Stories of Hope from Women at Starfish Project

Since 2006, over 180 women have escaped exploitation to be part of Starfish Project. Each one of them is now developing a life-changing career, in everything from sourcing to photography. Some have even gone on to run their own businesses! Here are some of the stories of these amazing women.

 

Biyu's Story - Production Manager at Starfish Project

"My father passed away when I was young, and my mother never paid much attention to me because she was working to provide for the family. I found friends online who always had time to chat and seemed to care for me.

Many of my online friends had dropped out of school and began working in the city, so I decided to drop out to earn money too. As I was looking for work, one of my classmates introduced me to a brothel and told me that I would make lots of money there.

I stayed for 2 days, but I was terrified, so I ran away. I couldn't find work anywhere else, so I returned and ended up doing what I had to in order to provide for myself. I met a Starfish Project Outreach Team and they offered me a way out.

I joined Starfish Project during my birthday month. The whole team celebrated me, and I couldn't stop crying. It was the first time I really felt loved and valued.

I have learned so much at Starfish Project and developed a passion to help others. I am now the Production Manager at the Riverside Branch, and I oversee over 20 women who are escaping human trafficking. I also attend a community college. I am happily married and have a son and daughter."

 

Bay's Story of Hope

"My older sister, Ling, and I moved to the city and began working together in the same brothel. We had been there for a few years when Starfish Project outreach teams began visiting us.

We look forward to their visits every week. We shared snacks and photos of our families with one another. We quickly became friends.

It was a scary decision to leave our old lives behind, but the trust we had built with the outreach team made it easier.

We both loved coming to work every day! Starfish Project was the first job I had that I felt I could tell people where I worked without shame.

My sister and I quickly began taking classes in English, computers, and math through the vocational training program. We set goals for our lives and had the tools to achieve them.

My sister and I graduated from Starfish Project's program and moved back to our hometown to be with our families. Ling is currently studying English with her daughter, while I am using the skills I learned to set up a business with my husband. We are both very grateful for the freedom we experienced at Starfish Project."

 

Mae's Story - Production Employee at Starfish Project 

"As a child, I remember standing outside the gate of the school crying because I longed to learn like my brothers. My parents forbade me from going to school because they thought it was a waste of time and money for girls to be educated.

With no education and no options in my poor village, I was exploited into a brothel where I stayed until I met a Starfish Project Outreach Team. I remember the day they offered me a job making jewelry. I asked if my daughter could come too. She was working in the same brothel with me. Together, we had the opportunity to take the brave steps toward freedom.

Now, my dream to study has actually come true! I never thought I would have the chance, especially at my age. Since joining Starfish Project, I have learned how to read and write through classes they provide.

Currently, I am studying English and computers. I am also responsible for making the prototypes and samples for all of our jewelry.

At Starfish Project, my daughter and I have been completely transformed. Today, my daughter is running her own business and providing for her family, while I am continuing to develop my career at Starfish Project. I play an important role in helping new women by training them in making jewelry designs."

 

Mae Lee's Story of Hope

"When I was 15 years old, my mom trafficked me to Greece. I was exploited for 6 years before I was able to return to my home country.

When I returned, Starfish Project stepped in and offered me a new beginning. I've been able to pursue dreams that I once thought were impossible. Having only an elementary school education, I was excited to study literacy, English, math and computers.

Through the program, I discovered my passion for capturing beauty. I've received specialized training and mentoring by professional photographers. Currently, I take many of the product and model photos on our website and social media.

I came to Starfish Project with no confidence in myself, but now, I take pride in my work. While at Starfish Project, I have also gotten married and had a beautiful daughter. I have big dreams for my family's future, and I can't wait to achieve them!"

 

Zi Yun's Story - Starfish Project's Outreach Director

"I grew up in a poor family and was the youngest of nine kids. I had to quit elementary school, so that I could sell eggs to help support my family.

I was married, and my husband abandoned me by time I was 15-years-old. I had nowhere to go. I tried to work at a restaurant, but I couldn't even write down what people ordered. With no education or options, a friend brought me to a brothel. I worked in brothels for many years and eventually ran my own. I recruited girls into the brothels myself.

As I got older and had kids of my own, I knew that I needed to make a change. I met some friends who helped me find my way out of the brothels. After receiving healing in my own life, I began to have a burden for the women and girls still working in the brothels. I start volunteering at Starfish Project, serving in any capacity that I could.

Today I am Starfish Project's Outreach Director at our Riverside Branch. I go into the same neighborhoods filled with brothels that I used to work in so that I can bring women and girls out of the dark life of exploitation and help them experience true freedom. It is an honor and privilege to spend my life serving and loving the women and girls at Starfish Project."

 

Zongying's Story - Accountant at Starfish Project

"I grew up in a poor village. My dad worked in a coal mine, while my mom cared for my brother and me. Eventually, I learned that I was not my parents' biological child. I was abandoned at birth and my family hid it from me.

In middle school, I left home to find work in the city. My classmate introduced me to a job at a bar. As a young girl from the countryside, I had no idea what to expect. One evening, a customer trapped me in a room and abused me. He just left me there in the dark room, used and humiliated. I couldn't go on any longer.

I called my cousin for help, and she was working at Starfish Project. The staff welcomed me as soon as I arrived. I began by making jewelry and was given the opportunity to study accounting at a local training school. It felt so good to have my leaders see my potential and support me.

I am now a Certified Public Accountant and the Accounting Assistant at our Riverside Branch. I never even dreamed that was possible!"

 

Every piece from Starfish Project carries a story of hope and transformation. At Ten Thousand Villages Abbotsford, we feel so grateful to partner with their mission and share their gorgeous, high-quality jewelry. These handcrafted treasures don’t just shine with beauty—they help women step into new beginnings and brighter futures.