“Express what you believe through what you wear,” says Lisa T. D. Nguyen, Senhoa’s founder. She’s not talking about t-shirts.

When you buy a Senhoa product, you directly impact the lives of young girls at risk in Cambodia. Each necklace, ring, bangle and earring in Senhoa’s collections is handcrafted by survivors of exploitation—girls taking part in a one-year program that helps them escape servitude for good.

The danger for them is real. In 2010, the U.S. State Department identified Cambodia as “a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor.” Many Cambodian girls are rescued from this life, but, with limited means and little education, returning to it may be their only means of survival. By providing them with income-generating opportunities and social reintegration, Senhoa’s jewelry program helps these girls create a sustainable freedom.

For nine months, the girls attend classes that provide them with a mix of hard- and soft-skills. They practice public speaking; learn computer skills, and master financial and business management techniques, along with cultural practices like traditional dance. Their numeracy and literacy is strengthened too. The girls then spend two months in internships, applying what they’ve learned to a practical work environment.

Their last month is spent finding a job. However, if they’re unable to find one, they can remain in Senhoa’s program until they do. No one is cut loose.

Buying Senhoa jewelry doesn’t just support a good cause; it supports hot fashion. “Our goal is to create a hip and successful jewelry brand,” says Lisa. “The difference is that all our profits are remitted back to our community development projects, of which the jewelry project is just one.” The girls in Senhoa’s program contribute two hours of work a day building the jewelry the company sells, and quality is never sacrificed.

Take Coco Rocha’s word for it. The Canadian supermodel was so impressed with Senhoa’s mission—and look—that she collaborated with designer Jenny Van to create a Senhoa collection of her own. It includes bold pieces like the Chantrea (Moonlight), a necklace made of smoky, translucent Swarovski crystals, threaded into elaborate metalwork.

Response to the Senhoa brand has been electric. “What your company is doing for victims of trafficking is amazing…” said buyer Tracy Toussaint. “I think it’s admirable that a company producing beautiful jewelry has a positive mission behind them.” Tracy’s feelings are typical of Senhoa’s growing base of customers, who find the company’s designs perfect for birthday and anniversary gifts, and special events like galas and weddings.

It was a wedding gift that first inspired Rocha. In 2010, Lisa Nguyen presented her with a Senhoa bracelet called Champagne Delight, a bubbly, playful piece that reflects light while the wearer moves. Part of the Phoenix 2010 collection, it is still available for sale, along with many other pieces, like The Temptress, an earring design channeling the glory days of Art Deco.

Visit Senhoa's Shop on Ethical Ocean or Senhoa’s own online storefront, www.senhoa.org, to start accessorizing your conscience today.