Sigh..

There are soooo many emotions behind this crowdfunding campaign.  I have tried to avoid it for as long as possible...but here we are:

So for those of you who don't know me, I'm Veronica. 

I live here in Melbourne with my kids and run a tiiiiny business (with a giant heart) called Happily Made. 

I started Happily Made in 2009 when I was living in  Cambodian village. And I've been selling the beautiful handicrafts that the women make ever since. 

Somehow I've managed to keep it going until now (despite allllll the hurdles along the way).

I've been hanging on by a thread throughout 2024...and so have the women in Cambodia. 

It's bananas...but we've decided to do something completely different to weave a new future together. 

So, even though I've felt so much sadness about Happily Made "coming to an end" in the way I've held it for all these years...there is also excitement for this next chapter. 

(Very similar feelings to having my youngest child turning 18 and becoming an adult. I'm still her mother, but it's time for her to spread her wings.)

This is what's happening in 2025:

1. I will no longer be selling Happily Made treasures online and from the Monkey Temple. 

2. Instead I will have them available in various small (and like-minded) shops that you can buy from.

3. I will use the money from this crowdfunding campaign to help set up a shop in Phnom Penh for tourists to buy and learn about the importance of Cambodian weaving culture from. The shop will be called "Happily Made Village" and will be owned and run by brilliant Cambodians (who I've worked with and admired for over a decade)

4. This means we can focus on wholesale and hopefully receive more frequent (and bigger) orders for the incredible weavers. 

I believe that where possible, there should be an "exchange" and not just a "one way" contribution.

With that in mind, I have LOTS of handmade treasures for you to choose from when you support this crowdfunding campaign.  I really really want you to feel my deep gratitude.

I also know that there are those of you who are passionate supporters of me and the women you have a connection with in Cambodia through their handicrafts. And that you will want to give without receiving anything in return.  So for you...THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. 

PERKS (aka treasures)

FIRST THINGS FIRST, ALL THE PERKS ARE FREE POSTAGE WORLDWIDE!! 

(this is a first for me)

The treasures are all Happily Made favourites that are loved around the globe. You can either enjoy them for yourself or gift them to family and friends. It's a perfect opportunity to think about gift occasions for 2025 (and be one of those super organised gift givers)...or fill up your box of presents that you keep on the top shelf in your wardrobe.

I 100% guarantee that you will LOVE everything I send to you. Hand on my heart. Truly.

(And if you choose the "mystery box" you will not be disappointed!)

For those of you who can't help out financially right now, I totally understand. But please know that you can support me and the women in Cambodia through telling your friends and workmates about this crowdfunding campaign. 

I know most people feel weird about social media...so please think outside the social media box and do whatever you're comfortable with (whatsapp, face to face chats, LinkedIn or carrier pigeon)

Oh, and I should probably add...as great as crowdfunding is with generating excitement & momentum..a % is taken out by the platform. So feel free to contact me directly if you would like to avoid going through here. And of course, ANY questions, feel free to contact me:

veronicahappilymade at gmail dot com

Thanking you all in advance for the enthusiasm you have already shown!

Much love, 

Veronica