At Soteah, we know who our artisans are. We know where they work, how much they are being paid and what their circumstances are. We have a relationship with them.

They all work with one of the following artisan groups, each of which is committed to the highest standards of quality and to extending employment and training opportunities to Cambodians who would otherwise be unemployed.

Watthan Artisans Cambodia

A co-operative of around 60 disabled artisans based in Phnom Penh, Watthan Artisans Cambodia is committed to providing its producers with above-average wages, on-the-job skills training and the chance to learn new skills such as English and IT. They also produce all of our cushions, bed runners, table runners, placemats and napkins and our beautifully carved tea light holders

Rehab Craft Cambodia

Rehab Craft Cambodia is a non-profit organisation run by and for disabled Cambodians. Rehab not only provides income-generating opportunities for disabled people but also skills training for landmine victims who would otherwise be unemployed. Soteah has chosen to source our coasters and decorative plates from this artisan group.

The Goel Community

A Christian-based community development organisation, the Goel Community trains disadvantaged families in Takeo Province to produce naturally-dyed, woven silk and cotton. Goel is committed to rebuilding the lost traditions of rural weavers who are now earning a living from their skill. Soteah sources raw silk and cotton fabric for our ranges from this artisan group.

Suphearac's story...

Suphearac discovered what it was like to be disabled at the age of 21 when his leg was accidentally dragged into the cutting machine at the timber merchant where he worked. After several months recovering, he eventually found a placement on a handicrafts training scheme run by Rehab Craft Cambodia, one of Soteah's artisan groups. It was there that he realised that there was hope despite his disability.

“I was surprised to see so many disabled people making the most of their circumstances,” Supherac recalls. “It really challenged me about the negative attitude I had towards my own disability.”

In 2004, after several years of training in woodcarving and several more years of office skills training, Suphearac was offered the job of heading up the newly-formed cooperative of disabled people, Watthan Artisans Cambodia, where many Soteah accessories are now made.

In the past few years, he has used his own experiences of being disabled to shape a successful local business that also provides the best possible working environment for disabled people.

“I’ve known myself what it’s like to be disabled in Cambodia,” he explains. “But I’ve also experienced working in a place that encourages disabled people. That’s what I want Watthan Artisans Cambodia to be known for more.”