Why We Invested: FAIR WEAVE
R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund has provided a loan to FAIR WEAVE Social Enterprise Co., LTD, a handwoven textile company based in Cambodia to establish a retail space and showroom for the trade in Phenom Penh.
Founded in 2022, FAIR WEAVE is working with more than 120 women weavers in the Phnom Srok district in northwestern Cambodia to offer handwoven textiles, ethically and sustainably made with natural fibers and dyes, for home furnishings and apparel. In this region of Cambodia, Khmer women have been weaving since the 13th century. Textiles are handwoven on traditional looms with skills handed down from mother to daughter for generations.
By building their direct-to-consumer sales channel through the new retail space and showroom in Phenom Penh, founder Chomnab Ho aims to improve the company’s profit margins as well as increase retail sales. “Increased sales and profitability will enable us to expand opportunities for artisans by increasing production, improving income stability, and growing our network of weavers,” he explained. “It will also allow us to invest further in preserving traditional weaving skills and passing them on to the next generation.”
A Showroom to Share the Artisans’ Story
“Beyond sales, the new showroom will significantly enhance how we communicate our mission and impact,” Chomnab continued. “Unlike our consignment sales in other retail stores, having our own store allows us to share the stories of our artisans, our production processes, and our commitment to fair livelihoods and sustainable craftsmanship directly with our customers.”
Through support of the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund Market Development Program, FAIR WEAVE participated in the Global Artisan Project at Shoppe Object in 2025 connecting with international buyers to increase the company’s export sales. With an earlier development grant in 2023 for photography and videos for sales and marketing promotion, FAIR WEAVE was able to increase sales and double the number of weavers from 60 to more than 120 weavers who earn a living weaving textiles for the company.
“Chomnab’s business goals over the next three years are to double annual sales creating enough demand to increase weaver incomes by 25% and employ an additional 50 weavers,” said R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund founder, Ellen Fish. “Our goal is to help him reach those targets.”
About R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund
An initiative of Sprout Enterprise®, the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund invests in artisan enterprises creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities with few economic alternatives. Women’s empowerment, sustainability, and climate change are key investment themes of the fund.
Named as one of the Transformative 25 Funds in 2022 and 2021, R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund has been recognized for transforming finance to benefit people and the planet. The fund is a member of Collective Action for Just Finance.
FAIR WEAVE
Visit www.fairweave.com or follow @fairweave on Instagram to learn more. If you are a buyer, please contact us for FAIR WEAVE's U.S. line sheet, or shop FAIR WEAVE textiles on www.sproutenterprise.net.
