THE BYTAVI STORY

The purchase of a sewing machine showed us that dignified work and fair wages breaks cycles of poverty, prevents human trafficking, and creates generations of change.

100% of your BYTAVI purchase supports seamstress wages, daily lunch, holistic care and more.

100% of your BYTAVI purchase supports seamstress wages, daily lunch, holistic care and more.

100% of your BYTAVI purchase supports seamstress wages, daily lunch, holistic care and more.

In 2009 we met a Cambodian woman who faced daily challenges of living in poverty. Her story introduced us to the reality of human trafficking and the desperation families in developing countries experience as a result of poverty and a lack of opportunity. As a mother, she held hopes and desires for her family, and bravely partnered with us to become one of the first four BYTAVI seamstresses sewing our first product, a pillow cover. Empowered with a skill and with a heart for community, more women began sewing together and BYTAVI was born. One year later we opened the BYTAVI workshop. BYTAVI was birthed out of seeing the need for fair and safe employment for women in Cambodia. The solution? Women working together for good and with purpose. It is this spirit of community that moves us forward. We are inspired that life change in one woman can create generations of change. BYTAVI inspires us to connect with another’s hopes, dreams and desires and know that they are within reach when we choose dignified work together.

ABOUT OUR DESIGN PROCESS >

The BYTAVI line is produced by a talented team of women in Cambodia who sew together at the BYTAVI workshop. Our hands are in the process from first stitch, to proudly signing their name on the finished product. We are a community of mother’s, daughters, sisters and friends. We value relationships and take time to enjoy a meal together and share in a time of daily devotions.

The workshop is full of laughter and celebration as we celebrate holidays, birthdays, baby showers and graduations. We encourage a healthy work-life balance by closing for Holidays and honoring maternity leave. The BYTAVI management team of seasoned seamstresses provides support and encouragement. In an industry that is fast-paced, high-pressure and known for poor working conditions we pride ourselves in being a workshop that supports quality of life and creates quality products.

"I started working with BYTAVI in 2009 and was one of the first BYTAVI staff. One of the greatest joys of my life has been to watch BYTAVI grow over the years, from a few seamstresses making pillowcases and quilted bags to over 15 seamstresses making a full women's clothing and handbag line. It is hard for women my age in Cambodia to find safe and fair work so I am so grateful for this job. I believe God has chosen me for this job and this work is God's gift to me. I love caring for the younger seamstresses and teaching them all that I know. I consider the BYTAVI workshop as my home and the staff and seamstresses as my family."

https://centerforglobalimpact.org/

BYTAVI is a project of the nonprofit organization Center for Global Impact. Your purchase has Impact beyond the BYTAVI workshop. Learn more about our sister projects, the Culinary Training Center and Imprint project.