About
Unique and One of a Kind Handmade Bags
MaloomaHandmade: A Legacy of Love and Craft
My name is Ploy, I was born and raised in Akha in the mountains of Chiang Rai, Thailand. The Akha are one of several ethnic hill tribes living across Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and the Yunnan Province of China. Our language, Akha, belongs to the Loloish (Yi) branch of the Tibeto-Burman family.
The name MaloomaHandmade was inspired by my mother, Maloo. In the Akha language, “Ma” means mom—so Malooma simply means “Mom Maloo.”
My mom was my first embroidery teacher. She taught me how to sew, how to choose threads, and how to express stories through each stitch. When she was younger, her needlework was extraordinary and beautiful. She was chosen to represent our village and present Akha embroidery to visitors and tourists. She was known as one of the most talented artisans in our community.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many small businesses struggled, including those in my hometown. Wanting to help support our local artisans, I began designing bags using traditional patterns. I made shoulder bags and fanny packs as Christmas gifts for my family and friends in the US.
I never imagined that something so simple would spark so much joy. Every time I carried one of my handmade bags in public, people noticed. Strangers would smile, offer compliments, and ask where I got them. Those small, kind moments gave me a deep sense of pride—not just in my work, but in my identity as an Akha. Their encouragement inspired me to take a leap and turn my passion into a small business I could share with the world.
That’s how MaloomaHandmade was born.
Today, we offer 100% hand-embroidered, unique, and one-of-a-kind products online and at local farmers' markets. Our specialty is handmade bags that combine tradition, creativity, and culture. Each piece is crafted by local artisans in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
While our roots are in Akha embroidery, our designs go beyond a single culture. We thoughtfully blend traditional Akha patterns with styles from other Thai hill tribes—such as the Lisu, Mien, Hmong, Lahu, and Karen—alongside influences from both Eastern and Western cultures. This fusion brings a modern, global touch to our designs, creating bags that feel both deeply cultural and beautifully contemporary.
Each design is rich in detail and meaning, telling stories that connect generations and cross cultures. Depending on the complexity, a single bag can take anywhere from five days to several weeks to complete. Our artisans are mostly seniors, housewives, and those who enjoy embroidery as a meaningful hobby and a way to earn extra income. Every stitch is crafted with patience, pride, and love.
MaloomaHandmade is more than just a brand; it’s a tribute to my mother, Maloo, and to the timeless beauty of hand-embroidery work. It’s about honoring our roots, embracing new inspirations, and sharing our stories with the world—one stitch, one bag at a time. Through this small business, I aim to keep traditional craftsmanship alive, support local artisans, and celebrate the legacy of artistry that connects us all.
My name is Ploy, I was born and raised in Akha in the mountains of Chiang Rai, Thailand. The Akha are one of several ethnic hill tribes living across Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and the Yunnan Province of China. Our language, Akha, belongs to the Loloish (Yi) branch of the Tibeto-Burman family.
The name MaloomaHandmade was inspired by my mother, Maloo. In the Akha language, “Ma” means mom—so Malooma simply means “Mom Maloo.”
My mom was my first embroidery teacher. She taught me how to sew, how to choose threads, and how to express stories through each stitch. When she was younger, her needlework was extraordinary and beautiful. She was chosen to represent our village and present Akha embroidery to visitors and tourists. She was known as one of the most talented artisans in our community.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many small businesses struggled, including those in my hometown. Wanting to help support our local artisans, I began designing bags using traditional patterns. I made shoulder bags and fanny packs as Christmas gifts for my family and friends in the US.
I never imagined that something so simple would spark so much joy. Every time I carried one of my handmade bags in public, people noticed. Strangers would smile, offer compliments, and ask where I got them. Those small, kind moments gave me a deep sense of pride—not just in my work, but in my identity as an Akha. Their encouragement inspired me to take a leap and turn my passion into a small business I could share with the world.
That’s how MaloomaHandmade was born.
Today, we offer 100% hand-embroidered, unique, and one-of-a-kind products online and at local farmers' markets. Our specialty is handmade bags that combine tradition, creativity, and culture. Each piece is crafted by local artisans in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
While our roots are in Akha embroidery, our designs go beyond a single culture. We thoughtfully blend traditional Akha patterns with styles from other Thai hill tribes—such as the Lisu, Mien, Hmong, Lahu, and Karen—alongside influences from both Eastern and Western cultures. This fusion brings a modern, global touch to our designs, creating bags that feel both deeply cultural and beautifully contemporary.
Each design is rich in detail and meaning, telling stories that connect generations and cross cultures. Depending on the complexity, a single bag can take anywhere from five days to several weeks to complete. Our artisans are mostly seniors, housewives, and those who enjoy embroidery as a meaningful hobby and a way to earn extra income. Every stitch is crafted with patience, pride, and love.
MaloomaHandmade is more than just a brand; it’s a tribute to my mother, Maloo, and to the timeless beauty of hand-embroidery work. It’s about honoring our roots, embracing new inspirations, and sharing our stories with the world—one stitch, one bag at a time. Through this small business, I aim to keep traditional craftsmanship alive, support local artisans, and celebrate the legacy of artistry that connects us all.
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