Cambodian Village Fund scholarship student Socheata has a new business—selling books online. (It reminds us of how a well-known Internet giant got started.) Socheata, a first-year college student, is attending two universities simultaneously. She’s studying English Literature at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University-Battambang Branch (SBUBB) and also studying marketing at the University of Management and Economics.
Cheata Bookstore orders books from Phnom Penh, has them shipped to Battambang via bus, and advertises the books on Facebook. With little money for advertising, most of her customers are her teachers and friends. She makes a profit of about 15%-20% on the books she sells. While there are small bookstores in Battambang, Cheata Bookstore is able to get books in Phnom Penh that are not available in Battambang.
After graduating from college, Socheata wants to have her own business. Cheata Bookstore allows her to combine her love for books and reading with experience running a business.