In Myanmar, surrounded by beautiful fabrics, I began my journey to creating Yamin by traveling to Chin, Shan, and Kachin States to meet and source from weaving collectives. I researched programs like the British Council’s Lat Khat Than program, Turquoise Mountain, and SMART Myanmar and visited their sites. I developed relationships with independent tailors in Yangon to craft clothing for women that honored the ethnic textile heritage of Myanmar.

And then I founded Yamin Burma.

How might we build an ethical clothing brand that supports local artisans?

🧵🧶🪡 To produce clothing designs that met the needs of women living in Myanmar while raising awareness of the textiles, I searched for fabrics and knowledge from Kachin, Shan, and Chin States—places known for their weaving heritage.

💡 Women in Yangon needed casual and business casual clothing, with the lack of high-quality stores with international styles.

💡 Weavers, despite making beautiful fabrics, needed more exposure to international markets and for those fabrics to be turned into products.

Deliverables I owned:

🎯 Conducted competitive research, focus groups, surveys, and consumer research

🎯 Launched ethical textiles brand Yamin Burma with 20+ pieces

🎯 Managed all operations, distribution, partnerships, and marketing

Impact:

👗 Supported three weaving collectives—Daw Khan Yin (Kachin), Hnin Witthmone Natural Dyed Shop (Amarapura), and A Little Loom (Shan)—and other producers/artisans

👗 Produced a brand that filled a need for stylish clothing for women

👗 Sold hundreds of pieces at Maker’s Market and trunk shows in Yangon, and on consignment at “it’s going green” and “Thailand Closet” at Bangkok Art & Culture Center

What I learned:

Ultimately, running a business by yourself is a lot of work. It requires grit, tenacity, courage, and discipline. If I were to do it again, I would have a co-founder and be clear on my vision from the beginning.