Today we’d like to introduce you to Sai Chang.
Hi Sai, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was prototyping my earrings about 3-4 years before I launched my small business, MISAI in 2021.
MISAI pieces are inspired by these ornaments that Hmong refugee women made and sold in the 1980s and 1990s as a way to support their families. My own mother enlisted my help in selling these to teachers by sending me to school with a few in my backpack. Now, decades later as I’ve reflected on my lived experiences and truly have come to appreciate and love my culture, I’ve brought these ornaments back to the forefront in a modern way—as wearable art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening a small business is a big job. I launched MISAI during the pandemic like several creatives and entrepreneurs I know, and it’s been a learning journey every step of the way.
I have a full-time job so I have to be intentional and focus on building my business and brand which is hard to do because I’m juggling work, business, family and being a new mom. It’s absolutely worth it, though, because I love this craft and I love being able to share it with people.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
MISAI is a fiber arts and accessories brand.
As a daughter of Hmong refugees, my work is inspired by the traditional craft of ornament making that is unique to the Hmong refugee/Hmong American experience of the 1980s and 1990s. At its core, MISAI honors Hmong woman makers—mothers, aunties and grandmas—and is an ode to my own mother who taught me the craft at a young age.
Each bead is made by hand: Recycled paper is first cut into strips then folded into a gem or triangle shape after which embroidery floss is wrapped tightly to create the signature herringbone pattern. Lastly, beads are assembled into earrings. It’s an intricate process that honors and revitalizes a decades old craft that is no longer in practice.
My hope is that MISAI pieces add color and joy to people’s lives.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Website: shopmisai.com
FB/IG: @shopmisai
Pricing:
- $24-$55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopmisai.com
- Instagram: @shopmisai
- Facebook: @shopmisai
