_{After Hours 5.5.22
Discussion 10: From Hand to Hand with Emily Rathmanner}

_{Photos by Kimlien Le & Made by Minga}

 

Where are you from?  

 

I was born and raised in Delaware... Ever heard of it? :) I've been living in SD for 3 years now. I journeyed to the west coast most summers during college so once settling down back in the US it made sense to come back to California. 

 

 

 

What inspired you to create a business in the sustainable fashion industry?

After college, I traveled and lived abroad for nearly 5 years. I was working many roles, from surf camps to surf brands, trying to launch my freelance career and score any sort of free accommodation or meal I could (traveler budget). While on the road, I was always drawn to artisan markets- Getting to know the hands, faces and stories of people selling their work. I had always dreamed of traveling the world and sourcing crafts and carpets, partnering with artisans and taking photos along the way. Then one day it happened. 

 

 

• Why hats?

We first started with bags at Minga. Surprisingly, I'm not a big bag person (you'll find my carrying the Jessy Water Bottle Holder or Maria Market if I'm carrying something) so getting into hats felt really exciting for me. 

 

Shop the Venice Shorts 

 

Did you go to school for fashion (or business)?

I went to Virginia Tech for Graphic Design and Communications. I don't consider myself much of a fashionista so it's funny being in this space for me sometimes.

 

You launched in 2018, what was the most exciting part of your business in the beginning?

Receiving our first order here in the US was an exciting moment. We spent months working through our first collection, getting to know each other and designing each style from scratch. That was a big moment - when all of our hard work paid off and I could hold one of our bags in my two hands (and show my mom lol)

 

 Shop the Jessy Water Bottle Holder | Shop the Nemesio Jumpsuit

 

_{Shop the Zoila Boater Hat}

 

 

_{Shop the Handmade Resin Claw Clip}