Meet the designer of MISAI: Sai Chang
Sai, the designer behind MISAI, has always been creative at heart but building space and providing platforms for artists took precedence. As someone who has always worked behind the scenes, MISAI is a big move to the front.
In the past, Sai led the Center of Hmong Arts and Talent fashion show, Fresh Traditions- where she worked with up and coming Hmong fashion designers that did not fit the usual western euro style. During her leadership, the shows sold-out every year. As she parted with Fresh Traditions, she made space for MISAI.
MISAI is a slow-made and small-batch jewelry art and accessories brand based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Created as an ode to the designer, Sai's (pronounced sigh) mother, MISAI derives inspiration from vintage Hmong craftswomxnship.
MISAI celebrates creative expression and self-discovery and is deeply rooted in culture and community. Our hope is that when you wear a MISAI piece, you feel as if you can do anything. Because you can.
Sai or Ntxhais, as it's pronounced in Hmong, means "girl" or "daughter" depending on context. "Mi" is a term of endearment, much like saying "my sweet" or "my dear." To this day, Sai's mother still greets her as her mi Ntxhais/mi Sai.
Here, we get to know Sai and her brand.
Why present your designs through earrings?
I love the idea of adorning oneself with these ornaments because they don’t serve that purpose historically. In the 90s, you’d probably see these ornaments hung on rearview windows of cars or randomly placed in a Hmong family’s home (we had a few of these hanging from hooks or nails on walls). You don’t see them around anymore. Creating this collection was very nostalgic for me. It was also exciting to breathe new life into this design concept. Presenting my designs through earrings has allowed me to marry history and culture in an accessible way that feels modern, fun, and bold. Beyond earrings, I plan to introduce other jewelry pieces and accessories in the future.
How long does it take for you to develop a pair of earrings?
It can take up to two hours or more and that includes creating the base of the bead, wrapping the bead with 100% cotton embroidery thread, and assembly.
What are you hoping to achieve with MISAI?
Throughout my 20s, my creative endeavors and professional choices found me behind the scenes. From booking Hmong artists from across the country for local music festivals to stage managing events and productions. From producing Fresh Traditions Fashion Show for a half-decade to planning, designing, and managing a multitude of events and more. I am proud to have given over a decade of my life to providing platforms and to have been of service to youth, artists, and communities. With MISAI, I’m ready to step out from behind the scenes and share my work. It’s been very healing for me to create. If my designs can inspire others, and when worn, people feel as if they can do anything, then that’s a win.
How can people reach you now and in the future? Follow MISAI on Instagram and Facebook for updates. We’ll fully launch through our online store in February 2021 so stay tuned for that!
