and learning the handbag business. Each party we hold I leave feeling so satisfied, grateful and affirmed about the work I do. "I think about the amazing beautiful women of Aceh who create the handbags... ..."and I am thankful they have touched my life and heart..." "I feel truly blessed to work with Louise and Roy who are completely supportive and always there to help us succeed. They tirelessly work around the clock because they passionately believe in the difference they can make in helping the tsunami survivors rebuild their lives and homes. Their work inspires me and I am truly excited to have joined them on their journey to create change." Back to top

Robin Mitrani ~ Centereach, New York "When the tsunami hit we were all touched by the devastation. My church put out a plea to send a team over there to help out. My husband Danny heard the call and responded. In August, 2005 he went to Indonesia. "It was a life changing event for our entire family" "It was there that he met Louise and Roy. "I wanted to get involved, but I knew that there was no way I was going to Indonesia. Louise sent Danny an email outlining their plans for Laga handbags, and asking for help. When I read the email I thought, ‘that is something I can do.’ I don’t know why I felt like this since... "...I am not a sales person!" "However; after careful consideration I contacted the van Broekhuizens and got onboard with Laga. "The bags are beautiful and sell themselves..." "It is fun to see the bags walking down the street, knowing that they are helping someone." Back to top

Karen Watkins ~ Dana Point, California "My love affair with Laga Handbags started about a year ago. I guess you could say I was at the right place at the right time. "It was love at first sight when I noticed the handbags..." "When I came across the Sehat “healthy” bag, I knew this had to be my handbag. You see, I have been collecting crosses for the past 20 years and, when I turned the Sehat over, I saw little crosses stitched on the bottom! Little did I know this would open up a whole new dimension in my life. "I called Roy and Louise to find out more about Laga Handbags and their story... I was truly touched and had been seeking a new direction in my employment world. I know in my heart that God led me to them. So now, whenever I get the opportunity to share the Laga story, it is such a blessing to me. I am truly thankful.” Back to top

Susan Huling ~ Rehoboth, MA "I read an article in a magazine about Laga Handbags, I loved that they were beautifully embroidered and that they were "allowing their makers to be self-sustaining" When my sales kit arrived, I could not believe how truly beautiful each bag was. "I sold four bags at work the next morning!" "I have never been a sales person, but I love the message behind the bags and that they are so unique. I already work a full-time job but I needed to supplement that, and I did not want to work in a restaurant or a store. Laga was the perfect answer! The bags really do sell themselves!" Back to top

Stephanie Kimble ~ Bowie, Maryland "While searching for a home-based business on the internet, I came across the Laga Designs International website and... "...was amazed at the intricate creations that the victims of the 2004 tsunami made..." "I ... read the background story and was even amazed [at] Roy and Louise van Broekhuizen for the thoughtfulness and caring hearts that, from their blessings, they are blessing the victims. I had to join as a consultant because living in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, I know that there are many women who would look at these beautiful purses and would purchase many just to carry on their arm for others to see; they will be walking billboards for the Laga Company. "When I first communicated with Roy, he is such a kind-hearted and down-to-earth person. … I know that once the word is out about these wonderful, beautiful purses, the sales will explode!! "I would like to give my contribution to helping the tsunami victims as much as I can and I will work very hard to get the word out about the Laga handbags and Roy and Louise’s heartfelt story." Back to top

Kimberly Mead ~ Buena Park, California "In the copy of OC Metro I read an article about a couple who decided to make it their mission to bring hope to the tsunami survivors of Indonesia. By creating Laga Designs International Roy and Louise made it their personal mission and I was inspired not only by the beauty of the handbags, but by "the message and mission" "that comes with them. "I am a busy mom. I work fulltime as a high school teacher and my husband works very long hard hours and so it can be a challenge at times with four children trying to find time to do mission work. We talk about it, but it never quite makes it into our busy schedule. "The past year has been a challenge for us. In June 2006 "my husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma" "He is currently in remission and so we were and are truly blessed with the short road we traveled in our battle against cancer. As a result of his cancer, I have made it my personal mission to help contribute to cancer research by joining Team In Training which is a running team that raises funds for The Lymphoma & Leukemia Society. "Individuals like me join and pledge to raise funds for research in the area of blood born cancers and then we run in various running events in honor of those lost to blood born cancers or survivors, like my husband. So, what does all this have to do with Laga? "Well, my sister and I both run for “TNT” and we are planning on doing several events with the team and that means raising a lot of money. After reading the article, I called her and told her... "I think that Laga would be a great way for us to help raise money for our cause!" "I told her that I felt confident about selling a product whose mission is to help people and it would also be the best product to sell to raise money to help people. I truly believe that God uses the people around us and myself to speak to us and guide as and it is up to us to pay attention when he does. Laga is that for me. "We cordially invite you to a shopping experience that will help change people's lives. I believe through Laga I have found the other half to my “mission” and together they will help a tsunami survivor and find a cure." Back to top