Connecting Cultures| Nurturing Crafts | Ethically Handcrafted
Label in Focus
Introducing

The Founders

Josie Mackenzie is the founder of AMMA. Josie’s first chapter with Sri Lanka was written in 2010 when she worked with a local NGO that provides safe housing for women and educational programs for children. It was through this experience that Josie learned more about the challenges women face in Sri Lanka. On returning to the UK, Josie completed her BA in Textile Design where Sri Lanka became a focus for her woven work, and where she experimented with natural dyes for the first time. The high unemployment rate among mothers living on Sri Lanka’s tea estates was a problem Josie wanted to address when she started AMMA. Working with women is important to her as she sees them as key changemakers within their community. With AMMA employing and training mothers, the business is directly impacting their children and families. Josie’s vision was to also create a culture of community and friendship for these women.

Crafted in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Meet the Makers

AMMA employs 11 women in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Being a maker-led community, it is a 100% women owned and run business. The Ammas are paid a fair wage, double that of a tea picker and work flexible hours enabling them to work around childcare duties. The workshop is a safe and peaceful environment where our Ammas feel comfortable and supported. The AMMAs are Meena - Workshop Manager, Johanna - Office Administrator, Mary - Head of Weaving, Rumana - Seamstress & Quality Control, Sheromi - Pattern Cutting & Embroider, Kogila - Seamstress, Chandraleka - Weaving, Lenat - Weaving, Priya - Seamstress and Wasanthi -Seamstress.

The Process

AMMA is involved in every part of its supply chain beyond production. The brand also works with hand weavers on the east coast of Sri Lanka to source fabrics as well as producing them in-house. All of AMMA’s dyes are locally foraged as well as purchased from local ayurvedic suppliers. Amma specialises in natural dyeing and hand weaving and believes in empowering the women it works with. The skills incorporated into each piece of clothing are done with the hope of reviving Sri Lanka’s handloom industry.

Standards

A true social enterprise that is helping women improve their livelihoods while observing sustainable practices throughout the value chain.
  • F Fair
  • I Indigenous
  • V Vegan
  • O Organic
  • R Regenerative
  • R Refashioned

Going the Extra Mile

100% Hand Crafted

All steps involved in creating the final product are done by hand. Utilising skills of artisans involved, makes each piece, one of a kind.

Traceable

From seed to stitch, products that can be traced down to the source of the raw materials, at every step in the supply chain.

Community Focused

Improving livelihoods of marginalised communities who have suffered the most with the advent of fast fashion, either through artisanal collaborations or simply giving enough back.

Natural Dyes

No toxic or chemical dyes are used, resulting in products that are good for your skin and for the planet.

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