Fugee Design & Marketing


	"When I started the company, it was tough choosing the name. I eventually came up with Fugee - short for 'refugee'. I wanted it to reflect who I was and what I came from. (I am Thaidam, which is a culture of migrant people from refugee camps in North Vietnam - a mix of Lao, Thai and Vietnamese. My parents and grandparents fled to Iowa in the mid-1970's with the help of Governor Ray.) I was born and raised in Storm Lake, Iowa and grew up with the usual American day-to-day privileges - many things that most people probably wouldn't even consider privileges today. But, it's something I will never take for granted. My parents and grandparents made huge sacrifices, so we could have a better life. Because of them, I have the opportunity to do whatever I want. Amazing, right? My philosophy: work hard at every opportunity." - Minna Khounlo-Sithep, Owner