Interview: Meet the CEOs of 3 Highly Successful Sashiko Gals
From its humble beginnings as a simple way of repairing ripped clothes to becoming an art form, Sashiko-a traditional Japanese form of embroidery-has come a long way. The reason for this high appreciation today is due to a fresh breath of entrepreneurial spirit breathed into this age-old tradition by millennial innovators. In the following pages, we introduce you to the founders and CEOs of three of the most remarkable Sashiko gals ventures at work today.
1. Yuki Tanaka – CEO of “Sashiko Dreams“
Q: How did you get started with Sashiko, and what inspired you to turn it into a business?
Yuki: My journey with Sashiko started when I was small. My grandmother taught me the basics, and I quickly fell in love with the rhythm of the needle and thread. Since relocating to New York, I have felt a growing taste for Japanese crafts and culture but felt Sashiko gals was underrepresented in goods, and that is why I started “Sashiko Dreams”-to bring this beautiful art form to a wider audience. My goal has been to mix the traditional attractiveness found in patterns with a hint of modernity regarding aesthetic, hence making my Sashiko accessible and inviting to all.
Q: What has your greatest challenge been so far in regard to being CEO?
Yuki: There is one big challenge: how to scale the business without losing any of the traditional roots that make Sashiko unique. I mean, at one point or another, it’s easy to jump on some bandwagon of trends, but all this time, deep inside my heart, I believe that the authenticity of this craft should prevail. So every day, it’s been a challenge to grow yet with integrity. And I guess that’s what keeps our brand different.
Q: “Sashiko Chic” has been one of the front-running names in the sustainable revival fashion revival. How do you bring sustainability into your business model?
Ayumi: Sustainability is literally at the heart of everything we do at “Sashiko Chic.” Sashiko itself was born out of the necessity to mend and extend the life of a garment, which perfectly aligns with the goals of today in mind. We source our fabrics ethically, use natural dyes, and encourage customers to repair rather than replace their clothing. Every piece we create tells a story-not just of the craft but also of the conscious choices that we make in the protection of our environment.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding thing about leading “Sashiko Chic”?
Ayumi: The most rewarding experience is seeing our consumers own the philosophy of sustainability and slow fashion. It’s not business; it’s about proliferating an ideology. Whenever I see someone proudly wearing our pieces and telling the story behind them, that’s where the realization and confirmation occur as to why I started this journey. We are not just creating fashion, but we’re creating a more meaningful connection to the things we wear.
3. Hana Suzuki – CEO “Sashiko Connections”
Q: “Sashiko Connections” focuses on community building through workshops and collaborations. What inspired you for this approach?
Hana: Sashiko is much more than an art-it’s one great means of connecting with other people. I wanted to create a venue where people could come together, learn, and share their love for Sashiko. A series of workshops and collaborative projects have turned “Sashiko Connections” into a hub for both artists and beginners alike. It really warms me up to witness how Sashiko can bring people together from more than one background, regardless of skill superiority.
Q: What is the future for “Sashiko Connections”?
Hana: We will go on developing online workshops and our partnerships with artists worldwide. The goal is to enable more people to learn Sashiko, not only as a craft but as an opportunity for bonding with people worldwide. We are also looking at working with fashion designers and interior decorators for the purpose of showing that Sashiko can be used in everyday life in ways not previously imagined.
Conclusion
By revitalizing this traditional craft, the CEOs of “Sashiko Dreams,” “Sashiko Chic, and “Sashiko Connections” are reinventing it for a worldwide audience. From these different business approaches, they signal the ancient techniques to be reborn and merged into contemporary life. In the name of fashion, sustainability, or coalition-building, these Sashiko Gals are taking the vanguard to new heights.