Nikaya Handcrafted Brings Cambodian Crafts to the California Gift Show

Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia, January 13, 2008 – Nikaya, a socially conscious, eco-friendly company that specializes in handcrafted home decor, fashion and lifestyle accessories by Cambodian artisans, today announced it is exhibiting at the California Gift Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center, January 16-19, 2009 at booth # 905. Nikaya products are handmade in Cambodia using natural materials and traditional techniques with full compliance to fair trade principles. By supporting businesses like Nikaya, retailers not only allow their customers to help feed a family today, but offer them a better tomorrow. The Nikaya product line features silk scarves, purses, totes, jewelry and pillow covers handmade in Cambodia using unique materials and traditional techniques. The line of Nikaya products will be exhibited at the Nikaya booth #905.

Nikaya Handcrafted was founded by Brandon and Andrea Ross, owners of Journeys Within B&B and Tour Company based in Siem Reap, Cambodia which offers tours throughout Southeast Asia, and the Journeys Within Our Community non-profit organization. Based on their work through Journeys Within Our Community, the Rosses have been heralded as pioneers in philanthropic travel and Nikaya takes their community involvment and support one step further. Nikaya’s supportive relationships with fair trade groups help the rural poor achieve economic independence through the use of their traditional handicraft skills to create unique, beautiful, modern designs.

“Nikaya allows us to share the traditional Cambodian craftsmanship with the world and enables buyers to help provide a sustainable livelihood for local artists to help them build their businesses and escape poverty,” said Andrea Ross, founder of Nikaya. “Each of our products is so unique and really represents the past and present of Cambodia, as well as the amazing workmanship.”

In addition to providing a sustainable living to local artisans, Nikaya takes the community involvement even further with proceeds from Nikaya benefiting local Southeast Asia community projects. Ten percent of all profit goes to Journeys Within Our Community, a non-profit organization working in poverty reduction, education and health initiatives throughout Southeast Asia. Journeys Within Our Community was recently named to the Conde Nast World Savers list recognizing leaders in social responsibility. Nikaya also features a Giving Back opportunity where 100 percent of proceeds of select products go to support these community initiatives.

One of the more unique items Nikaya offers is their brass jewelry. Made from old shell casings, these beautiful pendants offer a unique and hopeful perspective on Cambodia - they are a celebration of the end of a tough past and the beginning of new hope.

About Journeys Within Tour Company

Journeys Within offers customized trips to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Burma and Cambodia. Brandon and Andrea Ross live in Cambodia and travel extensively, keeping in touch with all their guides and making sure all accommodations are up to par. By being based in Southeast Asia, Andrea and Brandon truly know the many destinations and can assure the quality of each tour, setting them apart from the competition.

Journeys Within Tour Company and Bed & Breakfast can be found at www.journeys-within.com or you can contact Andrea and Brandon Ross at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or toll free at 1(877) 454-3672.