From Survival to Strength: One Woman’s Journey Out of Modern-Day Slavery
- David Nott
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
In our work at InVandre, we are privileged to witness quiet stories of courage that don’t always make headlines - but deserve to be heard. Today, I want to share one such story. For her privacy and safety, we’ll call her Meena.
Meena’s journey began in a village in Nepal, where she was raising her young son alone after losing her husband. At just 17, she was vulnerable and desperate for stability. When a man arrived in her village promising her a better job in a nearby city, she believed him. Instead, she was drugged, trafficked, and eventually sold into one of Mumbai’s notorious red-light areas.
What followed was over 16 years of being trapped in modern-day slavery. Meena was subjected to unspeakable abuse, moved from city to city to prevent her escape, and forcibly addicted to substances that kept her compliant. Her life was no longer her own - her body was commodified, her earnings stolen, and her hope eroded. She contracted HIV during this time and lived for years under the weight of fear, shame, and debt she never truly owed.
When we met Meena, she was ready for a second chance, even if she wasn’t sure what it looked like. Through a trusted NGO partner, we introduced her to our soy wax melt business, one where she could be trained, supported, and most importantly, respected. Today, Meena is focused and rebuilding her life one handmade product at a time. She takes pride in the craftsmanship and care that goes into every scent we pour, she earns her own money and makes her own choices.
At InVandre, we’re not just selling luxury home fragrances, we’re restoring dignity, empowering women, and proving that ethical business can be beautiful, inside and out.
There are thousands of women like Meena across the country, each with untapped potential and a story that deserves a different ending. Our mission is to be part of that change.
If your company is considering thoughtful gifting with a social impact, we’d love to talk. Let’s turn purchasing power into purpose.
Comments