Somaly Hay & Co.

My name is Somaly Hay. I was trained from a very young age in the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as a Court Dancer. During the Khmer Rouge reign of terror from 1975 to 1979, eleven of the sixteen members of my family were killed, including my parents. In 1980, having survived the upheaval in Cambodia through spiritual strength and determination, along with my husband and my brother I escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand near the Cambodian border.

In 1981, with great compassion and an open heart, America accepted my family, including my almost 3-month-old baby to settle in New London,CT. I lived there for 5 years and I am now living in Waterford, CT.

I have performed throughout the United States and Canada,recognized as a Master Teaching Artist by the CT Commission on the Arts. I give workshops on Cambodian dance and culture, drawing upon my own experience to encourage children to appreciate cultural differences. For older audiences, I offer an unforgettable personal history lesson in addition to performances of beauty and grace. I am fortunate to have received numerous award grants to choreograph dances and make documentary films.

Performing and teaching dance took its toll on my knees and prompted me to seek out new ventures. In addition to my God-given talent as a choreographer, I am now busy designing handbags,T-shirts, making jewelry, writing a book and other related items.

I am fortunate to be able to have my products made in Cambodia and Vietnam because it provides jobs for those who have had less opportunity than I have had. Some of the hardware and materials I use are from neighboring countries to Cambodia and are very beautiful.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity and freedom that America has given me.

Thank you for shopping,

Somaly Hay