People and their Products

Woven Silk, Cambodia

These silk shawls come from Prek Chrook, a rural village in southeastern Cambodia, about 6 miles from Phnom Penh (3 hours by car or via boat in the wet season). About 175 families live in the village, most families having 3-6 children. The village has no electricity, running water, or telephone service. A school was built in 1998 (with private money), but the children have no textbooks or school supplies.
Our silk scarves, silk purses, and silk accessories are all handwoven or handmade by the villagers: subsistence rice farmers, landmine victims, widowed mothers, and other disadvantaged Cambodians. Our importer pays fair prices and is deeply committed to helping these talented but poverty-stricken people improve their standard of living.

Colorful clothing, accessories, and mayan wreaths from Guatemala

These beautiful products are made by a group of women living in La Esperance (Hope), on the outskirts of Guatemala City. It began as a squatter settlement with homes made of cardboard and tin and has developed so many homes are now made of cement block. The community continues to face problems of illiteracy, unemployment, gangs, malnutrition, and lack of affordable health care. In 1990, ten women started Unidas Para Vivir Mejor (United to Live Better). These women have brought hope to their community. With their craft sales, they have established a medical clinic, children's center, and Montessori school. They plan to expand to a 6th grade, provide services for the elderly, and start a typing school.
The sale of their beautiful crafts, clothing, and accessories help fund their hope. We carry their colorful vests, woven bags & purses, mayan doll wreathes (a lovely housewarming gift), and lots of hair accessories.