Sak Saum for Freedom

A Family-Founded Brand Rooted in Creativity and Craftsmanship

Sak Saum, located in Cambodia, is rooted in family, creativity, and craftsmanship. Founder Ginny and her daughter, Jess, design every handbag, clothing piece, and accessory together, developing each pattern and color combination in-house.

The survivors in the Sak Saum program bring those designs to life. Using remnant and upcycled fabrics, they thoughtfully create boho-chic pieces that are both sustainable and one-of-a-kind. Nothing is mass-produced or purchased finished—each piece is sewn by a survivor with intention, care, and pride.

The Mission Behind Sak Saum

Sak Saum is a grassroots ministry dedicated to restoring individuals, families, and communities. What started as one woman's desire to help another woman has grown into a lifestyle brand focused on reclaiming what people were designed for.

From the beginning, the goal has been to create a nurturing, empowering, and restorative program that provides vocational sewing training while fostering community development. Sak Saum is a pioneer model of self-sustaining ministry, believing that effective business can fuel life-changing outreach. Today, their work is supported through the sale of handcrafted products around the world.

The History of Sak Saum

Humble Beginnings

In faith, Sak Saum started with one woman, one sewing machine, and one precious baby who would grow into a bright future. Ginny shared the story of the women she wanted to help and sold the handmade items they created. She returned the proceeds to Cambodia and expanded the program to help three more women.

During this time, Sak Saum also began offering free English lessons and established a safe house within the community. The local government authorized the care of 12 children who were orphans, victims of family exploitation and abuse, or abandoned. They also built homes for several families living in extreme poverty.

Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking

In 2007, Sak Saum began working with survivors of human trafficking. The official Sak Saum program was established in 2008, opening a safe house for 12 women with the vision of restoring dignity and hope.

The year-long holistic program focused on healing the mind, body, soul, spirit, social relationships, vocational skills, and financial independence, preparing participants to reintegrate into their communities and reunite with their families whenever possible.

That same year, Sak Saum opened a storefront in Phnom Penh to sell products made by the women. They also began exporting products to the United States, using sales to fund their growing programs. Between 2008 and 2017, more than 100 women participated in the Sak Saum program.

Growing Through Community Development

In 2010, Sak Saum purchased land on Koh Kor Island in Saang and built a safe house capable of housing women and their children.

In 2011, they opened a vocational training center in Saang that provides employment opportunities for vulnerable men and women.

Between 2012 and 2017, Sak Saum continued restoring lives through job training, skills development, and successful reintegration into local communities as self-employed artisans.

Today, Sak Saum remains committed to empowering marginalized individuals and families through sustainable job creation and ethical, eco-friendly fashion.

Sustainable Fashion with a Purpose

Sak Saum believes in giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. They utilize secondhand, reclaimed, and repurposed fabrics and materials to create products that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Because every item is handmade rather than mass-produced, each piece is truly one of a kind. Every Sak Saum product represents not only sustainable craftsmanship but also the story of a life being restored through meaningful employment.

How Sak Saum Creates Ethical Handmade Products

The vocational training program teaches every stage of production—from design and sewing to quality control and business skills. These practical skills equip artisans with the confidence and independence needed to build successful futures for themselves and future generations.

Creative Design and Skill Development

People who have experienced exploitation often lose confidence in their own creativity. At Sak Saum, rediscovering that creativity becomes part of the healing process.

The design team collaborates with survivors on styles, fabric selection, color combinations, and prototypes until every product meets the highest standards of quality.

Locally Sourced Materials

Whenever possible, Sak Saum sources materials locally. Rather than purchasing from anonymous suppliers, they buy primarily from local markets, supporting other small businesses within their community.

Their long-term relationships with these vendors have created positive ripple effects that extend beyond the sewing program itself.

Repurposing Materials Into Beautiful Products

From overstock and secondhand fabrics to coconut shell buttons and wallets made from repurposed tire and cement bags, Sak Saum transforms discarded materials into beautiful, functional products.

Using reclaimed materials also serves as a powerful reminder of the organization's mission. Just as these materials are given new purpose, Sak Saum believes every person has immeasurable value and the opportunity for restoration. Through meaningful work, creativity, and community, survivors are empowered to build new futures with dignity and hope.