How this social enterprise is highlighting the resourcefulness of artisans in Laos

A Million Elephants is an online shop created by Brittany Petrie that shines a spotlight on the hardworking and resilient people of Laos. Brittany grew up in a mixed family with a Laotian father, and though she was always told stories of the war in Laos, the war’s impact fully resonated with her during her solo backpacking trip in Laos. As the most heavily bombed country, the small landlocked nation is recognized as one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world. Yet beyond these titles, Brittany has seen firsthand the creativity and resourcefulness of Laos people.

One evening at a night market in Luang Prabang, Brittany met a child selling handcrafted goods made from war shrapnel. Her encounter with a child the same age as her own son inspired the idea for her online shop A Million Elephants.

A Million Elephants sells products that are handcrafted by artisans in various villages in Laos. They seek to create opportunities for the artisans to earn additional income, all while contributing to the growing cultural awareness of Laos.

Based out of Kitchener-Waterloo, Brittany created A Million Elephants in January of 2018. “To bring it to life, I had to travel to Laos and make connections with artisans on the ground,” she says. “After I built relationships, I was able to source and purchase products for the brand. A site was then built and that is what basically brought us to where we are now.”

On the inspiration for the brand name, Brittany highlights how elephants are sacred to the people of Laos, and the country was once referred to as the “Land of A Million Elephants.”

You can follow their journey at https://amillionelephants.com/ or on Instagram at @amillion.elephants.