Rachel Dodson

Rachel Dodson is the founder of Penh Lenh, an ethical fashion company based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.12 She established the company in 2013 after leaving her fast-paced job as a modeling agent in New York City.12 Dodson's decision to start Penh Lenh was driven by her desire to empower women through ethical fashion and to make a meaningful impact in a country where many young women are vulnerable.1

Background and Motivation

Rachel Dodson's journey to founding Penh Lenh began with a feeling of unfulfillment in her previous career in the modeling industry, which she described as "dark and vain".1 Seeking a more purposeful path, she decided to leverage her skills in business and fashion to help others.1 After a three-week visit to Cambodia to research the need for a program like Penh Lenh, Dodson fell in love with the country and its people.1

Penh Lenh's Mission

Penh Lenh, under Dodson's leadership, focuses on:

1. Providing fair and dignified employment to young women in Cambodia4
2. Offering skill training and educational opportunities4
3. Creating high-quality, handcrafted jewelry using 14k gold-filled materials, semi-precious gemstones, and freshwater pearls1

The company's name, "Penh Lenh," carries significance in its mission to empower women. In contrast to a Cambodian saying that "men are gold, women are white silk," Penh Lenh aims to correct this mentality with their "women are gold" collection, promoting equality and women's economic empowerment.1

Achievements and Future Plans

Under Rachel Dodson's guidance, Penh Lenh has:

• Expanded its social media presence, particularly on TikTok, where they have nearly 300,000 followers1
• Initiated a scholarship program to support young women's education1
• Collaborated with NGOs in Cambodia to offer employment opportunities3

Dodson continues to lead Penh Lenh with a focus on growing the business through online sales, enabling them to hire more staff and expand their impact on women's empowerment in Cambodia.1