A local clothing boutique is part of creating jobs and stability for women in Southeast Asia. The operations, BYTAVI, began in 2008 with a single sewing machine and a dream to help one woman improve her life.
BYTAVI is one of four businesses under the Center for Global Impact (CGI) umbrella that all aim to teach necessary skills to Cambodian women. Through their skills training in Cambodia, vulnerable women are given jobs learning to sew and create products for BYTAVI, which are sold in their boutique in nearby Franklin. These garments range from simple tunics and T-shirts to vegan leather bags. The profit from these products goes back to CGI to pay fair wages to the women and fund further training.
The first brick and mortar location for this global company opened its doors in Greenwood during 2008 featuring a limited line. But they quickly outgrew the small shop just south of Fry Road and moved south to Franklin. At their current home on the square in downtown Franklin, the shop has space to house their boutique storefront, offices and their warehouse, allowing them to continue to grow and keep an eye on desired trends.
Erin Bollhorst, BYTAVI boutique manager, says, “We started off pretty simply with just a few cloth handbags, then tunics and clothing with more traditional Eastern prints, but especially since expanding and moving to Franklin, we've rebranded and grown. Now we're working three seasons ahead. We want to focus on Western fashion trends and what people here really want to wear.”
By providing fashionable clothing that consumers in Indiana can feel good about purchasing, the shop has created a sustainable Fair-Trade brand that stretches beyond just the women employed. In fact, CGI totals 239 family members this year that are being supported through their programs.
Erin says like many women in rural Cambodia villages, Tavi had few options. When she found herself sick, single and trying to provide for her children, she had nowhere to turn. A missionary couple stepped in and decided to supply a sewing machine and train Tavi to sew simple pillow cases she could sell to support her family. This practical solution led to the creation of CGI, a company whose entire aim is to create pathways out of poverty through education, life skills and vocational training.
Currently, approximately 15 women are employed in their workshop in Cambodia, according to the group's managers; each one receiving a fair wage that actually supports their family, plus provides vastly more comfortable working conditions that include breaks and paid holidays.
“BYTAVI is exceedingly different from my former workplaces,” explains Thyrth, production manager in Cambodia. “Everyone here is so friendly and full of love. No matter your background or what you have experienced before, everyone is honored and cared for. I work closely with seamstresses and staff and consider them as family.”
The ByTAVI shop just held a private preview event on Aug. 22 to debut their new fall line, including trends such as shackets and wide-leg pants. When customers look closely at tags on every garment sold, there's a signature from the woman who sewed it, further proof the garment was made with care and hope.