At first glance, this bangle might just look like a regular bracelet, but with a closer look, you can see the words “Trailblazer” written on it. (ເສັ້ນທາງສະຫວ່າງ in Lao). All items from ARTICLE22 are upcycled with remnants of war mixed with other scrap metal. The bracelet you see here is made from scrap metal including shrapnel from bombs dropped on Laos during the Secret War. Created by local Lao artisans, ARTICLE22 gives these villagers 5x more pay than the average hourly income in Laos. 

For each purchase made, ARTICLE22 will donate up to 30% to help fund the Legacies of War mission.

However, “Trailblazer,’ isn’t just beautiful on the outside, it also represents something special in our hearts. 

The “Trailblazer” bracelet was created as a partnership between Legacies of War and ARTICLE22. Inspired by Legacies of War’s founder, Channapha Khamvongsa, Sera set off a mission that will forever honor Channapha’s story and courage for blazing the path for a UXO-free Laos.  

“Trailblazer,” represents the courage of individuals who are the pioneers of their own life and inspire others along the way. Without Channapha’s initial steps in creating Legacies, our organization would not be here today. 

After 15 years of impact towards Laos, Channapha passed on the torch to Sera Koulabdara, the current Executive Director of Legacies. This month marks her 1 year anniversary of leading Legacies towards a brighter future. 

This collaboration between Legacies and ARTICLE22 represents a power that each and every one of us holds. Whether you are a man or woman, each and every one of us has the power to have an impact on someone’s life. 

Who is your inspiration? Who is your “Trailblazer?”