Born during the stillness of a global pandemic, Mint Ceylon has grown from a small idea shared by three sisters into a thriving celebration of Sri Lankan craftsmanship. Rooted in sustainability and community, the brand honors artisans, revives traditions, and proves that thoughtful fashion can carry the spirit of an island.
In the quiet months of 2020, when the world slowed to an unfamiliar pause, three sisters in Sri Lanka found themselves reflecting on the future. Lockdowns had confined daily life within the walls of their home, yet within that stillness, something unexpected began to take shape. What began as a conversation about creativity and purpose slowly evolved into the idea that would become Mint Ceylon, a brand deeply rooted in heritage, sustainability, and Sri Lankan craftsmanship.
The sisters behind the brand — Zainab, Summaiya, and Tasneem — had always shared a natural connection to the creative world. Their childhood had been shaped by an environment that encouraged artistic exploration and entrepreneurial thinking. Each sister followed her own path, yet those paths were woven together by the same love for creativity.
Zainab worked in jewelry and retail, gaining experience in style and customer engagement. Summaiya explored the worlds of makeup artistry, photography, and design, developing a strong visual and creative perspective. Tasneem pursued fashion design and art, bringing a deep understanding of textiles and garment creation. Though their professional journeys were different, their shared values and creative instincts eventually brought them back to a single idea: building something meaningful together.
During the long days of lockdown, the sisters spent time experimenting with clothing and textiles. Many weekends were devoted to thrifting and repurposing garments that had been discarded or forgotten. What started as a hobby soon revealed a troubling reality. The fashion industry produced enormous amounts of waste, with perfectly usable fabrics and materials often thrown away. The realization lingered. Rather than simply observing the problem, the sisters began imagining a solution. They envisioned a brand that could celebrate fashion while addressing textile waste, one that would remain true to Sri Lanka’s cultural roots while embracing sustainable design. From that vision, Mint Ceylon was born. The brand’s earliest days were humble.
Zainab, Summaiya, and Tasneem worked from their living room with no workshop, no large team, and only a small collection of fabrics rescued from factory offcuts and discarded materials. Their first collection consisted of just fifteen handmade kimonos. Each piece was cut by hand, carefully shaped from rescued fabrics, ensuring that no two garments were ever identical. What they lacked in resources, they made up for in determination. The brand was built slowly and patiently.
The sisters balanced their creative project alongside other work, reinvesting every small success back into the venture. Like many entrepreneurial journeys, the path was not without challenges. Building a business from scratch required resilience, patience, and the willingness to navigate uncertainty. There were moments when the obstacles felt overwhelming, yet the sisters remained committed to their purpose. They believed that Mint Ceylon could become more than a clothing label. It could become a platform for change. Sri Lanka has long been home to remarkable craft traditions. From weaving and hand painting to jewelry making and textile artistry, these skills have been passed down through generations. Yet many artisans struggle to find consistent and fairly paid opportunities for their work. The founders of Mint Ceylon saw an opportunity to bridge that gap. From its earliest stages, the brand focused on collaboration with Sri Lankan artisans, particularly women from under-resourced communities across the island. Many of these women work from home, allowing them to balance family responsibilities while earning income through their craft.
For many artisans, these skills are not simply trading, but legacies passed down through generations. By creating opportunities for them to continue their craft, Mint Ceylon helps ensure that these traditions remain alive in a rapidly modernizing world. Every item produced through these collaborations carries a personal story. Whether it is a piece of clothing, jewelry, or homeware, the products reflect hours of careful craftsmanship and the individual touch of the artisan who created them.
What began as a conversation about creativity and purpose slowly evolved into the idea that would become Mint Ceylon, a brand deeply rooted in heritage, sustainability, and Sri Lankan craftsmanship.
Fairness lies at the heart of the brand’s philosophy. The artisans are paid fairly for their time and skills, and the collaborations are built on mutual respect. For many women involved in the production process, this work provides not only financial stability but also a sense of independence and empowerment. Sustainability is equally central to the Mint Ceylon identity.
Many of the brand’s designs are made using deadstock fabrics and rescued materials that might otherwise have been discarded. By giving these materials a second life, the brand reduces textile waste while embracing a slower, more thoughtful approach to fashion. This approach means that every piece is unique. Unlike mass-produced fashion, the fabrics used often vary in color, pattern, and texture. Each design is individually cut and crafted, making every item slightly different from the next. Over time, what began as a small collection of handmade garments gradually expanded into a broader creative world.
Mint Ceylon now offers a diverse range of products that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage. Traditional techniques such as Dumbara weaving, eco-dyeing, tie-dyeing, and cane weaving are incorporated into the collections, alongside jewelry and handcrafted objects. Each craft technique carries its own cultural history, and through these collaborations, the brand helps preserve these traditions for future generations. Beyond its own creations, Mint Ceylon has also become a platform for other Sri Lankan makers. Every brand featured in its stores is locally owned and produced, reinforcing its commitment to supporting homegrown creativity and craftsmanship. From those early days in an apartment living room, Mint Ceylon has steadily grown into a recognized Sri Lankan brand with three retail locations across the island.
Every item produced through these collaborations carries a personal story. Whether it is a piece of clothing, jewelry, or homeware, the products reflect hours of careful craftsmanship and the individual touch of the artisan who created them.
Each store showcases a carefully curated collection of products that reflect the creativity, resilience, and artistry of Sri Lanka. Yet despite its growth, the essence of Mint Ceylon remains unchanged. It continues to be driven by the same values that inspired the first fifteen handmade kimonos. It is about people, the artisans who create, the communities that inspire, and the customers who choose meaningful craftsmanship over mass production. In many ways, Mint Ceylon is more than a brand.
It is a story of creativity, resilience, and collaboration. It is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with small ideas nurtured with care and patience. And above all, it is a tribute to the island that inspired it all. Mint Ceylon stands today as a love letter to Sri Lanka, its crafts, its communities, and the enduring beauty of handmade creation.
Mint Ceylon Unawatuna
98 Eramudugaha Junction, Unawatuna. Mint Ceylon Weligama
215/A New Galle Road, Weligama;
+94 77 085 4411;
support@mintceylon.com
mintceylon.com
Instagram: @mint.ceylon
Opening hours:
Daily from 10.30 am to 8pm
