For this year Fashion Revolution Week we interviewed Mr Chamroeun the man behind our upcycled from tyre wallets.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Lav Chamroeun and I am 38 years old. I was born in KomPong Cham Province, Cambodia. I am the fourth in my family and I have two brothers and three sisters. When I was a child I suffered from Polio and my right hand was affected leaving me with a disability.
When did you start Smart Craft?
I have started in 2012. I have been working for few organisations and NGOs in the handicrafts sector, first as a volunteer and then as a production manager. After four years I gained the necessary skills to start Smart Craft, a small producers group.
What motivated you?
I have always wanted to help people with disabilities and vulnerable people in general to create their own future by producing good quality recycled products and that is why I have started Smart Craft.
What do you like about your job?
I like that I have the possibility to help and I love to research and design new products using raw materials. I love nature and especially the sea and upcycling it is a way for me to help reduce pollution and clean the environment.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope I can find more partners so that I can employ more artisans and by doing so supporting more families and their children.
We'd like to thank Mr Chamroeun for the time it took to do this interview and for the amazing work he does.
