Weaving Dreams with Mint Ceylon
Intro
Founded by sisters Summaiya, Tasneem, and Zainab, Mint Ceylon emerged during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, weaving together their diverse backgrounds in design, photography, makeup artistry, and fashion. Born out of reflection and a commitment to sustainability, Mint Ceylon is more than a brand—it's a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of a shared dream. Join us as we explore the personal journey of the founders and the unique blend of authenticity, sustainability, and community that defines Mint Ceylon in the fashion landscape.
interview by Ezgi Atay
Ultimately, our goal is to build a vibrant and inclusive community that shares our passion for sustainability, creativity, and positive change.
Q1.
Can you unravel your background as founders and the story behind Mint Ceylon's creation? What inspired you to embark on this entrepreneurial journey?
As the founders of Mint Ceylon, my sisters (Summaiya, Tasneem) and I (Zainab) share a deeply personal connection to the journey of our brand. It all began during the challenging times of the lockdown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While I was managing a leading designer store and pursuing jewelry design on the side, my sisters were navigating their paths—Summaiya as a full-time hair and makeup artist, budding photographer, and graphic designer, and Tasneem with her background in fashion design and art.
During those uncertain days, when COVID-19 was at its peak and the future seemed uncertain, we found ourselves confined indoors, grappling with the overwhelming news. It was a time of reflection, a moment to re-evaluate our priorities and seize the opportunity to pursue our dreams. We realized the fragility of life and the importance of living each day to the fullest, chasing our passions with unwavering determination.
With our diverse backgrounds in creative fields, it felt like a natural progression to channel our collective talents and passion for upcycled fashion. Thus, Mint Ceylon was born in 2020, right out of our humble apartment. Our brand has remained resilient and unwavering enduring challenges such as the pandemic, fuel crisis, and power cuts in Sri Lanka. Despite the challenges, we embraced the journey wholeheartedly, balancing our fledgling brand with side jobs to sustain ourselves and reinvest every penny back into our business.
Deeply ingrained values and experiences sparked our entrepreneurial journey. Upcycling wasn't just a concept to us but a way of life. Growing up in a joint family household, my sisters, my mum, and I shared a single bedroom while my father sought job opportunities overseas to provide for us and offer a better life. Every penny counted, and we learned to make the most of what we had. Our thrifting adventures opened our eyes to the staggering amount of waste in the fashion industry. It was disheartening to witness usable items discarded. This realization fuelled our desire to positively impact the fashion industry by promoting sustainability and reducing textile waste.
Our upbringing in Sri Lanka, with its vibrant culture and rich heritage, further shaped our vision for Mint Ceylon. We wanted to honor our roots while championing responsible and conscious consumption practices.
Ultimately, Mint Ceylon is more than just a business to us; it's a passion project born out of a genuine commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and community empowerment. It's a testament to our resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to turning adversity into opportunity. It's a celebration of sisterhood, creativity, and the pursuit of a shared dream, and we're honored to share this journey with you.
Image: Founder Tasneem
Q2.
Can you describe Mint Ceylon's personality? What core values does the brand live by?
Mint Ceylon embodies the spirit of the free-spirited adventurer, inviting individuals to express their unique essence. Rooted in the ethos of self-expression and freedom, our brand celebrates the journey of exploration and discovery. We embrace the wanderlust of the soul, offering products that inspire and empower individuals to embrace their true selves and boldly navigate the world around them. With a blend of creativity, authenticity, and a touch of wanderlust, Mint Ceylon encourages individuals to embrace their inner adventurer and live life on their own terms.
Mint Ceylon's personality is deeply rooted in our core values and beliefs, reflecting our
journey as founders and the ethos of our brand. At the heart of Mint Ceylon is authenticity,
sustainability, and community. These core values shape our brand identity and guide us in
our mission to create positive change in the fashion industry and beyond.
We strive to embody authenticity in everything we do, from our designs to our interactions
with customers. Our brand is a reflection of our genuine passion for sustainable fashion and
our commitment to transparency and honesty.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of Mint Ceylon's personality. We are dedicated to
creating products that are not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious. From
upcycling materials to reducing waste in our production process, sustainability guides every
decision we make.
Community is also a vital aspect of Mint Ceylon's personality. We believe in the power of
collaboration and connection, and we actively seek to foster a sense of community among
our customers, artisans, and supporters. Whether it's empowering local artisans or engaging
with our customers, community is at the forefront of everything we do.
Image: Founder Summaiya
Q3.
Can you pinpoint the must-try items in Mint Ceylon's lineup? What products stand out?
Among our array of coveted items, the Ilya Kimono stands out as a perennial favorite. With
its versatile silhouette and diverse styles, it's a timeless piece that captures the essence of
Mint Ceylon's aesthetic.
In addition, our Willow convertible skirt and top set, along with the Zora co-ord set,
consistently fly off the racks, beloved for their effortless elegance and versatility.
When it comes to accessories, our Ilariya Travel Bag and Aurora Travel Pouch are top
contenders, prized for their functionality and chic design. These pieces seamlessly blend
style with practicality, making them essential companions for any adventure.
Image: Founder Zainab
Q4.
How can you share insights into how Mint Ceylon stays innovative in the ever-changing market? What strategies keep the brand fresh and exciting?
At Mint Ceylon, staying innovative in the ever-changing market is not just a goal, but a
fundamental part of our ethos. As the founder, I'm deeply committed to ensuring that our
brand remains fresh, exciting, and relevant to our customers.
One of the key strategies we employ to stay innovative is a relentless dedication to creativity
and experimentation. We're constantly exploring new ideas, trends, and techniques, pushing
the boundaries of traditional fashion norms to create something truly unique and
unexpected.
Additionally, we prioritize listening to our customers and understanding their evolving needs
and preferences. By staying closely attuned to feedback and market trends, we're able to
adapt and pivot quickly, ensuring that our offerings resonate with our audience.
Collaboration is another essential aspect of our innovation strategy. We actively seek out
partnerships with likeminded, artisans, and organizations, leveraging their expertise and
perspectives to infuse fresh ideas and inspiration into our brand.
Furthermore, we're not afraid to take risks and embrace change. Whether it's introducing
new product lines, experimenting with innovative materials, or exploring unconventional
marketing strategies, we're always willing to step outside our comfort zone in pursuit of
innovation.
Q5.
Can you elaborate on Mint Ceylon's engagement with its community? How does the brand foster a sense of connection and engagement with its customers, and are there any community-centric initiatives or collaborations in the pipeline?
At Mint Ceylon, community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to
create meaningful connections with our customers, not just as consumers, but as valued
members of our community. From the outset, we've prioritized building relationships and
fostering a sense of belonging among those who resonate with our brand.
Our approach to community engagement goes beyond transactions; it's about building
genuine connections based on shared values and interests. We actively listen to our
customers, seeking feedback and insights to better understand their needs and preferences.
Whether it's through social media interactions, newsletters, or in-person events (when
possible), we aim to create spaces where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.
In terms of initiatives, we're always exploring new ways to give back and make a positive
impact. One of our key community-centric initiatives focuses on empowering women from
low-income families across Sri Lanka. Currently, we're working with five different families,
providing them with the necessary training and equipment to help uplift them in the
community. By offering opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment,
we're not only supporting these women in achieving financial independence but also
fostering a sense of pride and dignity. As we continue to grow, we aspire to expand this
program and support even more women in need.
Additionally, we personally handle our customers one-on-one, both online and in-store. We
believe in the power of personalized service and strive to provide each customer with a
tailored experience that meets their unique needs and preferences. Whether you're
shopping online or visiting our store, you can expect individualized attention and support
every step of the way.
Ultimately, our goal is to build a vibrant and inclusive community that shares our passion for
sustainability, creativity, and positive change. Together, we're not just building a brand;
we're co-creating a movement towards a more conscious and compassionate world.
