The Amaya
Story

with founder Pam Howard Schaecher

Amaya founder and designer Pam is interviewed on Hatchit
about how she keeps Amaya distinctive in a competitive marketplace
and why she enjoys it so much.

click to listen

About AMaya: Meet the founder

Your Amaya purchase helps support village artisans who are preserving a centuries old craft.

Amaya was founded 15 years ago by Pam Howard Schaecher. Born in the US, her career began as a successful primary school teacher in Ohio and then in London. With a passion for textiles, she studied both fashion and design while living in London. Extensive world travel has given her the unique ability to integrate styles and colors from around the world. It was her excitement about the vivid colors and centuries old hand embroidery worn by women in India that led to the formation of Amaya. We've created a collection of unique, comfortable and timeless clothing.

About our clothing

Exceptional beauty combined with easy wear and care are perfect for every season.

Working both as a designer and color expert, Pam has forged new friendships and partnerships in India. She works with those in the block print and screen print industries, and with tailors and embroiderers, in 3 key areas of India. The results are unique products in a distinctive blend of colors and prints on natural cotton and silk fabrics - a stark contrast to the modern clothing industry. Our shirts, dresses and kaftans, in addition to our traditional tunics combine a modern look with classic style. By producing limited, exclusive lines, each becomes a timeless work of art.

About our clothing

Empowering women through the beauty of thread

We are proud of our work in the rural areas of India, and the impact we have had by providing essential training, trade and support. Our tailors, printers and embroiderers are from small villages where the tradition of craftsmanship is their livelihood. One of our workshops was created as a non-profit to revive and protect the artistry of their ancestors in the area. This greatly improves the lives of the villagers by developing and sustaining their skills for the financial security and independence of themselves and their families.