Dear Beloved Kaikô Community,
As we approach the year's end, I wish to offer a glimpse into the driving force propelling Kaikô, inviting you to reflect on our collective journey and the significance of safeguarding humanity's most cherished values. If, in the warm glow of your holiday shopping, you happen to think of our artisan women while seeking out ethical Christmas gifts for your loved ones, it will hold immense significance for all of us at Kaikô. Your thoughtfulness means the world to us as we craft away.
Rekindling the Essence of Humanity
In our pursuit, we embark on a mission that is both simple and profound: to rekindle the flame of humanity through the creation of meticulously handcrafted items. Our focus extends beyond the products themselves; it's a narrative woven by the skilled hands of our artisan women, their pride and dignity. Kaikô joins forces with artisan women in Rwanda and Cambodia, delving into the depths of their rich, sophisticated cultures and artistic expertise. These women are champions of tradition, and custodians of their rich culture, and their commitment to preserving significantly beautiful and meaningful heritage is both admirable and unyielding.
True Value of Our Handcrafted Items
Let’s deep dive into the story of our Cambodian artisan women. Situated in the humble village where our Cambodian artisan women reside, a place distanced from the hustle of major cities, is acknowledged as the poorest in Cambodia. Despite being farmers by trade, their intricate weaving serves a dual purpose—not just as a means for supplemental income, but as an integral part of their identity, culture, and way of life.
In the current globalised economy, however, an increasing number of consumers opt for mass-produced and quickly manufactured items, leading to reduced demand for the handcrafted work of our weavers. Consequently, some villagers decide to work in distant textile factories, often in major cities or even as far as Thailand. This choice, however, leads to heartbreaking separations from their children and families. Unfortunately, the harsh reality in these bigger cities is that not all factories adhere to strict rules protecting the health and dignity of workers. The tragic Rana Plaza incident in 2013, the deadliest garment-factory disaster, serves as a stark example, claiming the lives of over 1,100 people, predominantly garment workers. Within these factories, workers endure exploitation, facing a loss of health and human dignity.
When consumers recognise the genuine value of handcrafted pieces, our weavers can maintain their culturally significant craft while remaining close to their families, tending to their farms, and working with a sense of dignity and pride. On a related note, if consumers genuinely care about the processes behind product creation, they could potentially contribute to the improvement of factory conditions. This dream led me to embark on a journey with the artisan women and their community, choosing a different path—a more ethical, human-centred cycle.
Our Journey, Our Mission, Together
Kaikô transcends being merely a handcrafted interior brand; it is an embrace of a centuries-old legacy, a vibrant tapestry interwoven with stories of resilience, dedication, cultural pride, and the essence of our shared humanity. It's crucial to underline that Kaikô's mission is not a solitary pursuit; it's a collective journey with artisan women and those who support our mission. We look forward to continuing this shared journey with you, weaving humanity back into the fabric of life—one handcrafted item and one profound story at a time.
Thank you for being a part of our mission and believing in human connection’s power.
I wish you a happy and harmonious holiday season!
Kana, Founder of Kaikô