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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 Tsumani, 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?"
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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.
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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.”
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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 really 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 Jan. 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
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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."
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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!!
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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.”
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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!"
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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."
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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 that..."
"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 peoples 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."
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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."
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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."
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| California (Northern) |
Northern California
Heather Willems |
| Illinois |
Burr Ridge
Linda Puccinelli |
| New Jersey |
Cranford
Robin Hoy |
Clark
Shenaz Nasser |
| Pennsylvania |
Murrysville
Jessica Alexander |
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