Malia Designs was formed to increase economic opportunity for women in Cambodia and to support organizations that fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Our fair trade fashion products are made by cooperatives that employ disadvantaged people in Cambodia. Through these partnerships we connect artisans to Western markets, expanding their access to sustainable income and safe and dignified working conditions Malia Designs also strives to assist victims of human trafficking by donating to organizations working to fight trafficking in Cambodia and the US. Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar illegal industry affecting millions of people every year. We believe that one way to counteract this global issue is to increase access to economic opportunity in the most affected areas. Our Story While traveling through Southeast Asia after serving in the Peace Corps, founder Lia Valerio fell in love with Cambodia. The Cambodian people are kind and generous, and the nation has a rich and beautiful culture. Despite terrible tragedy that overwhelmed the country in the 1970s and 1980s, their warmth and openness was, and always has been a source of inspiration. During her initial trip to the region in 2000, Lia purchased many textiles and was introduced to several fair trade organizations working with marginalized populations. She also witnessed human trafficking for the first time. Upon returning to the States, Lia and her best friend Maria discussed importing artisan-made products from the region to support these organizations and the good work they were doing. Although, it was another 5 years before the idea became a reality, the seed had been sewn and in 2005, Malia Designs was born. We’ve come a long way from hosting trunk shows, vending at street festivals, and selling handbags in Lia’s living room to her family and friends: Malia Designs now produces two originally designed collections each year and is available at more than 250 retailers nationwide. Our Business Model Since the very beginning, our primary mission has been to provide a sustainable source of income to our artisan partners—lessening their vulnerability to traffickers and empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. Malia Designs accomplishes this using a three-pronged business model.
