Our friend Mieke shares her passion for sustainable fashion with Sisao. As the founder of The Mini Market Lisboa, a series of Pop Up events offering preloved items for little ones, she contributes to the circular economy and helps parents to make affordable and stylish choices for their little ones.
Hi Mieke! So exciting to actually get the chance to visit your studio, we can see the preparations for the next Pop Up are in full swing! Please, tell us a bit about yourself and The Mini Market, we're so curious to hear your story.
I was born in the Netherlands, both my parents are from Hong Kong. As a child I always visited my family in Hong Kong. I have a strong connection to my Chinese roots. There was a moment that I almost moved there! I was based in Amsterdam and in 2012 I moved to Ibiza. After almost 8 years of living in Ibiza I ended up in Lisbon. I met my partner and soon we became parents of a little girl. I changed my life in Ibiza for a life in Portugal. It all happened really organically and it always felt like a soft landing in Lisbon.
The first time I visited Lisbon I’ve said that this a place where I could easily live! And now it’s the place I call my home. However I still feel very much at home in Ibiza too! I still go a few times a year to visit my friends.
I love to travel and go explore, and it doesn’t need to be far far away. Sometimes something next door is really good too. Before moving to Lisbon I had never been to Portugal. And I would love to explore this country more. I feel like there’s still so much to see.
In Ibiza I had a cold pressed juice brand. It was wild! So much fun and super hard work. I loved every moment of it. Now in Lisbon I started a platform for buying and selling preloved baby and children’s clothing: The Mini Market (IG @the_mini_market_lisboa). I started it because I was searching for secondhand items for my daughter Bamboo but I couldn’t find much - not like in Amsterdam. I decided to create a platform here, and I loved seeing like minded people coming together. It’s really good knowing there are many parents out there who also choose second hand, believing in a circular economy. Now you see more and more brands selling preloved as well. I am really glad this is happening.
I love Asian food! Always want to try the new Asian restaurants that open in Lisbon. Wishing there was a really good Thai restaurant in Lisbon…
I started ceramics classes a few months ago and I love it. I could do that all day. One day I will have my little studio at home!
Now I am a mother, honestly I am the happiest when I know my family is good. When everyone is thriving.
Thank you so much Mieke!