Krama and Co
Founded to support women in Cambodia through the celebration of their national symbol, Krama&Co’s krama (scarves) are hand-loomed by weavers in a rural village in Cambodia who are paid above-market prices upfront.
About
Krama are the national symbol of Cambodia that date back to the first century. Cambodians boast to have around 60 uses for a krama from a hat to a hammock for a baby. Some of its other uses include a towel, a bag, and for use in martial arts.
Rebecca Parnham founded Krama&Co after a trip to Cambodia opened her eyes to the struggles of Cambodian women living in poverty. She was on a bamboo train when she noticed a woman who had made a bike seat for her baby using a Karma.
“A light bulb went off for me. I could see that a way to support women in Cambodia was to use, sell and celebrate their national symbol, the krama.” - Rebecca
She connected with Nita Pennell, who now runs the Cambodian side of the operation.
Nita has built up a good relationship with a group of weavers in a rural village outside of Phnom Penh. The weavers are all independent businesswomen who trade with Krama & Co.
“When I first visited the villages, everyone was so happy that I started to order krama from them. I went from house to house to buy krama.” - Nita
Initially, Nita spoke with the weavers to find a base price that weavers were happy with. Then, after discussion with Rebecca, it was decided to double that price to ensure that the weavers were well taken care of (it has since been raised even more).
Krama&Co also runs a village fund in which they put $1 USD into the fund for every krama they purchase.
This means that the weavers are looked after at the purchase stage of the process and are supported regardless of sales or profits in New Zealand.
Nita’s role is vital in ensuring the working conditions and ethics of the business are of the highest standard. She has formed strong relationships with the weavers and usually goes out to the village with her friends and family to spend the day.
Krama&Co often donate a percentage of their profits to Flame Cambodia – an organisation working to give children from poor urban communities an education from primary through to university
They are stocked by Tonic & Cloth (Palmerston North), Sollos (Christchurch), and Revology (Wanaka).
