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Laga Handbags Open House December 12 and 13 in Irvine, CA

Laga Handbags made by tsunami survivors of Indonesia is having their yearly Open House Boutique December 12 and 13 from 10am to 5pm.
Laga is located at 92 Tangerine, Irvine, CA 92618, please call 949-654-8360 for directions.

Laga Handbags, manufacturer and distributor of handbags and accessories that are unique one-of-a-kind handmade bags and travel bags made by tsunami survivors, announced the release of its hot new collection for the new season, the "eco-friendly" collection by LAGA.

Chairman & CEO Roy van Broekhuizen says that it is important for Laga to have a yearly Open House so that our local customers can see the beautiful bags that are truly considered a piece of art.
The bags are made with a single pedal treadle machine, and an average bag takes about a day to make.
“We are bringing an original piece of art and ancient history to the United States for the very first time,” says van Broekhuizen.

The Laga bags newest collection features some fabulous and strikingly unique embroidery reflecting traditional Acehnese design, passed down from generation to generation. The wonderfully creative patterns are enhanced to offer exceptional quality and value, a new contemporary flare without compromising authenticity.
You will definitely stand out from the crowd and it would not be a surprise if you are asked where you got your Laga bag. New designs are carefully selected for their original designs, unusual patterns and fabric, quality craftsmanship, and reasonable prices. And each design is made to be practical – even the smallest bags are large enough for items like cell phone, lipstick and credit card. And it definitely will not have that department store ‘me too’ look.

Laga Handbags was formed to provide income and hope for a better future for those who lost their livelihood, but what transpired is much, much more.
Laga’s founders, Roy & Louise van Broekhuizen, developed personal relationships with the people of Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia, and we left our hearts in their homes.

Please come and see these beautiful LAGA products in person and take a few home for gifts or personal use.
Looking forward to seeing all of our faithful customers.....

LAGA Handbags Holiday Boutique Dec 12 and 13

Laga Designs International, Inc.
Come join us for two peaceful days chock full of
goodies ~ surprises ~ holiday music
a roaring fire and a delightful shopping experience
as we host our

3rd Annual Holiday Boutique
Saturday, December 12th
Sunday, December 13th
10:00am to 5:00pm
92 Tangerine, Irvine
949.654.8360

please note ~ we have a

*** NEW ADDRESS ***

For each shopping friend you bring
you will receive a special token of our appreciation
AND due to popular demand we will again offer our
little bag of Discounts**
We look forward to seeing you!
www.laga-handbags.com

** At checkout,draw your discount:
from 10% to 50% off your entire purchase!

LAGA founders visit Amy Grant in Nashville, TN

On October 20, 2009, Laga founders Roy & Louise Van Broekhuizen visited the home of Amy Grant and Vince Gill in Nashville, TN. They shared the Laga handbags story that started as tsunami relief in January 2005. Thank you Amy for your hospitality and hope to see you again soon.

in reference to:

"Like"
- Facebook | Photos of You (view on Google Sidewiki)

Laga Handbags Helps Tsunami Survivors of Indonesia

Laga volunteers Henk & Louise Bauwin had an opportunity to visit Indonesia and our workshop in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia, where the tsunami took 270,000+ lives. Laga Handbags are helping tsunami survivors with hope and opportunity for a better future.
Checkout their journey to Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia,http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/video/video/M24OZ55NaC4/Laga-Tour-2009.html.
You can also read about the Laga story here,
http://www.laga-handbags.com/. Thank you.

in reference to: Sidewiki: Getting started guide - Toolbar Help (view on Google Sidewiki)

LAGA Handbags at HUMC Alternative Christmas

Laga Handbags will offer their beautiful handmade handbags and accessories made by tsunami survivors of Indonesia at Hollywood United Methodist Church, this Sunday October 25 from 10am to 2pm+.
Pauley Perrette, "Abby" on NCIS, along with other celebrities will be featuring
THE LARAMIE PROJECT:TEN YEARS LATER
Sunday, October 25, 2009 - 1:30 pm
» Length: 2 hours
» Contact Phone: 323-874-2104 (ext 303)
» Location: Sanctuary

KTLA: Sam Talks to Pauley Perrette Talks About NCkIS

Hope to see you there!

Laga Handbags – Hands, Handles, and Hope

Laga Handbags are one of a kind handcrafted handbags. They were part of the April 2009 “Handbags Of Hope” online auction. Laga Designs International, Inc., however, hands out hope on a daily basis. This company definitely has a handle on the concept of helping one’s neighbor.

Roy and Louise van Broekhuizen fashioned Laga Handbags following the 2004 tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Laga Handbags were crafted to create help and hope for the tsunami victims. This artistic venture continues to provide employment and housing for tsunami victims. The business also donates a large percentage of its profits to this Indonesian community.

Laga Handbags help women everywhere with home-based business opportunities. Laga Designs International, Inc. offers both incentives and convenience. These special handbags can be purchased or sold through home purse parties.

Roy van Broekhuizen notes that, “We seem to get more interest in inquiries for the Laga Consultant opportunity, especially during this economic downturn.”

Laga Handbags make a difference in the world beginning in Aceh, Indonesia. Yet this fashionable business boosts more than the Acehnese economy. Laga Designs International, Inc. CEO van Broekhuizen points to “one very special story” of.....

Laga Designs Handbag Sale BENEFIT: 141 West Beaver Avenue, State College, PA

Laga Designs Handbag Sale BENEFIT 141 West Beaver Avenue State College, PA

Submitted by tamgentzel2 on Tue, 2009-09-01 09:57.
Start: 2009-09-13 11:00
End: 2009-09-13 15:00
Timezone: Etc/GMT-6

Altrusa of Centre County cordially invites you to attend a unique handbag party that will benefit our grant recipients and the survivors of the Sumatra tsunami.
Laga handbags are stunning, made of high quality and each is one-of-a-kind as they are handmade! We encourage you to bring along at least one friend to enjoy, admire and become the proud owner of one of these beautiful creations. We promise, you will NOT be disappointed!

Help make a difference one bag at a time…
Laga Designs International,Inc. was formed with the specific purpose of empowering women who lost their livelihood because of the 2004 tsunami in Sumatra, Indonesia.
A generous portion of the proceeds goes directly to hiring and training these survivors. Each handbag is individually handmade; the intricate embroidery patterns having been committed to memory and then hand guided on a single head treadle sewing machine. One medium bag takes approximately one full day to complete.

Handbags and other products will be on display at Community Help Centre, 141 West Beaver Avenue, State College, Sunday, September 13, 11 am to 3 pm. Orders and payment will be accepted on site. There will be free refreshments and an hourly door prize for those who attend. Please contact Jill at hmmbird@comcast.net or 234-3627 for more information about the bags and Laga Designs.
No RSVP for the event is necessary.

LAGA Handbags Made by Tsunami Survivors of Indonesia at New York International Gift Fair August 15-19

LAGA Designs International, Inc. is pleased to announce that Laga Handbags and Accessories Division will be at the NY International Gift Fair Handmade Division booth # 5435. Laga will be featuring for the very first time their new eco-chic handbags, the Tasik Collection, made from eco friendly Water Hyacinth, Pandanus leaves, Dried Rice Stalks, Coconut Leaves, Coconut Twigs, Coconut Shell, and Mahogany used for the handles.

Laga will be featuring for the very first time their new eco-chic handbags, the Tasik Collection, made from eco friendly Water Hyacinth, Pandanus leaves, Dried Rice Stalks, Coconut Leaves, Coconut Twigs, Coconut Shell, and Mahogany used for the handles.

"We firmly believe that it is possible to feel good by doing good -- a statement that is at the very heart of LAGA Handbags," says Roy van Broekhuizen, CEO and Co-Founder of Laga Designs International.

"We've received an overwhelming response to our beautiful handmade products and we are confident that our new line of eco-chic bags, the Tasik Collection, will get positive feedback from current as well as new buyers."

The New York International Gift Fair runs August 15-19 at the Jacob Javits Center, Manhattan, NY.

Buyers at the NYIGF receive Free Shipping with Orders of $ 200.00 or more, and LAGA will be offering fantastic Specials, please come and visit us at Booth # 5435.

LAGA Designs slogan is appropriately, "Handbags Helping People," and a generous portion of sales go towards a cause very close to van Broekhuizen's heart -- helping Aceh families get back on their feet after their livelihoods were destroyed by the 2004 tsunami.

Roy, who just finished his 20th trip to Indonesia since January 2005, and his wife Louise, found that they were unable to leave the devastated area without setting up a more long-lasting, sustainable stream of income for the Aceh residents.

LAGA Handbags, are distinctive, durable and elegant, made by skilled artisans from villages in Aceh.
Even the name "LAGA" comes from the word lagak, which means "beautiful" in the Acehnese dialect.

LAGA keeps up with the latest trends in fashion and accessories and tweaks them into new designs to create a a fusion of contemporary and traditional patterns.

LAGA was formed to provide income for those who lost their livelihood, but what transpired is much, much more," says Louise van Broekhuizen, President and Co-Founder. We developed a personal relationship with the people of Aceh, and we left our hearts in their homes."

About LAGA Designs International, Inc.

LAGA Designs International, Inc., founded by Roy and Louise van Broekhuizen in August 2006, specializes in manufacturing authentically handcrafted bags, travel bags, and accessories, made by skilled artisans/tsunami victims of Aceh province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Organized after the December 26, 2004 Tsunami, LAGA returns a generous portion of its revenue to ongoing employment and reconstruction efforts in the area, providing hope for a better future. LAGA's products are inspired examples of elegant embroidery and craftsmanship, made with a single pedal treadle machine.

For more information, please visit http://www.laga-handbags.com.

Contact:

Roy van Broekhuizen
(714) 623-3671
(888) 524-2224 toll free
(888) 305-4056 fax
http://www.Laga-Handbags.com

Laga Handbags - Hands, Handles, And Hope

Laga Handbags are one of a kind handcrafted handbags. They will be part of the April 2009 "Handbags Of Hope" online auction. Laga Designs International, Inc., however, hands out hope on a daily basis. This company definitely has a handle on the concept of helping one's neighbor. Roy and Louise van Broekhuizen fashioned Laga Handbags following the 2004 tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Laga Handbags were crafted to create help and hope for the tsunami victims. This artistic venture continues to provide employment and housing for tsunami victims. The business also donates a large percentage of its profits to this Indonesian community. Laga Handbags help women everywhere with home-based business opportunities. Laga Designs International, Inc. offers both incentives and convenience. These special handbags can be purchased or sold through home purse parties. Roy van Broekhuizen notes that, "We seem to get more interest in inquiries for the Laga Consultant opportunity, especially during this economic downturn." Laga Handbags make a difference in the world beginning in Aceh, Indonesia. Yet this fashionable business boosts more than the Acehnese economy. Laga Designs International, Inc. CEO van Broekhuizen points to "one very special story" of a young woman named Vina. Vina began working at Laga Handbags just over a year after the tsunami. Vina says, "I had to start a new life and had a new spirit to live, so that my family could do the same, especially my father who had lost his brother and his nephew because of the tsunami." Laga Designs International, Inc. also helps to reinforce their workers' pride in their Acehnese culture and history. Each handbag is embroidered with a traditional pattern. Every handbag has an unique design. The sewing doesn't involve stencils or templates. The intricate embroidery is a free motion work of art. The designs are hand-guided onto a single-head treadle machine. Only 100% cotton thread is used for the embroidery. Every Laga Handbag features traditional embroidery in contemporary style fashion. Laga Handbags come in a variety of types, styles, sizes, and colors. Their variety and versatility makes them a perfect match for every taste and budget. The one of a kind patterns are sewn onto a nylon-polyester blend.
Laga


Handbags are lined with luxurious satin. Travel bags are padded for extra protection. Cosmetic bags are lined with water-resistant nylon material. What do customers think about Laga Handbags? Bethany Kovar of Local Color on Main - located on Main Street in Stillwater, Minnesota - shares her observations. Local Color on Main offers an eclectic mix of jewelry, apparel, and gifts including a customer favorite - Laga Handbags. "Laga Handbags have a very distinct and striking look that garners attention from both near and far. The variety of styles provide options for a weekend carry-all or a daily handbag. Many people are calling Laga handbags "the new alternative to a designer purse" and at Local Color we think this product is a great way to carry a high-quality, unique accessory that also gives back to the community. We have had great reactions from our customers. They enjoy the detailed stitching of the handbags, as well as the color and shape variety. Customers are equally intrigued with the Laga company mission and the concept of "giving back." Laga Handbag owners seem to be very protective of and careful with their prized purchase. They want to protect their Laga Handbags and display them nicely when not in use. Bethany Kovar has noticed the popularity of purse hangers. "We do have many customers that will buy purse hangers to accompany a Laga handbag purchase. This also makes a complete and unique gift." A Laga Handbag and a purse hanger does indeed make the perfect gift. Except perhaps with the exception of a gift of two Laga Handbags! Dare to dream! Roy van Broekhuizen's dream for Laga Handbags follows a similar train of thought. "We are hoping to expand our mission to helping victims of disaster via our current mission, helping tsunami survivors of Indonesia. This can only happen if we sell more Laga handbags and accessories, add more Consultants, and Retailers." Every time you carry a Laga Handbag, you have a handle on Hope!

Laga Handbags http://www.laga-handbags.com
Vina's Story http://www.laga-handbags.com/vina_story.html

Tsunami Survivors Make Unique Handbags on CNN

By: Melissa Fazli iReporter

I bought a wallet named Uang which means “money” at the Irish Faire in Irvine, CA on June 21st. Listen to Sylvia Hassard-Johnson, a Laga Consultant as she shares the extraordinary story of who is responsible for making the wallet along with other handbags.

Roy and Louise van Broekhuizen are the founders of Laga Designs International, Inc. in Irvine, CA. Through consultants and boutiques, they sell handmade bags made by Indonesian Muslim women from Banda Aceh, one of the hardest hit villages in the December 2004 tsunami. These bags are uniquely hand stitched with great craftsmanship.

The photos shown in the video are courtesy of Roy van Broekhuizen.

For more information visit their website at http://www.laga-handbags.com/
You can also call toll free 888-524-2224 or email louise@laga-handbags.com.

Thank you!

Laga Handbags in Norm Thompson Catalog

Laga Designs is proud to announce our popular Laga products in Norm Thompson catalog.

Embroidered Indonesian Large Duffel, called “Harapan” which means “Hope”.

A one-of-a-kind handmade creation, adorned with exotic Indonesian embroidery and lined with satin. They’re made, one at a time, on pedal-driven treadle machines, by tsunami survivors. A fabulous carry-on!

Quite simply, you’ll never carry a more stunning bag.
We were amazed to learn that these gorgeous creations are handmade on pedal-driven treadle machines! Each one-of-a-kind piece bears the exotic hand embroidery of Indonesia-where the artisans are working hard to transform tragedy into beauty. Crafted of water-resistant nylon/polyester and lined in satin. With embroidered handles, metal hardware and 5 metal/rubber feet.

Large Duffel makes a great carry-on, it fits easily in an overhead bin or car trunk. The extended top zipper has snap-down end flaps. Zippered inside wall pocket. 13½”x17½”x9½”.

Laga Designs International, Inc.
40 Summerfield
Irvine, CA 92614
888-524-2224
roy@laga-handbags.com

Laga Handbags - Valentine's Discount Extension

Laga Handbags - Valentine's Discount Extended



Laga handbags are individually handmade, embroidered handbags, travel bags, purses and beaded purses by survivors of the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia. Their primary goal is to provide these disaster victims with hope for a better future by giving them training, employment and income with which they can sustain themselves.

They would like to extend a special gift to you: a 10% discount on all purchases from now until March 14th... just enter coupon code VALENTINE09 to take advantage of our special offer. Happy Valentine's Day!

Although Laga handbags and accessories are handmade, they are 100% guaranteed against manufacturing defects, excluding unusual wear and tear, and they will be happy to repair your bag at no cost to you as long as it is returned within 90 days of purchase date.

Visit: http://www.laga-handbags.com/handbags.html
Posted by maliahill at 1:07 PM
Labels: company with a conscience, special discounts

Turn Your Passion Into Profit

Turn Your Passion Into Profit

Roy Van Broekhuizen got a call from his church one day...head to Indonesia and help the tsunami victims any way you can.
Now Roy and his wife manage a million-dollar business that keeps on giving to the people of Indonesia.
Read on to find out how Roy turned his passion for service into a successful business that still helps those in need.

After the Tsunami: Why I Started a Business in Indonesia
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Dear Reader,

After the tsunami hit Indonesia in December 2004, many of the survivors had no homes, food, or jobs. I couldn’t stand by and watch this suffering continue, so I sat down to devise a plan to try to ease the situation. I didn’t realize that this would create a million-dollar business that would not only help people rebuild their lives but allow us to travel the world at our leisure.

My wife Louise and I came up with the idea of employing local artisans in the small villages to make one-of-a-kind embroidered handbags that incorporated native patterns passed down from generation to generation which Louise would bring back to the States and sell to her friends.

Louise remained in the States while I was stuck in a number of different projects in Indonesia. Every trip home, I would bring back some boxes: two large boxes the first time, then five, then 11, until in August 2006 we both realized that the demand had grown so much that we had to bring them in another way. That’s when Laga Designs International, Inc. officially launched and began growing at a rapid pace.

Early in 2007 The Orange County Register, the largest newspaper in Orange County, California, where we lived, called and said they would like to do a story on us which we agreed to. A few weeks later the story appeared. The phone started ringing at 6 a.m. at our condo office and I awoke to an inbox of over 921 emails and $3,000 worth of internet sales in the first hour of that day. One of the answering machine messages was that the newspaper put their story on the full first page and last page of the business section.

There was so much response, that Louise ended up going to Indonesia by herself, and I stayed in the office filling orders and running the whole operation. Needless to say, it was crazy, chaotic, frantic, and at the same time, it was fun. There are bags all over the place, in the garage, living room, and family room. Out of three bedrooms, two are used for offices, which now includes one full-time assistant, one part-time assistant, and five volunteers.

In August 2007 we brought our first 40-foot container from Indonesia to Orange County. All the Laga bags are being stored in the parking lot behind a building that is leased by a friend-- who is not charging us for the space.

With the factories half a world away, filling orders quickly can present challenges. We started our own factory and training center two years ago with 12 young women, mostly in their 20’s who have lost family members and friends. Today we are proud and feel honored to help 150 survivors, mostly women, and co-op with three other factories to meet the demand. To see those women now, how they are so empowered gives us all hope. We do our little part to help people and make someone else happy and smile, it makes us realize how blessed and fortunate we are.

Roy Van Broekhuizen
For International Living
Editor’s Note: Start your own Import-Export business today and you could be as successful as Roy and Louise by this time next year.
Checkout International Living Import-Export kit

Dear friends:

For those of you who have not had an opportunity to see our Laga handbags online catalog, you can see it here,Laga Handbags.

Let me know what you think.

We will have a booth (#736 South Hall) at the San Francisco International Gift Fair held at the Moscone Center in SF from February 7-10.

The next show will be AccessoriesTheShow February 16-18 at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, we will be at Booth # 616, please stop by if you are in the area.

Hope to see you at any of our shows and wishing you all a very successful and significant 2009!

Roy van Broekhuizen

Laga Handbags in BoHo magazine

Friday, January 23, 2009
Laga Handbags

I was in Borders yesterday (always a dangerous place) in search of Bead & Button magazine when a different one caught my eye. Mainly because instead of the usual high gloss paper, this magazine uses a matte finish (I've always thought matte paper lends an extra bit of elegance.) Anyways, the magazine is called BoHo, an eco-friendly fashion magazine. Ah ha... now I get the matte paper... it's printed on 100% recycled paper! :)

Thumbing through it, one of the articles was about Laga Handbags, a company dedicated to helping the victims of epic tsunami that hit Indonesia back in 2004. That really caught my interest, so when I got home, I checked them out online... wow. These bags are so gorgeous! They're all handmade and embroidered using a non-electric sewing machine. And the owners are doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, which is so heart-warming and inspiring. Personally, I'm eyeing this Rajin travelbag... I have such a purse obsession. LOL...

So tomorrow is Saturday... YAY! However, I'll be chaining myself to the torch to churn out 50 hearts... yes 50 hearts! I'm thinking it'll take me at least 4 five-hour sessions. They'll be for the attendees, teachers and anyone else who wants to trade a bead at Midwest Glass Experience. The last torch session, I had semi-success with the combo of CiM Ginger and Cranberry Pink when making large focal hearts. Since these are off-mandrel, I can't tell if thermal crack or an incompatibility crack. More testing to come...

Everyone have a fabu Friday evening!

Posted by Villa Design at 5:15 PM 1 comments

Labels: boho magazine, CiM, hearts, laga handbags, midwest glass experience, torch