As a long-time partner of Professionals Doing Good, we are thrilled to interview Ka-Lai Chan, the Dutch founder of MANAVA.
MANAVA is a conscious lifestyle brand in Cambodia dedicated to quality, sustainable materials, and female empowerment.
Kalai boasts over 10 years of experience as a product designer, having worked for renowned international design brands, hotels, and museums. Kalai’s journey with MANAVA exemplifies the power of ethical business and its positive social impact.
Q: Looking at your initial purpose. Can you tell us a bit about you? What inspired you to create MANAVA in Cambodia?
A. I completed a product design degree from the University of Arts in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Since 2009, I’ve been working as an independent designer for several international designer brands, museums, and hotels designing home products and art installations.
But beyond design, three things have always been deeply important to me: nature, people, and creation. These are what give me energy and meaning in life. Even before visiting Cambodia, I felt a strong desire to contribute to a less developed country—specifically by connecting people with creativity and craftsmanship.
“By chance”, I met a young lady in The Netherlands who was conducting a project in Cambodia, and I took the opportunity to volunteer for two months with her. For me, It felt like the beginning of a dream come true. The Kingdom of Cambodia is incredible. The people are genuine, cheerful, and relaxed. The landscape, in particular the countryside and rice fields, is simply magical. Life here is simple and the crafts are stunning.
While volunteering in Siem Reap, I did a lot of research on different local traditional crafts and spent time with families in the countryside. This was such an enriching experience; they were always happy and always laughing. But behind the smiles, I could see they were struggling with many challenges, the most obvious of which was their income level. They earned an average of $50 to $70 per month, which made it almost impossible for them to live within their means, yet many had such incredible weaving skills, particularly in one village I visited, Krobey Riel.
With my entrepreneurial and creative background, I saw possibilities to help them. I then met Baraing Tho, a local creative young man with the same vision, and together we decided to start MANAVA.
Q. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building Manava? How have you overcome them?
A. One of the biggest challenges in building MANAVA has been navigating the unpredictable nature of the global market. Handmade products take time, and balancing fair wages with competitive pricing is always a delicate process. Ensuring that our artisans receive a sustainable income while keeping our products accessible to customers requires constant adjustment and strategic planning.
Another challenge has been shifting mindsets. Internationally, not everyone immediately recognizes the value of true craftsmanship over mass-produced goods. Education has been key—both for our artisans, in helping them see the global potential of their skills, and for our customers, in sharing the story behind each piece. By highlighting the time, skill, and cultural heritage embedded in our products, we’ve been able to foster deeper appreciation and support for artisanal work.
We’ve also faced logistical hurdles, particularly when managing production delays. Factors like the health conditions of our team and the impacts of climate change can sometimes slow things down. However, through strong relationships with our artisans, customers, and partners, we’ve learned to adapt and find solutions that allow us to continue creating in a way that is both sustainable and meaningful.
Q: MANAVA’s mission is to share Cambodia’s artisanal weaving traditions with the world while empowering and supporting rural artisan Cambodian women. Can you provide concrete examples of how MANAVA has positively impacted the lives of these women?
A. One of the most rewarding aspects of MANAVA has been seeing the direct impact on the lives of our artisans. Many of the women we work with had limited job opportunities before joining us. Through MANAVA, they now have financial independence, access to training, and a strong, supportive community.
For example, one of our artisans previously relied solely on seasonal farm work, which offered very little stability. After joining MANAVA, she gained a reliable income and, over time, grew into a leadership role within the team, mentoring new weavers. This growth boosted her confidence.
In addition, many artisans have been able to send their children to school, which is a huge step forward for their families and future generations.
Q: How can international travelers engage with MANAVA and contribute meaningfully to their visit?
We love welcoming travelers who want to learn more about Cambodia’s rich craft traditions. Visitors can engage with MANAVA in several ways:
- Visit our boutique store in Siem Reap – It’s located in Kandal Village, where people can see our designs up close and learn the stories behind them.
- Join a rattan weaving workshop – We offer hands-on experiences where visitors can try traditional weaving techniques, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft.
- Shop consciously – Every purchase directly supports our artisans and helps sustain Cambodian craftsmanship.
- Engage online – For those who can’t visit in person, engaging with us online—through our website, social media, or sharing our story—also makes a meaningful impact.
Be Part of the Change
Support MANAVA and invest in the empowerment of women, the preservation of traditional crafts, and a more sustainable future, not just by purchasing their products.
- You can also directly contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future Volunteering your skills.
- If you’re a qualified professional or student with relevant expertise, consider sharing your knowledge and experience to support MANAVA’s growth and development. Explore their volunteer opportunities and make a meaningful contribution.
Every purchase, visit, and act of skilled volunteering creates a ripple effect, strengthening the community MANAVA supports and promoting a more responsible and compassionate approach to business.
