MAiK's journey from Brixton to Edinburgh
Prior to starting MAiK she'd been working on a brand that produced men's streetwear. They manufactured some products in China but were not in a financial position to visit and verify the working conditions. This was a source of unease for Cat, that worry and watching the documentary The True Cost pushed her to give it up and start MAiK.
MAiK was founded with the ambition to offer beautiful pieces that have been made both ethically and responsibly. We launched to the public in 2016 after a year of sourcing suppliers and manufacturers that are as passionate as we are about a responsible production process and looking after the environment.
LFA company chairman Milo
photo by LFA
Our first home in London was with ethical fashion brand Lowie and PR agency LFA. We shared a vibrant studio in central Brixton, full of colourful samples, laughter and years of experience, it was the perfect place to start. There was the added bonus of regular Friday night drinks and an office dog called Milo.
At the end of 2016 Cat decided that her time in London had come to an end. She was born and raised in Scotland before moving to London in 2001 to study at Camberwell College of Arts, part of University of the Arts London. Scotland was calling and so MAiK made the move to Edinburgh.
For the first 18 months, the MAiK studio was in St Margaret's House. Run by Edinburgh Palette (a registered charity) the building contains over 200 studios which are filled with budding artists, crafters and community organisations. In June 2018 we moved into the Hill Street Design House in the centre of Edinburgh. It is a creative studio and an event space in the heart of the Edinburgh old town. All year round it hosts exhibits, pop-up shops, workshops, masterclasses, product launches and parties.
The name MAiK is an old Scottish term meaning equal. Cat wanted the name to match the brand's values and ethics. And for those of you that are wondering how to pronounce it, it's 'make'.
So Scotland may now be MAiK's home but we are proud to have been born in London!