AMMA’s Handmade Fashion Live on Kickstarter

By Izzy Bevir, AMMA Natural Textiles

In early October we shared a feature about The Sri Lankan Mothers Weaving a New Narrative and the social impact business making this a reality. AMMA Natural Textiles, founded by Josie Mackenzie, is a sustainable fashion and textile business located in Nuwara Eliya, a tea estate region in Sri Lanka. This innovative business empowers marginalised women by employing them to make handmade zero waste garments and accessories. They have provided training and employment for 16 women benefiting 64 family members (as their workers are the primary earners within their family households).

“My husband was the only one in employment but now that I work, I can educate my child.” - Kogila, Seamstress.

AMMA has launched its Kickstarter Campaign with the aim of raising £10,000 through maker made rewards so that they can continue to keep their workshop doors open and their artisans employed on full salaries. 

In early 2020, with three years experience, AMMA began the pursuit of becoming more sustainable; prioritising the creation of their own artisan products and selling direct to consumers. However, the surprise of COVID-19 meant their workshop closed for three months and orders were unable to be fulfilled. Nearly all the family members of the women they employ lost their jobs, making the AMMA salary the only income and way to put food on the table. 

AMMA has a huge role to play locally, in supporting their workers and their communities. However, they not only want to provide job security through COVID-19, but they also want an opportunity to thrive, bringing their creative expression to the world. AMMA’s new collection live on Kickstarter was developed in collaboration with zero waste designer Isabella Goggin. Isabella spent an intensive month working with and upskilling the AMMA team to develop a collection of three versatile, reversible, zero waste garments made from naturally dyed, handwoven cotton fabric.

AMMA’s Kickstarter Campaign is their way forward after such a disruptive year. They are proud to release their new collection which uses beautiful grown colour and gentle textile processes. By purchasing these rewards through the campaign, you’ll be supporting AMMA’s workers to continue to do what they love to do.

Check out their campaign here.