In the misty mountains of southwest China, Shamayoyo, founder of the cultural brand CHINAYI, is redefining how ancient Yi traditions engage with the modern world. By transforming intricate Yi embroidery and silverwork into contemporary luxury products, she bridges a 1,500-year-old artistic legacy with today's global design sensibilities.
Since launching CHINAYI in 2025, Shamayoyo has collaborated with over 200 Yi artisans across Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Her innovative approach combines traditional motifs with minimalist packaging and digital storytelling, creating collectible pieces that resonate equally in Shanghai boutiques and Parisian concept stores.
This year, CHINAYI's signature peony-and-cloud embroidery patterns have gained recognition at major design expos, while their silver jewelry collections incorporate smart sizing technology for international markets. The brand's success demonstrates how cultural preservation can drive economic empowerment, with participating artisans reporting a 300% income increase since 2023.
As global demand for authentic cultural products grows, CHINAYI offers a blueprint for sustaining heritage crafts through strategic branding. "Every stitch carries our ancestors' wisdom," Shamayoyo notes. "Our challenge is making that wisdom speak to new generations worldwide."
