LOUISVILLE, KY (WDRB) -- A Louisville woman's company is helping women half way around the world.
Colleen Clines traveled to India as part of a graduate school class.
It was there she met women trapped in lives as commercial sex workers.
Her hobby to help these women has become her full time job.
Colleen and her friends developed Anchal, a company that helps women in India leave their lives as commercial sex workers and teaches them how to sew. Colleen now runs most of the operations out of her small Louisville office.
The handmade scarves are made in India, shipped to Louisville and quilts are then sold online. A large majority of the proceeds from online sales goes back to help the women in India
"I just saw the severe poverty and the women who did not have the same opportunities that I grew up with," said Clines.
Colleen and her friends developed Anchal, a company aimed at getting these women out of prostitution and teaching them how to sew.
"Not only do we provide jobs for them, we also provide educational workshops and health benefits
Her company has mushroomed. Actress America Ferrera is now a big supporter.
"It has potential to take off which I had no idea was going to happen," said Clines during an interview with WDRB News.
She currently employs 15 women who left their lives as sex workers and pays them wages, health benefits and even provides scholarships for their children.
There are currently 50 women on the waiting list -- hoping to learn the textile skills.
A fundraiser for Anchal will be held this Sunday, September 30th at the Ursline Arts Center from 6:45 to 9 PM.
