Originally written and published for Ethel Studio on April 22, 2019
In honor of Fashion Revolution Week this year, we are going behind-the-scenes to take a closer look at our processes. Meet Nukou Yang, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based stitcher extraordinaire and business owner who constructions all of our one-of-a-kind zero waste meditation cushions. We are so grateful to work with her!
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF!
I am a mother of four (three boys and one girl). I am an independent sewing contractor. I help small designers get started and get their designs ready for production runs. I also help with making samples as needed.
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST START SEWING?
I started sewing at the age of eight years old. I learned sewing from my mother who also was an independent contractor as well. Ever since then, I picked up the skills and made it into my career.
WHAT LED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN SEWING BUSINESS?
Before I started my own business, I contracted projects from companies. With my love of sewing, I have decided to open up my own sewing business to help small start-up designers.
WHAT'S YOUR MOST FAVORITE ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite aspect of my job is the challenge. You never know what type of projects will come through the door. Some projects are simple, some are more difficult and challenging. It’s up to me as a sewer to better help customers meet their needs. The best part of the reward is seeing designers’ product on the market.
WHO HAS MADE THE MOST POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE?
My loved ones. My mother plays a big roll in my love for sewing. My mother taught me that it takes patience and skills to be able to be a sewer. I have two sisters who are older than me who also grew up around sewing but have no interest in sewing. The other loved ones in my life are my four kids who inspire me to keep going everyday even though it’s a rocky road.
DO YOU HAVE A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE THAT YOU FOLLOW?
Yes, Shamans. It’s about the spirits and the mind.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SELF-CARE PRACTICES YOU UTILIZE WHEN YOU'RE FEELING STRESSED OUT?
Actually sewing is a stress release for me. Sewing is like playing a piano to me. It's hard for someone who doesn't love sewing to understand - my husband and kids don’t understand how their mother can sew seven days a week. It’s because I love it, and I find it relaxing! Yes, it does get stressful at times, but it’s usually because orders are due, not because I don't want to sew.