OUR STORY

MAIKAI is a solo woman run business founded in Aug 2019, by Vidya Sethi, in Goa. As a young girl, she was captivated by the endless array of saris and handwoven textiles that filled her mother's wardrobe. Growing up in a small town in Odisha, fashion and styling had been an integral part of her existence from an early age. She possessed an innate flair for designing garments, often borrowing from her mother's collection to create unique and personalized pieces. This deep-rooted connection to the rich textile heritage of India would later become the driving force behind the creation of MAIKAI. Inspired by the word "Maika'i," meaning "goodness" in Hawaiian, the brand was born out of a desire to nurture and preserve the artisanal crafts that had been passed down through generations in the founder's homeland.

Mission

MAIKAI aims to nurture ancestral artisanal craftsmanship through designs that represent India’s heritage at the global forefront. Through our work, we empower Indian artisans to continue the legacy of their craft and offer our customers a meaningful connection to the pieces in their wardrobe.


Maikai Sports Bra (design registered) made in 100% Indian cotton textile is designed with the intention to empower every woman to be the most fun, feminine & fierce version of herself.


Our Ethos

Preserving and Nurturing Ancestral Indian Artisanal Crafts

The fashion industry has long been criticized for its role in the decline of traditional craftsmanship and textile production in many parts of the world. MAIKAI draws its inspiration from centuries-old weaving, embroidery, and dyeing techniques that are at risk of being lost as mass-produced, cheap garments flood the market. MAIKAI aims to address this problem by creating a demand for products that celebrate and preserve these ancestral skills. By partnering with local Indian artisans and incorporating their unique techniques into its designs, MAIKAI not only keeps these traditions alive but also provides sustainable livelihoods for the skilled craftspeople who practice them. This symbiotic relationship allows MAIKAI to offer customers a piece of living heritage in every design, while simultaneously empowering the communities that create them. In a world where globalization has homogenized much of the fashion landscape, MAIKAI stands out as a brand that values diversity, authenticity, and the preservation of cultural identity.

Offering a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Choice

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world, contributing to environmental degradation, worker exploitation, and the perpetuation of unsustainable consumption patterns. Consumers are increasingly aware of these issues and are seeking out brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. MAIKAI recognizes this growing demand and positions itself as a solution to the problem of irresponsible fashion production.

By using natural, biodegradable fabrics, minimizing waste, and ensuring fair labor practices, MAIKAI offers customers the opportunity to look and feel good about their purchases. The brand's commitment to sustainability is a core part of its mission to create a more responsible and equitable fashion ecosystem. MAIKAI's customers can take pride in the fact that their purchases are not only unique but are also environmentally and socially conscious.

Providing Meaningful Connections to Product Stories

In an age of mass production and globalized supply chains, many consumers feel disconnected from the origins and stories behind the products they buy. This lack of transparency and emotional resonance can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and a desire for more meaningful consumption experiences. MAIKAI addresses this pain point by weaving compelling narratives into every piece it creates.

Each MAIKAI piece is imbued with stories of the artisans who crafted it, the materials that were used, and the cultural traditions that inspired its design. By sharing these narratives with customers, MAIKAI creates a deeper sense of connection and appreciation for its products. Customers are investing in a piece of living history, a tangible representation of the rich cultural heritage that MAIKAI celebrates.

Empowering Women to embrace their Feminine, Fun, & Fierce selves


In a world that often tells women how they should look, act, and feel, MAIKAI offers a refreshing alternative. The brand's designs celebrate the multifaceted nature of womanhood, embracing femininity, fun, and fierceness in equal measure. The Maikai Sports Bra(MSB), in particular, stands out as a registered intellectual property that embodies this empowering ethos. It is made for the love of freedom and movement. The high impact, full coverage, size inclusive MSB challenges the notion that women must sacrifice style for performance or vice versa. The bra's 100% Indian cotton construction also pays homage to the brand's commitment to using natural, sustainable materials. But beyond its practical and aesthetic merits, the MSB serves as a symbol of female empowerment, encouraging women to embrace the cyclical nature of their bodies. MSB recognizes that the female body becomes a beautiful landscape of ebbs & flows that come with the monthly cycle.

When you’re buying a 2$ shirt from a huge retail outlet, have you ever wondered how you’re getting a complete product for such a low rate? Where did the fabrics come from? What kind of wages have been paid to the person who made those? With fast fashion you’re encouraging poor quality and environment damaging clothing which is neither good for you as a buyer and is neither good for the worker that’s being treated as a commodity.
Our pieces are made from handcrafted Indian textiles sourced directly from the makers and are loving handcrafted by our small team of artisans at Goa, in your unique measurements. Through our model we encourage you to be sure of clothes that you buy and we make you clothes that are sure of you.
You & I, we are MAIKAI.