Our Founder
Meet our Founder
I’m Anna - mother, teacher and founder of Modimade. I live in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Australia and my passion for Cambodia and quality education led me to build a business where you can support both these elements.
My interest in sustainable development and ethical trade is not only evident in my work as an ethical business owner, but also in my work as a primary school teacher. My belief in the power of education and positive, fair employment allows me to passionately create a strong foundation for not only my children, but also for future generations. An enormous part of creating a world that we are proud to pass onto our kids is making sure that as consumers, we all educate our children to see the impacts on others. Teaching them about where they buy their products and how other children in the world experience life might not be so easy, but it can be done. I hope that this forward thinking that is embedded into Modimade will give you a role and a tool for discussion to create a place that lasts for generations to come.
Almost 10 years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a year living in Cambodia and volunteering at Chumkriel Language School, in a small rural village. I assisted staff to enhance the quality of their teaching and collaboratively established ways that supported them, to put these ideas into practice.
By providing these opportunities and access to quality education, through schooling, community programs or in the work place, people can learn lifelong skills and utilise these to create their own future pathways. That's why I continue to use Modimade as a tool to raise funds and give on going support to Chumkriel Langauge School in Cambodia - so the money you spend has benefit.
I absolutely love sharing my passion for sustainable development and quality education and every time I return to Cambodia- I see the positive effects that these two single elements can have on individuals. I whole heartedly believe that my experiences add a personal essence and authentic passion to Modimade, my products and the support that the business provides to Cambodian families.
Through Modimade we can continue to take a proactive role in supporting development in Cambodia. We may only be a small scale business, yet our benefits reach far and wide, especially when you join in.
By purchasing through Modimade you are connecting directly to the artisans, their families and the people of Chumkriel community. The benefits reach further than you may know.
This is Cambodia
Cambodia is an immensely captivating country. It’s a place that offers many different experiences on many different levels.
However it is the people, that are the most remarkable. An essence that I feel is captured within the strengths of Modimade.
At first glance Cambodia's panoramic scenery and lush rice fields spoil your senses. The smells from the produce markets are unique in their own right, with a distinct hustle and bustle evident at every turn. It’s culture stretches back in time to the creation of the incredible Ankhor Temples and delicate customs of the theatre and arts.
Despite a very dark recent history and immense poverty the strength of Cambodian people is uplifting and can easily go unnoticed. Their lives are filled with deep experiences, capturing moments of laughter, strength, compassion and at times great sadness. All this being captured in the beauty of what our makers and partners produce, giving us products that really do hold a story.
Their families may still be touched by the devastation of the Khmer Rouge era, yet somehow they always strive to look forward, finding opportunities to empower their children and future generations.
Continually STRIVING to pull themselves and their communities out poverty, they have been walking the path to rebuilding their country. Through avenues such as Modimade, you can help strengthen the success of their journey as every Cambodian made product purchased from Modimade send industry growth back to the makers.
It's incredibly difficult not to be inspired by Cambodia and the people who live there. I hope it's captured your heart as much as it has captured mine!
I am very fortunate to have been able to make these lifelong connections and I love every minute of my ethical journey that has become Modimade. Thank you for joining me on this amazing journey!