Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lia Valerio, founder, and president of Malia Designs, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

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 small social enterprises that employ talented artisans in Cambodia. Through these partnerships, we connect makers to Western markets, expanding their access to sustainable income and safe and dignified working conditions.
Since the very beginning, our primary mission has been to provide a sustainable source of income to our artisan partners—lessening their vulnerability and enabling them to break the cycle of poverty.

Malia Designs accomplishes this using a three-pronged business model.

  1. Malia Designs’ products are made by fair trade producer groups that employ underprivileged people in Cambodia – primarily at-risk women and the disabled.
  2. We offer high-quality, fashion-forward accessories that pair lively designs with contemporary styling using materials sourced locally in Cambodia. Our fair trade production and frequent use of recycled materials are also good for the planet.
  3. Malia Designs extends its mission even further by donating to non-profit organizations fighting human trafficking in Cambodia and the US.

Tell us about yourself

While traveling through Southeast Asia after serving in the Peace Corps, I fell in love with Cambodia. The Cambodian people are kind and generous, and the nation has a rich and beautiful culture. Despite the terrible tragedy that overwhelmed the country in the 1970s and 1980s, their warmth and openness were always a source of inspiration.

During my initial trip to the region in 2000, I purchased many textiles. I was introduced to several fair trade organizations working with marginalized populations. I also witnessed human trafficking for the first time.

Upon returning to the States, Me and my 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 five years before the idea became a reality, the seed had been sown, 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.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Since partnering with Malia Designs, our producer groups have increased both the size of their workforce and their artisans’ salaries. Over the past 17 years, we have provided grants and loans that have enabled our artisan groups to purchase new equipment, implement new training programs, and expand and open two new workshops. As our business has grown, so has theirs!

Malia Designs’ philanthropic efforts take the fight against human trafficking a step further by donating to organizations that fight child trafficking. Together with Stop Traffick, our non-profit philanthropic arm, we have donated over $170,000 to organizations in Cambodia and the US that fight human trafficking.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest but also most fun things that come with being a small business owner is wearing all the hats. We do it all, from designing products to managing an international team to financials. It comes with its fair share of stress but is also very rewarding.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Ask yourself what makes your idea unique and build upon that to connect with your target base of customers.
  2. Secure funding so you can support yourself and your team while you are building your business.
  3. Have fun!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

None of what we do would be possible without our customers. We hope that you will join us to empower artisans, fight trafficking, and #CARRYACAUSE!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.maliadesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrythecause/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maliadesignsfairtrade/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maliadesigns

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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