CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Many military brats have lived in more countries than most people have visited. Marisa Sellman is no exception.

  • Marisa Sellman started The Marketplace.
  • The organization works to help design and sell items created by those going through difficult times.
  • The Marketplace is located in Cornelius. 

After settling down in North Carolina, she knew she couldn't just disconnect from the world. ​

“Americans have this incredible heart to give but sometimes they don't know how,” Sellman said.

A few years ago, she found a solution, The Marketplace. 

The outside of The Marketplace looks like any other clothing store but inside it's much different.

“You'll find a pocket tee dress from Haiti that we helped design but then you'll turn around and you'll find a beautiful thai fabric skirt,” Sellman said.

The nonprofit partners with ministries around the world to design and sell items created by people going through difficult times. Some of them are in extreme poverty, while some are survivors of human trafficking. They are a group of people Kay Killar works with closely.

“I see the woman on the stage, topless and dancing, after that they go out to the customer and sell their body. So that broke my heart,” Killar said.

She works with Samaritan Creations in Thailand.

She rescues and empowers women in the sex industry. They get counseling, life skills training and a job. ​

“We show them you have dignity. You can make beautiful things with your hands and you can support your family,” Killar said.

Some of their work is made possible by The Marketplace which sells items made by women Killar works with.

“I came to the shop and I start crying because sometimes it feels like I'm alone in Bangok, Thailand, but I'm here and she works alongside me,” Killar said.

On top of the items sold at the store The Marketplace customers have donated more than $25,000 this year to support four women in Thailand.

“We shouldn't have to live in a world where people have to sell themselves in order to feed their children​,” Sellman said.

Helping the world is a little easier thanks to Sellman.

“She has God-given strengths that she has used in her life and is now using them in a way that is over and beyond herself,” said The Marketplace volunteer Carolyn Jernigan

Selflessness is a necessary trait to take on a monumental task.

If anyone can do it, it's likely Everyday Hero Marisa Sellman.

The Marketplace is located on Oak Street near the Cornelius Police Department.

If you have an idea for our next Everyday Hero, please email us at everydayheroes@charter.com.