Prior to every market, TVM offers a Startup Stall package to one new business that catches our eye. It’s our opportunity to ‘give back’ and support the up and comers, the locals doing great things with heart, in the creative industry.
This week, our Start-up Stall recipient is Lisa Hu and her label Sunstained. Read on to find out more and you can find Sunstained at TVM this Sunday 19 January.
Hi Lisa, congrats on receiving our TVM Standout Stall initiative for your first TVM this Sunday! We’re looking forward to meeting you. Tell us about how Sunstained was born?
Sustained came about from my passion for girl's empowerment, specifically in third world countries. I wanted to create a brand that supports our fellow superstars, no matter how far they might be from us. Educating girls has been proven to be one of the best ways to improve economies, fight climate change, and create a more fair and equal world.
I wanted a brand that was more than just fashion, but wearable art, if you will. The sun, the beach and the wonderful array of talented women that roam this planet inspire all of the designs!
Have you always been creative?
I have a background of illustration and graphic design, which I have only just begun to translate onto textiles. I also specialise in watercolour painting, and spend a lot of time painting dog ‘pawtraits’!
Is this business your full-time gig?
I also host watercolour workshops at The Craft Parlour on the GC and pick up freelance design projects on the side.
Tell us about your brand name, how did this come about?
I played around with the word “sun” for ages, because I knew that was the best reflection of my style, aesthetic and vision.
Then I happened to be listening to a song called “Lovestained” by Hope Tala. I knew straight away that Sunstained was perfect for me. I never looked back!
We have our eyes on your beautiful headscarves, tell us more about the products you offer?
Currently I sell silky headscarves illustrated by me, as well as enamel pins, and 100% cotton tote bags dyed using turmeric and hand printed with linoblocks.
I made some jumbo scrunchies from the offcuts of the headscarf fabric and also from thrifted fabric.
Soon I’d like to start designing clothing, specifically comfortable dresses made of sustainable materials such as recycled cotton, hemp, bamboo, and Tencel.
What inspires you creatively?
My biggest inspiration is definitely nature; I find that a walk on the beach always leaves me buzzing with new ideas, as well as travelling and seeing cool new places. I’m constantly inspired by the different colours and patterns different cultures use, and my Asian background has really helped me appreciate that.
Do you work from home, an office or creative workspace?
I work from home mostly, in a room decked out with prints and artworks from floor to ceiling!
Do you implement any sustainable practices within your company, if so tell us about this?
My products are packaged in 100% biodegradable compostable plastic, hand sewn on the GC, and printed locally using water based pigments and dyes with minimal waste.
Like TVM, I’m working toward zero waste and for this reason you’ll find pretty minimal packaging on my products. But it’s what’s inside that counts!
Favourite podcasts?
My favorite podcast has to be the Deliciously Ella podcast, which covers a range of interesting topics like nutrition, sleep, and psychology.
A close second would be Girlboss Radio by Sophia Amoruso; anything that includes women killing it in business has my attention!
Thanks so much Lisa!
You can shop Lisa’s products and say hello this Sunday 19 January at TVM, or visit the online shop, here.
