Conversations with Jan mirkin-Earley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Mirkin-Earley.

Hi Jan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I currently live in Austin, Texas, and Saigon, Vietnam so there’s a lot of travel in my life. Prior to 2012, I worked in the music business most of my life and my husband, Palmer has been designing lighting and home goods for the past 28 years.

We moved to Vietnam eight years ago to start Nellcote Studio, a lighting design studio and factory. As Palmer was building his lighting factory and designing his first collection, I spent time traveling the countryside of Vietnam, and other countries in SE Asia and that’s where I first met the tribal women of the North and Central Vietnam mountain regions. I felt such a strong attachment to the culture, fabric, the symbolism they used, as well as the women’s stories. I began collecting old items of clothing and hand-woven goods. After amassing a large collection of fabrics, designing the first line was just a natural reaction.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Certainly, there have been challenges along the way, as with anything I have achieved in my life. To overcome challenges, I focus on the sense of pride in the work I am doing and the joy I find in creating. I refuse to dwell on the roadblocks… Instead, I focus on possible solutions to keep moving forward.

One of the biggest challenges I faced when I decided to start my company was learning a whole new business. The home decor and textile business is completely different than the music business. But the truth is, I never saw it as a struggle. I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Additionally, when Covid first hit, there wasn’t much demand for my home decor products. I pivoted to sewing masks with my fabric. It felt great to find a new direction and develop my skills when at first, it seemed as though my business had completely stalled.

I see obstacles as opportunities.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Lily Koi is a unique line of handmade and hand-dyed textiles inspired by the vivid colors and fabrics of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand. Lily Koi is committed to empowering the women of the Southeast Asian ethnic groups through fair trade and cultural exchange.

Our product line includes decorative pillows, throws, hatbands, bags, face masks, and other custom-made products.

Each found fabric has its own unique character and I design each piece honoring and showcasing the craftsmanship. My goal is to produce high-quality, one-of-a-kind interior products that tell a story and hopefully become timeless heirlooms.

I lead my designs by hand-choosing vintage and handmade textiles, then mixing textures to contrast and compliment the design. I pay close attention to usability and I am dedicated to leaving as little waste as possible. I begin with handmade textiles made of hemp, cotton, silk, and wool, which are all woven on backstrap home looms and many are vintage. Some are batiked with beeswax and dyed with natural elements including indigo plants, tree barks, and tea plants. Some are hand-embroidered in patterns that tell a story. I pair these handmade materials with silk velvets, linens, kinds of cotton, and silks.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always been very independent, forged my own path and driven to do what I love. I find joy and am inspired by music, art, and travel. At age 17, I left home and started my first business. I believe when you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work.

Contact Info:

• Email: Jan@lilykoi.com
• Website: www.LilyKoi.com
• Instagram: @LilyKoi_Saigon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LKSaigon

Image Credits
Photo of Billy F. Gibbons by Gary Miller. Photo of Jan Mirkin-Earley by Piers Birtwistle