Malia Designs was founded by two socially-conscious, entrepreneurial women, Lia Valerio and Maria Forres Opdycke. Our idea was to bridge the gap between isolated producers in developing countries and Western consumers. 

The vision of Malia Designs was long in the making. Starting with Lia's trip to SE Asia following her service in the Peace Corps in 2000 and continuing with Maria's experience there in 2005. We both independently recognized the need for women to have a secure and safe source of income in order to foster economic development in the region. We aim to create a business where everyone – from our producers to our customers – can benefit from our efforts to bring beautifully designed and carefully crafted handbags and accessories to American markets.

Even though five years had passed between our extended trips to the region, we both witnessed first hand the horrors of human trafficking. Despite international recognition of the issues and efforts to prosecute sex tourism, sexual slavery is still pervasive in Cambodia. Access to alternative income through the creation of handicrafts is an immediate and practical way for women to earn a living and lessen their vulnerability to prostitution and human trafficking.

We also aim to empower our socially-conscious customers with information they can use to help combat this crime against humanity around the world.

We sincerely thank you for your interest in our company and mission. Through your purchase of Malia Designs, you too can Carry the Cause.