It has been just 10 weeks since Sui stepped through our studio doors for the first time, and already we can't imagine pouring and shipping candles on time without her. We are so happy she's here!
Sui joined Prosperity Candle in August after moving to Massachusetts, five years following her resettlement from a refugee camp in Malaysia. Growing up on a small farm in Burma, Sui faced constant discrimination because of her family’s economic status. Then in 2013, she made the difficult decision to leave her home and family to build a brighter future in the U.S.
Every day we see Sui laughing with the other women artisans as she pours and packs candles. Here is a glimpse into her life.
1. Sui, can you tell us a little about your family?
I live with my husband. We just got married in June. I met him in Malaysia where he played music and I led worship at the church. Before that, I lived with my aunt who relocated to the U.S. about 10 years ago. My mother and siblings are still in Burma. I talk to them every weekend over the phone.
2. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
My happiest day is always Sunday because that’s when I get to sing at worship. I love singing. I listen to music a lot, when I get out of work. But I don’t know how to dance! I can play the guitar to any song I know how to sing. I’m learning by listening.
3. What do you like the most about living in the United States?
I feel free in the U.S. I have more choices. I’ve been here for 5 years, since May 2013. I wanted to relocate to the United States because then someday I could apply for citizenship and visit my home country and other countries too.
4. Do you have a favorite TV show or movie you like to watch?
I don’t watch T.V. but I like watching Youtube videos. I have everything on Youtube. That’s how I learned English, and my Burmese movies and Chin sermon are on Youtube. I get a lot of knowledge this way. I usually watch dramas and you see how they live.
5. What do you enjoy about candle-making?
I am really interested in candle-making. There are a lot of little things and details, like cleaning the candle vessels and centering wicks. In a way, it feels like playing when you’re a kid.
6. Are there any happy memories you want to share from your family or from when you were a kid?
When I was growing up, I loved going to the river for picnics with my siblings. We would bring our traditional food that my mom cooked and play in the shallow water. My mom made a lot of vegetables, corn, and beef in her food.
7. Do you have a favorite dish you like to cook at home?
I want to cook, but I don’t know how to cook. In my country, my father couldn’t work as much for the family because of his eyes. So my father’s job became mine growing up. I was busy working outside on the farm as the oldest child. I forgot about the kitchen!
8. Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
I speak Chin and Burmese. I can speak Malaysian language too, since I lived there before coming to the U.S. I don’t want to forget my two languages, Burmese and Chin. When I have a kid one day, I want to teach them these languages.
If you enjoyed hearing Sui's story send her a warm welcome message or share her story with a friend!
