A Path to Prosperity - The Mlabri People and Yellow Leaf Hammocks

Filmed on assignment for Kiva.org, A Path to Prosperity tells the remarkable story of the endangered Mlabri tribe of northern Thailand - a community once trapped in poverty and indentured labor who rediscovered economic opportunity through their ancient weaving craft. Their traditional hammock weaving, rooted in centuries-old skill, became the foundation of a thriving livelihood when a chance encounter with an American entrepreneur changed everything.

Joe Demin and his partner Rachel Connors launched Yellow Leaf Hammocks based on the Mlabri’s hand-woven techniques, bringing the products to international markets and demonstrating how culturally rooted craft can become the engine of prosperity for an entire community. The company’s social mission and early success earned them a spot on Shark Tank (Season 11), where they entered seeking $400,000 - and secured a $1 million investment from guest shark Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND Snacks, in exchange for 25 % of the business.

Following the broadcast, the business experienced a surge in sales and growth. Weekend sales jumped to about $250,000 immediately after airing, and within months climbed even higher, translating to hundreds of thousands of hours of paid artisan work for Thai weavers with products now found not only online but even on cruise ships around the globe.

A Path to Prosperity is about people who reclaimed their future one thread at a time.

Directed by Michael R Mazur