Penh Lenh, meaning “whole,” sets out to empower marginalized and at-risk women in Cambodia to pursue their life goals through quality education and sustaining employment. It is a company seeking to make a difference and with a strong purpose founded by Rachel Dodson.
All the jewelry/accessories are hand-crafted by at-risk women who are working to change the trajectory of their lives. Many of those women face dire options to try to make ends meet (drug/sex industries). Penh Lenh wants to take that option off the table and they are working toward it through their social mission. The company takes 100% of their product sales and reinvests it into their mission. The money goes toward helping provide the women with the training they need in addition to classes that include everything from nutrition and physical wellness to female empowerment, English classes, professional classes and budgeting.
Unfortunately, Cambodian society doesn’t view at-risk women as having much value at all, but Penh Lenh is working to change that. They believe that knowledge springs strength and strength springs reform and that will bring about self empowerment and value.
On top of the company’s unbelievable social mission, their hand-crafted pieces are incredible. The Spring collection includes colorful bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more – think tassels, beading, and beautiful natural stones. Prices range from $15 to $100. View the full Spring/Summer collection here.
You’re originally from Nashville. How did growing up in Music City help prepare you for Penh Lenh?
Rachel Dodson: “Growing up in Nashville really helped shape the person I am. I didn’t see or understand how amazing Nashville is until I moved away. It was only then I was able to clearly see all the beautiful nuances that make Nashville a totally unique city, from how genuinely kind and welcoming people are, to the way business and creativity are naturally fused together, to the way you can literally go to a rock show or church any night of the week. Along with Nashville, I think it was my family more than anything that helped prepare me for my work at Penh Lenh. I grew up in a Christian family that did not only go to church on Sundays, but also lived out their faith the rest of the week as well. They were really the catalyst in me knowing what it meant to help others – which is the foundation of Penh Lenh.”
What is your favorite part about your job/company?
Rachel Dodson: “For me, this question is twofold. My favorite thing about my job is being excited to go to work everyday knowing I am making a difference. This is literally the dream! Whether that might be helping give our staff the opportunity to have a safe and dignified job or simply speaking an encouraging word over them, I know what I am doing truly matters to the girls working at Penh Lenh. My favorite thing about Penh Lenh as a company is that we are working to raise the standards and expectations for companies in Cambodia as well as raise awareness about gender equality and feminism. I always think how cool it is that we get to be part of such a movement.”
When you visited Cambodia the first time, what made you fall in love with it?
Rachel Dodson: “At first, I fell in love with the overwhelming feeling of adventure. The thrill of riding on a moto, walking through open air markets, and learning a new language captivated me. But it was the feeling of hope that made me stay. Even with all the complications and social justice issues Cambodia faced (and still faces), I recognized that this place carries a hope for change. I fell in love with that hope because I knew that meant change was possible, and perhaps I could help facilitate and promote change.”
What have been some challenges you’ve faced since starting Penh Lenh that you weren’t expecting?
Rachel Dodson: “Our mission at Penh Lenh is to empower young women through education, skill training, and higher career opportunities. Over the years, our idea of true empowerment and impact has evolved as the matter itself has become more and more nuanced. It is fundamental to Penh Lenh that we teach our girls about gender equality and educate them about their rights as women. In our “Women’s Empowerment Class” we have covered topics ranging from sexual health and safe sex, beauty standards, sexual harassment, and more. As much as we strive to educate, encourage, and empower, we still face the immense challenge of being in a country and culture where gender inequality is vast and wide. It is easy for our staff to feel empowered in a safe and liberating place like Penh Lenh. However, as soon as they walk out our doors, they are faced with a society that, simply put, does not value them as equals to their male counterparts. They go back to their homes, communities, markets, salons, and even husbands or boyfriends and are combated with ideals that they simply are less than. We are challenged against a culture where 1 in 5 men have admitted to committing at least one rape, where 70% of women are in vulnerable employment, and where 65% of women run businesses are less profitable than those run by men. We are encouraged knowing that women all over the globe are fighting a similar fight and we know we are not alone. We will continue to overcome each challenge as they come.”
What have been some of your favorite moments over the last four years?
Rachel Dodson: “There have been so many incredible moments over the past several years here. Some of my favorite moments might seem innocuous to the average person looking in, but each has special meaning to me. For example, any staff member’s first birthday at Penh Lenh is usually so special because it is often the first time in their life anyone has celebrated their birthday. We get cake, party poppers and gifts. I love how this small act can make them feel valued and special. We also go all out at Christmas, which is usually another first for the women. I look forward to it every year. We do a big Penh Lenh family lunch where we cook and eat together. The staff members do a secret Santa gift exchange and additionally get gifts from Penh Lenh. We also do a community service project on Christmas. Most of our staff members do not have parents or families, so it is such a beautiful thing when they feel loved and find a family within Penh Lenh. My other favorite moments include the random times when we stop work and have a dance off or a sing-a-long and when an artisan has been working to perfect a skill and finally achieves it! All the little moments add up and reflect healthy and happy young women who are working to make their lives better.”
What positive changes have you witnessed with the women?
Rachel Dodson: “So many! We have seen women learn to manage their finances and get out of debt. Many are excited to build a better future for their children and take advantage of the educational classes we offer so in turn they can better educate their kids. Through our Empowerment Class on domestic violence, one young woman was able to end an abusive relationship. Each positive change means so much.
All of the women of Penh Lenh support each other, which makes it a very positive work environment overall. For example, one of my favorite stories that shows this happened one day after we had a discussion on how women need to help stand up for one another. Some of the staff went out to get coffee and they came back to work upset because the man selling coffee made a rude comment about one of the girls. They wanted to stand up for her, but didn’t quite know what to say. They asked if I would go back and help show them how to stand up for her against what the man had said, and I did. When we got back, the girl who was bullied by the man was crying. She said they were happy tears because no one had ever stood up for her in that way. Our whole team had gone in solidarity for her and it was such an awesome moment for our entire staff to see the power women can have when we stick together.”
What does it mean to you to know you’re helping these women change the trajectory of their lives?
Rachel Dodson: “A few days before moving to Cambodia, I had dinner with a friend in New York. I told him that if I could help just one girl change her life for the better, it would all be worth it to me. To me, the fact that I am able to help multiple women and be an agent for change here means that I am fulfilling my purpose in life.”
Your jewelry is so beautiful. Where do you draw inspiration for the designs?
Rachel Dodson: “I design the jewelry alongside our Production Director and Designer, Srey Mao. We both draw inspiration from so many different aspects of life. Cambodia is a huge part of inspiration for me personally. The colors here are so vibrant. Bright colors are found everywhere from the beaches to the fabrics in the market to the vibrant robes the monks wear. I think what makes our aesthetic truly unique is our two backgrounds – me from America and Srey Mao from Cambodia – coming together to create each piece.”
How can people in Nashville help support Penh Lenh and you?
Rachel Dodson: “Shop at www.penhlenh.com and tell your friends, family, strangers! And spread the word on social media. We are 100% funded by the sales of our product, so your purchases mean everything.”
