One of the inspirations for starting Simply Living Lifeshop was our chance encounter with The Silk Lab, which is located in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Our current collection of products includes a wide selection from The Silk Lab and recently we talked to the workshop’s manager, Ms Sophorn, to find out more about their work and their aims.

Simply Living: How did The Silk Lab get started and what is your mission?

Silk Lab: The Silk Lab was created in 2005 through the joint efforts of KADO and Progetto Continenti, Cambodian and Italian NGOs respectively, and with the support of AusAid, Italian Caritas, Charle Magne Foundation and other private donors.

Our mission is to provide social and economic security to disadvantaged women living in the Puok district, which is one of the poorest districts in Cambodia. All of the women we employ come from this district.

Simply Living: Do the women receive a salary?

Silk Lab: Yes, they do. We pay them a basic salary plus a small percentage based on sales. Compared with typical pay in Cambodia, their salary is very good, and reflects the time and skills required of them.

Simply Living: Can you share with us how your workshop is operated?

Silk Lab: We currently have 11 staff. Besides myself, we have six seamstresses, a cutter, warehouse keeper, maintenance worker as well as an agent who manages a stall selling our products at the Angkor Night Market. At one point we did have up to 25 staff, but with lack of funds and donations, we cannot sustain that level of employment at the moment.

Our production process is similar to the garment factory system – one person takes charge of sewing together all parts to complete an item. We operate with respect for Cambodia’s work laws.

Simply Living: Who trains the local women as seamstresses?

Silk Lab: When The Silk Lab was first established, I and some staff from our team in Phnom Penh used to train them. However, we no longer have staff in Phnom Penh – I am now responsible for the training myself.

Simply Living: You work mainly with silk. Is this a traditional material/craft in Cambodia?

Silk Lab: Yes, we work mainly with silk. Silk weaving is a traditional craft in Cambodia. However, if there are hotels, restaurants or other businesses that want to order items such as home decor or accessories made out of cotton, we can also do.

Simply Living: Who designs your bags and where does inspiration come from?

Silk Lab: The bag designs are done by me, even though I am not a designer! I usually search on the Internet for inspiration and combine these with my own ideas as well as with a touch of Cambodian culture. I always think about designing items that are easy to make, simple, and have the potential to sell well. I look for ideas from consumers too.

A year ago, I requested a designer from the Artisan Association of Cambodia (AAC), which The Silk Lab is a member of. This year, I have requested him to design new bags. He is a UK designer.

Simply Living: What is your hope for The Silk Lab in the future?

Silk Lab: I hope that we can survive and achieve sustainability by finding buyers from overseas such as Simply Living Lifeshop. I will try my best to run The Silk Lab so that we can continue to employ our existing staff and hopefully even grow. This will mean The Silk Lab can help reduce the poverty in Cambodia in at least one small community.