Self Sovereignty is a values-driven apparel brand founded and run by me — a queer 
Lao-American, born and raised in Los Angeles, now calling Auckland home.

I've always been drawn to fashion, activism, and the connections people make with each other — the way a single piece of clothing can start a conversation, signal a belief, or make someone feel seen. I believe connection doesn't have to be big or loud to matter — sometimes it's as small as a stranger recognizing themselves in what you're wearing, or a shirt sparking a conversation that wouldn't have happened otherwise. Self Sovereignty grew out of that belief. I wanted to build a brand that reflects who I am, what I stand for, and the state of the world around us, with every piece carrying that meaning subtly, not shouted.

I am the daughter of a refugee, and I've experienced firsthand both the micro and macro aggressions that come with my appearance and ethnicity. Those experiences shape the kaupapa, or guiding idea, behind everything I make.

I hope to create quality apparel that helps continue important and needed conversations — conversations that form the basis of action toward dismantling systems of oppression, with the end goal of bringing my ancestors' dreams to fruition. I carry those dreams forward through my interactions, through where my time goes, and through the words and images I choose to share.

To my family, my friends, and this community — thank you. Without your love, support, and belief, this brand would not have come to life. I am truly grateful to be able to build something meaningful that aligns with my values, and to connect with each one of you, even in a small way.

--

Equitable Pricing, Every Size

Every body deserves the same price tag. We don't charge more for our garments in bigger sizes — a practice that quietly penalizes people for their bodies. Fabric costs a little more, sure, but that's a cost of doing business, not something we pass on to you. Whether you're a small or a 4XL, you pay the same price for the same shirt. Your size is not a surcharge.

Why Choose Us?

Most of our styles is produced using AS Colour, Bella+Canvas, and Cotton Heritage blanks — three of the most rigorously vetted suppliers in the industry — and we're in constant contact with these partners to ensure they're upholding our ethical standards.

• WRAP Certified across all three suppliers — ensures dignity, respect, and fair treatment for every employee, plus close monitoring of environmental impact
• WRAP certifies against twelve principles, from health/safety to environmental responsibility to the prohibition of forced labor
• AS Colour: continual monitoring and annual unannounced audits
• Bella+Canvas: WRAP certified since 2017, Platinum accreditation (highest level) for U.S. facilities; one of only 30 companies globally with Fair Labor Association (FLA) accreditation
• Cotton Heritage: family-owned with 40+ years in the industry, WRAP-certified across all factories, plus additional independent third-party audits and low-water dye processes

Apparelsourcewholesale

In addition to ensuring garment workers are treated ethically, we aim to do the same for the environment. While many companies produce enough waste to fill several swimming pools daily (we couldn't live with ourselves if we knew our supply chain created trash hauls like that!), our partners work to minimize landfill waste — Bella+Canvas, for example, reuses all of its textile offcuts rather than sending them to landfill. They also power our own sewing floor and headquarters with solar energy generated from panels on their roof, and provide electric car charging stations to encourage their team to live as green as possible.

There will always be unethical clothing manufacturers and consumers who choose to turn a blind eye to this issue, but we like to think there are people who care about the process behind their purchase. Learn more about the standards behind our garments by visiting AS Colour's production practices, Bella+Canvas's factory sustainability page, and Cotton Heritage's ethical manufacturing page. We're more than happy to show you how we've ensured we will never fall back on sweatshop labor or goods.

Why we use water-based ink

Screen printing is typically done with either plastisol or water-based ink. Water-based ink is superior for a number of reasons, including:

It's environmentally friendly and safer for humans. Plastisol inks are plastic-based, meaning they contain dangerous chemicals like PVCs and phthalates — harmful to both health and the environment. Water-based inks contain none of these. They also differ in clean-up: water-based inks require only water, while plastisol inks require harmful solvents.

The end product is just plain better. Unlike plastisols, water-based inks soak into the fabric, moving and stretching with the garment instead of cracking or fading with wear. This gives every print a soft, comfortable touch.

--

You can read about us on Forbes here.