The back strap loom is one of the most ancient weaving tools. At first glance, it looks like a mere jumble of sticks and rope. But when a skilled weaver dons the strap and pulls the loom taut, these simple materials become a canvas for an intricate work of art. Carefully weaving hand-dyed yarn through the strings, the Indian women at Seema use these looms to craft a new story for themselves. Like the materials they work with, they came from humble beginnings, often overlooked by their societies. Many were widowed, abused, or forced into prostitution. But in the Seema workshop, these women become artists, taking pride in the beautiful cloth they weave and sew into purses. This steady, dignified work frees them from the pain and uncertainty of poverty. When you use your Seema bag, remember that it carries more than just your makeup and money—it carries the talent and creativity of the woman who made it.