Neang
Neang, 31, and her grandmother. Neang was working as a construction worker for 6000riels (about USD1.50) a day and lived in a bare hut made out of cement bags. Working at Bloom has enabled her to rent a concrete room, with running water and a common toilet and bathroom (shared toilets are common for poorer Khmers, often 6 or more people share a single toilet and bathroom) and importantly, she has electricity, which means she has light, and a fan for the terrible April heat.
Sophea
Sophea (left), 43, and her mother. She is a fantastic worker and I really appreciate her hard work. She is very shy but when she opens up, she has a really nice laugh. I find Khmers like to laugh--they are not a sullen lot at all. On the walls of Khmer houses you will find pictures of singers and actresses and you can see some in Sophea's house. Also photos of her relatives, dead and alive. She has one teenage daughter, still in school and the three generations of women live under one roof.
Edany
Edany, 40, with her 8 year old daughter. Edany is very bubbly and is a lively addition to the team. She is a quick learner and had only learnt to sew for 6 months before Bloom hired her. She was also the one who picked up crocheting quickest. Dany is divorced from her husband and also has a 19 year old daughter.
Kemhut
Kemhut, 21, is such a gem. She is so responsible and has so much initiative, I often forget she is only 21! She left her family, farmers in Kampong Thom province, to come to the capital Phnom Penh to earn a living. Kemhut is energetic, diligent and willing to learn anything and pitch in anytime.
Sina
Cambodia would be lucky if Sina, 23, is representative of its youth. He is bright, hardworking, honest - everything an employer could hope for. Sina used to be a pastry chef but is now learning business skills at Bloom in his job as our manager. One Bloom customer is paying for his university education. Sina is studying English literature at the Human Resources University in Phnom Penh.
Photos courtesy of Bloom customer