Claudio Lendi
General Manager, founder
Since I was a child, my parents have been committed to promoting sustainable agriculture. They created many fair trade projects in developing countries. At 16, my father took me to Peru to visit small farmers and their projects. I was impressed by how these projects changed people's lives. From that moment on, my dream became to create something to help others.
I was saving for a trip: I really wanted to explore the world one day. At 20, I left my home country, lived in different nations, studying their local languages and trying to understand their cultures.
During a trip, I met my wife, Karen Iman Cheong. Together we decided to put down roots for our project in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 2009 we created the brand Omatti, with the philosophy of “Design for fair trade”.
Claudio Lendi
General Manager, founder
Since I was a child, my parents have been committed to promoting sustainable agriculture. They created many fair trade projects in developing countries. At 16, my father took me to Peru to visit small farmers and their projects. I was impressed by how these projects changed people's lives. From that moment on, my dream became to create something to help others.
I was saving for a trip: I really wanted to explore the world one day. At 20, I left my home country, lived in different nations, studying their local languages and trying to understand their cultures.
During a trip, I met my wife, Karen Iman Cheong. Together we decided to put down roots for our project in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 2009 we created the brand Omatti, with the philosophy of “Design for fair trade”.
Karen Iman Cheong
Design director, founder
My childhood memories are closely linked to my mother, who took care of me and my sister while sewing at home. Wearing the beautiful clothes she created filled my childhood with love.
My creativity began by writing stories and poems. Not long after, I discovered an interest and talent for clothing, making clothes and bags. I believe that love and passion can be conveyed through the product and that producers can enjoy creating. We hope that Omatti women are happy and proud of their work and this is one of the principles of our project.
Karen Iman Cheong
Design director, founder
My childhood memories are closely linked to my mother, who took care of me and my sister while sewing at home. Wearing the beautiful clothes she created filled my childhood with love.
My creativity began by writing stories and poems. Not long after, I discovered an interest and talent for clothing, making clothes and bags. I believe that love and passion can be conveyed through the product and that producers can enjoy creating. We hope that Omatti women are happy and proud of their work and this is one of the principles of our project.
We cooperate with women from farming families in northern Thailand, blending local labour and traditional techniques with our exclusive design.
Our collaborators work directly from home, they can stay with their family and village members while they work, growing rice and vegetables. The flexibility of the work helps them get through many difficult times. Seeing the happiness in their eyes made us realise that Omatti has become our mission.
Over the years, we have been able to admire our collaborators develop initiative and self-confidence. Thanks to the help and support of many, Omatti has grown more than we expected.