About Brand
The Batik Boutique works to alleviate poverty among women by providing sustainable skills-training and jobs for hand-dyed textiles to artisans and seamstresses in Malaysia.
The Story
In 2009, Amy Blair became friends with Ana - a single mother who at the time, was looking for more income to support her family. Ana and Amy began brainstorming ways she could earn an income. Ana was able to sew, so together they bought some batik fabric that Ana transformed into unique gifts that Amy gave to family and friends. Soon word spread and with it came demand. Amy founded The Batik Boutique in the belief that women like Ana deserved a fair and sustainable income and the ability to provide for themselves and their families.
The Batik Boutique works with artisan families in rural Malaysia where they create batik textiles on natural fibers. Batik is an ancient art form that has been practiced for 2,000 years in Southeast Asia. This intricate dyeing process creates beautiful, detailed designs that are unique to the region they come from. The artisans use layers of wax and dye to create unique batik textiles and then create ethical fashion and gift items in The Batik Boutique sewing training center.
The Impact
The Batik Boutique’s social impact reaches women living in urban poor settings with an average of 5 dependents. The company works alongside them to set goals and provide childcare and a convenient workplace that enables them to provide for their families. Additionally, The Batik Boutique works with 10 family-run batik factories to help preserve and promote the ancient art form of batik. In 2015, a sewing center was established in the community in which the artisans live, to make working more convenient and eliminate needs for transport and childcare.
Today, more than 50 artisans work with The Batik Boutique to gain a fair, sustainable income and marketable skills. Each purchase directly benefits the artisans. In recognition for the company ’s effort, The Batik Boutique received the 2015 MaGIC Amplify Award.
"The Batik Boutique promotes the ancient art form of batik, while partnering with local communities in Southeast Asia to bring about holistic transformation."
- Mission statement of Batik Boutique