Queen of the Oranges

In the biblical land of Sheba; in a country in the Middle East where the massive majority of women work on family farms; laboring for free, this woman persisted in a man's world to become the 'Queen of Oranges'. Because she could not read or write, she dreamed of a way to give her seven children a better life. Beginning by fashioning folksy coral necklaces and walking for miles to sell her goods to neighbouring ladies, she realized an opportunity and seized it. One of the women she visited to share her jewelry with had no money and offered to barter a basket full of luscious juicy oranges. As she walked home in the blazing sun, the flesh of the fruit filled the air with a sweet tangy aroma. With her fresh fruit in her arms she returned home surprised and delighted to receive many requests from townspeople to buy some of the oranges. This was her 'light bulb' moment. The next day she returned to the orange grove, another lovely necklace in hand, and got another load of oranges. Again, the fruit sold out upon return to her street. Soon the word got out that she was in business. She took down her veil. Her family shamed her inappropriate behavior. Her brothers would not speak to her for 4 years. Today she exports her fruits to countries around the Gulf as well as Egypt and Sudan. She attends agriculture conferences in places as varied as Germany and China. Other men in the market continue to try and drive her out of the wholesale business. She never quits. Amina al-Amrani started as the 'Princess of Produce' to become the 'Queen of the Oranges'. She sells 1/4 million dollars of fruit every day. Now that is a royal story. Those necklaces you are making. You never know where they may lead you. They could be the fruits of your labor.

Yemen girl photo: http://www.ericlafforgue.com/ The most breathtaking photography I've seen. Enjoy Eric Lafforgue's images.

Orange photo: Liberty xo