Meet Brianna Raich | Founder & Natural Health Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Raich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brianna, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave, he’s forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free.

This was a quote I grow up reading-my Grandfather had it framed and it also was in his obituary. He was a risk-taker. He was successful and a very determined man… he lived a colorful and meaningful life -he was my inspiration.

Everything it says rings true to my soul.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2011 I came to Sumatra and fell in love with the wild, natural beauty and exotic culture that was so foreign to my soul. One day, I stumbled upon some artisans selling these incredibly stunning handbags. I purchased a few to bring back home (never knowing this purchase would change mine and the artisans’ lives in the future!) People would walk across the street to stop me and inquire about my gorgeous bag. They are seriously head-turning! Overtime it dawned on me that these bags needed to be shared with the world. But what I eventually found out that was even more important was that going back and building this brand meant helping empower and support women while reviving a dying, traditional embroidery. In 2015, I moved to Sumatra permanently and since then I’ll admit it’s been quite a journey for an American woman living in a very remote, devout Muslim region and running a business. Nothing has been easy, that’s for sure. But in order to succeed we have to overcome obstacles. Our growth comes from hardships and this is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned. The theme of resilience is something I’ve learned through the inspiring people I work with. And I am so proud of how far we have come. What started with only a few artisans has now expanded across the province and we have a training program to help teach women of all ages a new trade so that they can make their own money and be empowered to make their own choices for their life – no more prearranged marriages under my watch! Sadly, that is the fate of many women in this part of the world, and in fact, worldwide. When women don’t have an education or opportunity in life they are left without much options and sometimes are quite literally sold off by family. I am so grateful for the freedom and privileges I have been given so it is my mission to help other women gain that privilege, too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It all began with the book the Alchemist when I was 18 years old. Thank you Paolo Coehlo for such an amazing gift to the world.

Website: www.bandabags.com

Instagram: instagram.com/bandabags

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed_updates-secondary_nav

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bandabags

Youtube: www.youtube.com/bandabags