Smateria sells vibrantly designed bags and accessories made by Cambodian artisans using upcycled materials.

But this is not just another story about entrepreneurs gone viral because of a random good deed. Behind every shoulder bag or kids’ backpack found on the shelves of this store is a long history of compassion, creativity and sustainability worth sharing to the world.

An empowering social enterprise

Often, the universe finds ways to bring the right people together. This is exactly what happened when Jennifer Morellato and Elisa Lion met in Cambodia. They were both passionate about sustainability and creating something new – the pillars that blossomed into this inspiring enterprise.

They randomly met in 2006. They were two Italians in a place that offered so many opportunities. Back then, there wasn’t much to buy in Phnom Penh. That’s why Jennifer was so excited about Elisa’s ideas.

The excitement, of course, was not just because of the idea of setting up a business. It was more about the good it was going to do.

Elisa’s creations were, after all, made of either upcycled or recycled material. This shows that sustainability was a priority even before the business officially started. The netting used on almost all of their products are upcycled from a material used in fishing and in construction. They also bought leftover leather from sofa factories and recycled plastic materials.

But that’s not the most inspiring part. They hired locals, 85% of which are women. They paid competitive salaries with a handsome benefits package. They even gave their employees professional trainings, including English and Chinese classes.

They also know every working mom’s plight, especially those with very young children. That’s why they built a daycare inside the building, with an area meant for breastfeeding moms.

Designs meant to inspire confidence

It’s not just the enterprise that’s inspiring. Each design displays happiness and confidence, two traits that mimic the heart of the social entrepreneurs behind Smateria.

The brand’s goal is straightforward – they want their customers to have the perfect bag and accessory that will allow them to creatively express themselves. This creative expression is evident with the bags’ unique and classy designs.

Aside from being stylish, Smateria creations are highly functional. They’re not just meant to enhance your look. They are meant to be maximized in every way possible, especially for daily use.

When asked what inspires them, the founders and creators behind the brand point to their multicultural backgrounds and the people around them. They are also keen on discovering new materials they can utilize to create even more designs. The creative process never stops – they work hard to release new collections every year to make sure their customers never run out of new ways to love the brand.

Since its conception, the brand has expanded not only to different locations all over Cambodia, but to stores all over the globe as well. This only shows that the creative juices flowing from and inspired by Cambodia do have a global audience, especially with all the good causes surrounding these creations.

Visit Smateria at The Aviary Square every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.