Myint Aung began her journey into the jewellery industry during her childhood. Having been raised as a young girl in Myanmar, where it is not uncommon to have piercings as a child, the idea of jewellery has always fascinated her.
However, the vital part of her business is its ethics.
“I’m fortunate to be in the position I am now, but I remember what I’ve seen, and I am passionate about breaking the cycle of hardship that so many women go through,” revealed Aung.
Aung’s inspiration to create Reca spawned from her fascination with jewellery and clothing. However, more significant to Aung was to create an environment that empowered marginalised women and refugees like herself.
“I wanted to create a brand that empowers marginalised women and promotes not just ethical practices and empowerment, but also creates beautiful and timeless jewellery pieces.”
As a former refugee, Aung commits herself and her brand to social responsibilities close to her heart. She works with former refugees to provide training and employment opportunities while prioritising ethical and environmentally conscious practises within jewellery production, using only high-quality materials and minimising waste where possible.
Breaking the cycle of hardship, which many former refugees face and providing employment opportunities is crucial for Aung, who hopes to introduce an ethical clothing line in conjunction with her current jewellery brand.
“Clothing is another passion of mine, but hand-crafted jewellery is much easier to start with and has helped us reach more women more quickly.”
Aung’s design inspirations are influenced by nature, her emotional introspection, and the current social climate. Following widespread events which have affected all, such as covid-19 pandemic, Aung has incorporated healing, mainly traditional healing gemstones, in her jewellery.
For aspiring designers, Aung advises them to keep an open mind and for designers to challenge themselves to continue to innovate and improve. Most importantly, Aung emphasises staying true to your values and trusting gut instinct.
“No matter what others say, if your instinct is to keep going, ignore the voices around you.”
Reca’s future is to continue growth in empowering marginalised women and expanding the reach of the brand’s impact while also creating jewellery designed with care and beauty. However, Aung hopes to also move further into the social activism space.
“In the near term, we would like to establish a social enterprise or NGO [a non-profit organisation] on the border of Myanmar and Thailand and work to support women there who suffer from abuse, violence, corruption and poverty.”
Aung expressed her gratitude to her parents and customers for their support.
“Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all,” concluded Aung.
