We started the day at Meining Workshop Inc. followed by lunch with its manager Ku Tsui-e and some local officials.
Here is a display of some of the beautiful hand-sewn gowns for sale at Meining Workshop Inc. Brides sometimes request a replicate of their wedding dress. The dresses are all hand sewn and each is a unique work of art reflective of the love and passion the workers have for Barbie.
Meining Workshop Inc.
Taishan, Taiwan is home to the former production site of Mattel's Barbie doll where until 1987 one in every three residents was supported by the Barbie factory. After Mattel left Taishan, the town was basically left deserted but the spirit of its people remained vibrant. We visited the Meining Workshop, a community cooperative founded by the former Barbie factory workers, not to analyze their business strategy or to measure their entrepreneurial skills but to listen to their story. It is a story of courage and hope that someday Taishan can return to its glory days.
Ku Tsui-e, one of the founders of the Meining Workshop and manager of Taishan Community Cooperative Association explains the goal of educating workers. Unlike some towns that are left abandoned by industry, the people of Taishan express no bitterness toward Mattel.
The positive spirit shows at Meining Workshop, Inc.
Lunch with new friends: Jackie Shen, Bingo Kong, and Capt. Cheng
This is one of the 12 courses served for lunch. A typical meal including side dishes can be 16 courses with the last course being either soup or watermelon. Needless to say, you do not walk away from the table hungry.
Congratulations to all of the U of M graduates!Go Blue! God bless Ashley on her First Communion Day!
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