How can a few people make such a difference? We've heard of business meetings over breakfast, but this was no ordinary business meeting! 60 women, a lavish breakfast, and lots of enthusiasm...? All of us at the St Nicolas women's breakfast in June have become part of a business story that started in India and is growing worldwide. I began my part in this story through a mission placement in India last year. The desire to GO came from an ambition to serve God outside my normal working routine so I took a six-month sabbatical from Vodafone to put my skills and faith to the test. In the three months working with Via Design in India, God led me to meet some wonderful people, broaden my horizons and develop as a person. I was introduced to Janet Rogers, founder of Via Design, through a business network. Inspired by the vision and the story so far, I wanted to support in the development of Via's marketing plans utilising the marketing skills I had gained through working at Vodafone. (I hoped my skills would be more adaptable and appropriate than the British clothes in my suitcase, which were no match for the bright colours worn by Indian women!) Via Design partners with crafts producers and provides design skills, business support and links to markets. Profits from the products are invested in training, materials etc and in community projects to improve daily life for those employed and their families. Lives are being changed through the opportunity to work, to develop new skills and to earn an income. One of Via's partner producers in rural South India specialises in textile products and employs around 20 women. I met some of these women. There are emotional stories behind many of their faces - hardships, loneliness and courage. It's a privilege to hear their experiences. Some women have come to a faith in Jesus, and many have found dignity and a status in their society through their work. This speaks of God's amazing sufficiency to meet all our needs: emotional, physical and spiritual. A business without customers dries up. The constant challenge for these producers is to reach more customers and Via is facilitating this through setting up discussions with retailers in India, and sales opportunities in the UK and America. Whilst in India, I helped set out marketing plans, develop designs for their website and an online shop, and increase sales of Via Christmas cards which enabled new business development plans to come to fruition... Thanks to teamwork, and a lot of prayer from supporters at St Nicolas! All those attending the St Nicolas women's breakfast in June made a difference for these communities in India. As we shared exotic fruits, smoked salmon and croissants, I had the privilege of speaking about my experiences in India. Janet Rogers from Via Design joined us that day as she was back in the UK. Janet shared the vision and the inspiration behind Via Design and showed pictures of the producers and the natural world that provides the local inspiration. There was soon a buzz of enthusiasm around the Via product stall as many of us appreciated the beautiful gifts from India and could engage with the Via story first-hand. Silk shawls, jewellery rolls, cards, cushions and a new range of colourful tops were available to purchase. These sales provide valuable income for those designing, measuring, stitching, ironing and packing the products, and each purchase affirms the producers in their work. I'm so glad you enjoyed their handiwork and were touched by a spark from the Indian world of colour! Thank you, all, for your support. I hope you agree: A difference is being made by and for all those who participate in this story? Rachel Shepherd | 