Carved Wood Bird Relief Panel, "Stork with Lotus Blossoms"

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

Today, Seji is a strong female figure who heads a successful carving workshop. But in the days after her husband died, this future was far from guaranteed. With the carving skills she learned from her husband, Seji embraced her new reality with determination and commitment. As a result, she has not only been able to provide for her son, but now employs several other female artisans in her workshop.

Seji learned to carve from her husband. Sadly, he passed away and she was left to support herself and two children. Before he died, her husband urged her to be strong and become her own woman. She has done so and has grown their workshop. She now gives work to other carvers, and two women hand-finish the sculptures.

Seji learned to carve from her late husband. Their workshop continues to produce his designs and also the ones Seji has developed. She teaches her assistants to carve and carefully instructs her finishers in how to refine each detail of the sculptures.

Novica sales provide Seji with a steady income that has enabled her to grow her workshop. She is able to not only support her son but to provide steady wages to her workers, enabling them to support themselves and their families.

Seji Taram has received 5 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1250 and the most recent for $2500. Proceeds were used to hire people to help in his workshop.

Since the death of her husband, Seji has not only survived — she has managed to thrive. She has grown her workshop and is now able to offer work to other artisans in her community.

Seji Taram is a widow. Her daughter is grown, Seji is raising her young son alone.

Seji is determined to give her son the best possible education.

This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge.