Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Jiann.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yvonne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a fashion product developer by day (by trade) and handmade unique fashion accessories maker by night and weekends (by passion). I stumble into “twiistii” because I thought if one-day robots make clothes and the computer software generates designs.. then I will be out of work. SO, I bring in all criteria that contradict to the nature of the business; which is SIZE, Asian fit, European fit, American size, etc… I want it ONE SIZE FITS ALL, seasonal style and LOGOs, so I want the logos will never go “bad”, and it has to fits all races, age and styles… twiistii has customers from children to 85-year-old adults in all walk of life. The fashion industry has some kind of affiliation with labor exploitation in some part of the world, so in my planning of production, I have given jobs for women who need flexible work hours, and I also worked with an organization called Mother and Child they only provide jobs for single moms and empty nesters. I often time cringe to mention this because to me, they are just AMAZING WOMEN, my heroines that help my business, I have no intention to label this grace to make them any less worthy or undignified. Therefore twiistii was born, and I also want this product to be an act of creativity, to empower women to live creatively or care for what others thinks of them. I was very blessed to be on the magazine of SEVENTEEN, collab with Italian brand La Perla, also gift item for America’s Cup 2016,
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh no, the struggle is real. My main job is totally behind the scene! With the retail/wholesale landscape changed. A small start-up business like twiistii, I have to rely on social media and to “TELL MY STORY” and since I have a unique one of a kind item, I have to demonstrate – how to, to show people multiple ways of wearing it. To put me out there was (still is kinda) very hard. I am an entrepreneur not a model ha ha.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I plan patterns and color schemes and purchase fabrics and prepare for my studio to cut, sew and I will finish with trimming and ironing. We can be found with some online e-commerce platform IG and Etsy… mostly we do art, makers pop-ups. Specializing unique multiple ways of statement accessory fashion. I think twiistii is known for its ONE SIZE FITS ALL, it’s amazing that nobody gets away, a baby girl can wear them (headbands hello), mom or auntie even grandma can pick them up and wear. I am most proud that we transform lives… people thanked me for the encouragement of living creatively, and the confidence they have, it’s empowering to not care what people think of their styles. My product is ONE OF A KIND, I add a little “twist” in people’s life.
What were you like growing up?
My mother is an encourager, so growing up, no criticism of dreaming big or being creative. Carte blache! I grew from very self-centered (artistic) to much-caring others (how to use art to impact surrounding), I love outdoor life, ocean, sun and surf.
Pricing:
- Solid color, pattern and sport twiistii $29
- Gallery series $39
- Vintage theme $65
Contact Info:
- Website: simplymadelocal.com
- Phone: 323.484.4188
- Email: twiistii@mail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/twiistiiusa
- Facebook: facebook.com/twiistii
- Other: etsy.com/shop/twiistii
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
