History of BOC

Imagine a country with no paved roads and not one traffic light. That was Cambodia in 1996, the year Baskets of Cambodia first started I was known as the crazy foreigner who would be easily spotted blocks away. No one would understand why I would be in Cambodia during a time of such desolation. After tiring of the world famous Angkor Watt temples, I wanted more to see the countryside and how people lived. It was during my first visit that I encountered a young girl working in the dirt to sell baskets for the Thai market, at .07 cents a piece. Even at that rate, the detail was impressive and I decided then that I saw a purpose that I could address that would have real impact and reward people financially but also with self esteem. I arranged to have a meeting the next day, expecting a handful of people. Almost 120 people walked or biked from miles around and they all showed up, all with enthusiasm and hope - and Baskets of Cambodia was born.  Within a few months customs informed us that we had shipped the first post war container of natural products from Cambodia. I still remember the unexpected joy of that first meeting.

Currently Baskets of Cambodia supplies some of the world’s finest baskets and purses in any price range, all designed and developed in house, or in the countryside.  

  In 2000, we began to designing completely new BOC has always strived to treat our makers fairly and pay accordingly. This also comes with the ability to work whenever is best for them and to basically be their own boss. This is perhaps the primary reason our baskets and purses are as extraordinary as they are. Quality is our only boss. Our entire business model is progressive and transparent - and includes government insurance enrollment costs and holiday dividends. Our purses and accessories are also made from natural hand woven reeds, without using toxic dyes or paints. Both our basketry and our purses are now known for their beauty and quality and appreciated worldwide.  Everyone benefits from a business model that fully respects its workers and the quality that they produce.  Our baskets are truly baskets to be proud of!