A Mother’s Strength in the Face of Adversity

In the quiet village of Pearmai, Lamam District, Sekong Province, Laos, Soulitha Thinsekamarn never expected that a single medical mishap would change the course of her life. Growing up in a middle-class family, she believed that hard work would lead to stability. However, after experiencing a medical complication that left her physically disabled in her left leg and right arm, everyday tasks became a challenge.

Raising three children as a single mother was already difficult, but her condition made it even harder. She had no choice but to continue working, despite the physical strain, to ensure her children had food on the table and a chance at an education.

Soulitha turned to cassava farming as a source of income, but the seasonal nature of the crop meant her earnings were inconsistent. Some months, she was able to earn enough, but during off-seasons, she found herself struggling. There were days when she worried about how she would provide for her children’s next meal.

Her biggest challenge was not just financial instability, but the lack of financial knowledge. Without proper budgeting or planning, every bit of income she made was quickly spent, leaving her without savings. The thought of an emergency expense terrified her, as she had no financial buffer to rely on.

She knew she had to find a solution, but without guidance, she was unsure where to start.

A Life-Changing Opportunity with Maybank R.I.S.E.

When Soulitha learned about the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme, she saw it as an opportunity to finally take control of her financial future. The program was designed to support entrepreneurs with disabilities by equipping them with business skills, financial literacy training, and mentorship to help them build sustainable income streams.

At first, she was uncertain whether she could transform her small farming business into something sustainable. She had no formal business education, and she had always believed that financial success was only for those with capital and connections.

However, as she went through the training, she realized that she did not need large investments to grow her business. She simply needed the right strategies.

Through the program, she gained knowledge in financial management, customer analysis, and business diversification. One of the most important lessons she learned was the importance of not relying on a single income stream.

Transforming Her Business with Innovation and Strategy

Equipped with new knowledge, Soulitha made bold decisions that would change the course of her business.

  • Instead of depending solely on cassava farming, she introduced livestock farming, specifically raising pigs. This allowed her to generate income throughout the year instead of waiting for seasonal harvests.

  • By analyzing customer demand, she learned when to sell her pigs for the highest profit, ensuring that she maximized her income.

  • She applied financial planning techniques to track her income and expenses, allowing her to create a structured budget and build savings.

The impact of these changes was immediate. Within six months of implementing the strategies she learned in the program, she experienced a dramatic increase in income. Her earnings rose from LAK 200,000 (USD 9) per month to LAK 5,277,000 (USD 500) per month—an astonishing 2538 percent increase.

Financial Stability and a Secure Future

With her increased income and better financial management, Soulitha was able to provide for her children in ways she had never been able to before.

  • She no longer had to worry about school fees, as she could now afford her children’s education.

  • She set aside 800,000 LAK per month in savings, giving her financial security in case of emergencies.

  • Household expenses were covered with ease, and she was able to improve the quality of life for her family.

Beyond financial success, the training gave her something even more valuable—confidence. For years, she had struggled with self-doubt, wondering if she would ever be able to provide a stable future for her children. Now, she no longer feared the future. Instead, she was making plans to continue expanding her business.

Giving Back to the Community

As Soulitha’s business grew, she felt a deep sense of responsibility to help others in need. She began using her resources to give back to her community.

She donated clothes and bedding to three struggling families in nearby villages, providing them with basic necessities that they could not afford. She understood the hardships of financial instability, and she wanted to help others find hope, just as she had.

Her story became an inspiration to others in her village. People who once saw her as just another struggling entrepreneur now looked to her as a role model—someone who had overcome hardship and built a thriving business through determination and strategic planning.

Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs

Soulitha’s success story is a powerful example of how inclusive entrepreneurship can create real change. Through the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme, she not only transformed her own life but also became a symbol of resilience for other women facing similar struggles.

For women entrepreneurs, financial empowerment is often the key to breaking free from economic hardship. Many women, especially those with disabilities, face limited job opportunities and lack the support needed to build their own businesses. By providing training and mentorship, programs like Maybank R.I.S.E. are ensuring that more women like Soulitha can gain financial independence and secure better futures for their families.

Creating More Impact Through Social Entrepreneurship

Soulitha’s transformation is just one of many success stories made possible through the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme.

At People Systems Consultancy (PSC), we believe in the power of social impact through entrepreneurship. We work alongside corporate partners to design and implement programs that create long-term, meaningful change for individuals and communities.

If your company is looking for ways to make a lasting difference, consider collaborating with us. By investing in entrepreneurship training and financial literacy programs, you can help more individuals like Soulitha break barriers and achieve sustainable success.

Learn more about the impact of Maybank R.I.S.E. and how we are transforming lives: Click Here

 

For organizations looking to collaborate on social impact initiatives, connect with PSC to explore opportunities to empower entrepreneurs: Click Here