Meet the Maker: Pae 🇹🇭

What do Harley Davidson's, long hair, and colorful tie dyes have in common? While we could be talking about the hippie heyday of the Grateful Dead at Woodstock, in this instance the answer is our good friend and Mexicali maker Pae located outside of Bangkok. Twenty years ago Pae started his tie dye business in his home, employing local people and friends. Twenty years later his business and tie dye portfolio continue to grow and while the dying center and showroom are still at his house, he now has his cutting, sewing, drying, cleaning, washing, and drying spread out throughout the rest of the neighborhood. His business employs and empowers his community, and his vibrant tie dyes bring positive vibes to the world! In his free time Pae likes to ride his Harley and one day he dreams of motorcycling across the USA, and we hope to one day welcome him and his family to visit us in Maine!

Thailand is affectionately referred to as the land of smiles, and Pae and his smiling team of tie dye makers are no exception to that rule. Not only does tie dye result in smiles for those who wear it, but we've learned that making tie dye also results in smiles for those who make it. Pae pays his team well, and invests in the development of their local community. Many of his employees are local women who are able to work flexible schedules and are offered childcare opportunities at work. Whether they are tying, dying, cutting, sewing, or drying, Pae's team is always smiling and laughing, and their colorful energy is truly infectious, much like the power of tie dye. 

What is Mudmee tie dye? Mudmee is specific style of tie dye native to Thailand and Laos which translates to “tied mud” in Thai and refers to the intricate folding and tying that go into the process as well as the dying process being done on black or pigmented fabric. To learn more check out Masters of Mudmee: The Secrets to the Art of Tie Dye