Let me break it down for you. 

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, often forcing men and women into a life of prostitution. Human trafficking is a hidden crime with victims rarely coming forward due to language barriers, fear of traffickers or law enforcement. And, while millions of men, women and children are trafficked throughout the world including the US, poorer nations, like Cambodia, are the hardest hit because they are the easiest to exploit.

Hi, my name is Kyla and I'm going to do something about it.

Thanks to an amazing non-profit called Justice and Soul, this November 27th I'll be making the 7,587 mile journey from Spokane to the Kate Korpi Salon and Academy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Why, you might ask? To put my skills as a stylist to good use, teaching young men and women victims how to be hairstylists, to show them that there is life after being forced into sex slavery.

Let me paint you a picture. You're a 10 year-old girl who's been working in your family's rice field since you were six. But, you've become too much of a burden so your family sells you to another family as domestic labor, but the domestic labor isn't scrubbing a floor, it's being raped every day. I know, it's super harsh, but you need to understand the life my students might have had and the difference I can make.

As a volunteer instructor at the Academy, I'll spend four weeks teaching my students not only hairstyling skills, but how to:

Build esteem and confidence

Learn life skills to use outside of their work

And, how to create a career path to get a job

It's pretty amazing to think that the skills I use every day can help change someone's life so many miles away. I feel so fortunate. Which is why I'm asking for your help. I'm asking for donations to help cover travel expenses and any supplies my students might need. Should I be fortunate enough to raise more than what I need I will donate it directly to the school.

So, what do you say? Will you help send me and my well-traveled orange backpack to help out some people you will never meet, but could sure use our help?

Thank you for your support.

Peace,

Kyla H. - Stylist on a mission.