Malia Designs is a fair trade handbag and accessories brand that combines lively design, the use of recycled materials and affordable price points. Our products are handcrafted in Cambodia and every purchase helps to fight human trafficking.
Founder 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.
