MGTH Chats : Mia Penn of Ruby Raisin

A Make Good Things Happen content collaboration with Makers and Shakers Markets

The first post in our content collaboration with Makers and Shakers market profiles Mia Penn of Sydney-based ethical fashion label, Ruby Raisin.

We recently caught up with Mia to chat about all-things sustainable small business and of course discussed the hot topic of markets while she prepares her one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces for the upcoming Makers and Shakers event in September 2023 at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal.

As an observer of Australian independent artists and designers, seeing Ruby Raisin’s evolution has been an absolute pleasure to watch. 

“My mum taught me to sew, I’ve worked in retail and for a couple of small designers and just kept developing my skill set and relationships to expand local production.”

Mia Penn, Ruby Raisin

From beginnings as a children’s wear business “the Raisin did it”, to the slow-fashion womenswear label that it is today, Mia Penn of Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s inner west has established herself as a beloved long-term member of the maker community.

Sydney’s sustainable shoppers will be aware of Mia’s hugely popular jumpsuits, which utilise her eye for detail and exceptional tailoring skills to create a comfortable, wearable and fashionable item for every day.  It’s those kinds of high-quality feel-good products that keep customers coming back.

“I would say it’s my customers that keep me going, I’ve had some for decades now and giving them a piece that offers joy or confidence is really motivating. If a woman tells me she wore something I made for an important occasion, like a presentation or even a funeral where her outfit helped bolster her during a time of vulnerability, well that’s the highest compliment and motivation I can think of!”

Mia Penn, Ruby Raisin

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As someone who understands women’s bodies and has a keen eye for how fabrics behave, Ruby Raisin is well known for the fit that Mia provides, something enabled by her close relationship with her patternmaker, another Sydney-based small business owner.  

Mia’s ability to source interesting fabrics, from vibrant block colours to quirky vintage prints, and her ‘signature’ Ken Done creations, means all of her clothes are limited edition or often one-of-a-kind.  

Part of owning a small maker-based business inevitably includes attending Makers Markets.  A veteran of the market scene, even with her own studio shop front, Mia understands the value of having the opportunity to receive instant feedback from her customers.

“Seeing what people gravitate towards or what they ignore, what they spend money on seasonally, there’s so many clues as a small business owner that you learn at markets that help to inform and inspire your next decisions.”

Mia Penn, Ruby Raisin

With a stall at the upcoming Makers and Shakers event in September 2023, Mia has a strong appreciation of the professionalism and organisation of the event, which still comes with the personal touch.

“Emma and Lee understand that building their brand only works with genuine support of the stallholders.  They’ve nailed the scale of the event in line with the great venue choices, it’s not so big and crowded that it’s overwhelming, but there’s still a huge variety of products to choose from with good food and great music.  People can make a full day of it.”

Mia Penn, Ruby Raisin

You can meet Mia and Ruby Raisin at the Makers and Shakers Sydney event, on 16th and 17th September 2023 at the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle.

Join us on Instagram LIVE on Tuesday 15th August at 11 am where we chat to Mia about what she’s bringing to the market.

Links

Ruby Raisin website
Ruby Raisin Instagram
Makers and Shakers Market website
Makers and Shakers Market Instagram

This MGTH Chat is brought to you by our content collaboration with Makers and Shakers Markets