For refugee artisans, making nice things is only half the battle

Earth Heir, a social enterprise based near Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, aims to provide handmade products made by local and refugee artisans with a route to a wider market. The shop showcases a variety of items, including those made by Shahim Mohamed Sharif, a 35-year-old mother of three who is a tailor by trade. Shahim fled Myanmar with her husband in 2013 and has continued to work from their Sentul home, often working late into the night to complete orders.

Despite her skills, Shahim faces challenges in finding customers and earning a fair wage, as she is unable to enter formal employment like many Malaysians. Earth Heir offers a solution by providing retail space, online sales, and market access to artisans, helping them reach customers who appreciate the skill and story behind each item.

The organization works with over 35 social enterprises, NGOs, and individual artisans, offering training, mentorship, and direct buyer connections. Each artisan signs an agreement outlining payment terms and protections, with Earth Heir taking a 30% share of sales. While successful products have led to larger wholesale orders for some, the challenge remains to ensure consistent demand for handmade goods, especially when cheaper mass-produced alternatives are readily available.