Mini Craft Workshop is located in Jianqing Village, Wanrong Township. The person in charge, Aimei, is a member of the Truku tribe and is named Mini. Her father originally named her Mini (Miney), which was likely a Japanese name, but the tribe members, using their own linguistic logic, reversed the sounds and started calling her Mini (Meyni), which became her actual name.
Culture seems to undergo a similar transformation in Mini’s hands. Rather than making traditional woven fabrics or old textiles, she prefers creating contemporary, practical items such as curtains, door curtains, vests, and woven toilet paper covers. “Modern products can be used and worn; I love making these the most!” she said.
When she was young, like many tribal girls, she left the tribe. Mini worked in garment factories in Taichung and Banqiao, where she earned money and also acquired sewing skills. After getting married, she returned to the tribe to be close to her family while earning extra income. She actively participated in homemaking courses offered by the county government and township office, as well as dyeing training provided by the Hualien Employment Service Station. The township’s homemaking counselors often encouraged her to take more courses or participate in activities, which gradually sparked her interest in weaving and sewing.
Who says women can only handle kitchen knives?
In fact, life after marriage was tough. To help support her family, she not only engaged in homemaking but also worked at a nearby slaughterhouse and ran a hair salon. “I butcher pigs at night, cut hair during the day, and sew clothes,” she says. Despite the hectic schedule, she finds her life diverse and fulfilling.
Like many people from the mountainous regions, Mini prefers hands-on activities over intellectual tasks. She mentions that homemaking courses require both theoretical and practical exams. While she is confident in the practical tasks, studying for exams makes her extremely nervous. Many times, she would lie in bed reading next to her husband until she fell asleep, with her head hitting the book.
From Homemaker to Mini Craft Artisan
In 1998-1999, encouraged and guided by the township office and homemaking counselors, she established Meini Studio, formally channeling her personal interests into her career.
The studio started with hand-dyeing and later developed courses and handmade items related to tabletop weaving looms, traditional floor looms, and traditional clothing making. With steady management and a good reputation, Mini is often invited by the township and county government to teach courses or collaborate on making souvenirs. Many schools and dance troupes frequently collaborate with her to create tribal costumes or performance accessories.
In 2014, her eldest daughter, Yafang, joined the studio. Compared to her mother, who prefers making everyday items, Yafang enjoys creating cultural and creative small accessories. The two complement each other and collaborate, bringing a youthful vibe to the studio. When asked if they ever have conflicts or arguments, both respond simultaneously, “Of course!”
Their Mode of Communication After a Cold War
“How many centimeters do we need?”, “aji kiya (not like this)!”, “With it so tight, how am I supposed to sew it?” Such disputes occur frequently, but the mother and daughter have a tacit understanding to resolve them. After each calms down, a casual question like, “How do we do this here?” starts the conversation again.
The walls of the studio are adorned with various awards for Mini’s handmade works and photos with government officials. Mini, laughing, says she never competed for the sake of winning. Her creations were recommended by teachers to compete, and she ended up winning.
Compared to traditional fabrics, Mini prefers practical items. As a professional homemaker, her creations naturally focus on everyday needs. She explains that the production time for traditional fabrics is very long, the process is complex, and the costs are high, which does not appeal to modern young people. In contrast, small, practical, and affordable items have a market. Being pragmatic yet a bit romantic sets their studio apart.
