After Hours 5.5.22
Discussion 10: From Hand to Hand with Emily Rathmanner
This month's Q&A gets us closer to Made by Minga owner Emily Rathmanner. Her journey as a small business owner reminds us to appreciate the little details and absorb the hardwork that goes into everyday belongings.
Photos by Kimlien Le & Made by Minga
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.
- Why hats?
Shop the Venice Shorts
Shop the Jessy Water Bottle Holder | Shop the Nemesio Jumpsuit
- What was your favorite place to travel?
That's a hard one! Top three are New Zealand for its empty, windy roads that led to ever changing landscapes, Sri Lanka for its fried food, colorful tuk-tuks and elephant encounters and Peru for dusty left-hand point breaks, Aji de Gallina and cumbia music.
Shop the Woven Market Bag
- How closely do you work with your artisans?
I speak to my artisan partners in Ecuador nearly every day -- In Whatsapp we work through production rounds, design new products and check in on shipping deadlines and samples. It's a group effort. Ever since I started off in Ecuador nearly four years ago, it's felt like a family connection. When I go to work in-person we share group meals, business advice and fill them in on my dating life.
Shop the Zoila Boater Hat
- How do you define an "heirloom practice"?
An artform that's taken careful time, one that's been passed down and developed by many, many hands.
Shop the Handmade Resin Claw Clip
- What's coming for Minga?
We're running another round of #MingaCreativeEscape trips to Ecuador this year and next - A hands' on all-inclusive experience we've designed to get to know the crafts and humans we work with and learn about the traditional processes and stories behind this beautiful country. Our days will be spent visiting @madebyminga artisan partners and learning hands-on, traditional crafts from start to finish: Wool hats, natural dyes, leatherwork and more. Plus, lots of good food, authentic travel experiences and group work, breathwork and bonding.
- How would you describe your personal style?
Thrifted tees my mom would beg me to throw away, Levis, Vans, vintage boots. Anything that's cozy, has a story and can be worn over and over again.
- Any advice for someone creating their own business?
Go mentor under someone you admire and take notes.
- Top 5 favorite songs at the moment?
Right Down the Line by Gerry Rafferty
Under the Sun by Mia Doi Todd
Limbo - Stripped by Joeef
Shut the Door by Saada Bonaire
Dulcito e Coco by Vincente Garcia
Shop Made by Minga by clicking below!