Client Profile - Yeko Wave - Fitness & Lifestyle Brand

I had the pleasure of working with Dhikra and Chris at the beginning of 2020, before we knew what the year had in store for us all. I helped to collate their initial ideas for the first collection through design development and then creating their final tech packs ready for sampling & production.  Since then, I’ve proudly watched the active brand, Yekowave, go from strength to strength.

I love to see their passion for creating ethically produced active wear, made in Cambodia and the community Dhikra is creating around the joy of exercising, I even had the pleasure of joining her myself on a zoom Zumba session at the start of the first lockdown.

 I asked Dhikra a few questions and she has kindly answered them below, I hope you enjoy reading and learning about some behind the scenes info, I think you’ll agree it is inspiring stuff:

Tell us about Yekowave and what inspired you to start your active wear brand?

It is all about passion and love!

My love for the environment began when I started my international travel journey, I realised how important it is to run in a clean forest while enjoying the birds chirping or diving deep in crystal clear ocean water. My passion for sports has always pushed me to take actions toward our beautiful mother earth: avoid single plastic use, buy eco-friendly products and do my bit.

A few years later, I took a key account leader position in China, where I had to manage the production and quality supply chain for my customers. I had the opportunity to visit a lot of factories and workshops in different areas but it was sad to see people working in high-risk conditions, small garages without emergency exits, poor lighting conditions and isolation… and children working with their parents.. yes!

This sad reality shocked me; while many children go to school and play some others are working… Then I asked myself, what should I do to help these people have better life? I wanted to do something good for them and for me too.

As a textile engineer, I had always dreamt of creating my own clothesline! So, I combined my expertise and skills with my passion towards sports and love of the environment and people to create a sustainable sports clothing, ethically made with eco-friendly materials and packaging. 

Now, it doesn’t feel like I work every day, I am having fun, I am doing what I love, and I have a positive impact on the people surrounding me, what else could make me happier?

How do you feel working with Lottie helped get your designs ready for developing into the final garments we can see now?

Working with Lottie has been a great experience. Working with the right designer in the beginning in our journey was very crucial. We looked for a designer who understood our vision and shared the same values about sustainable fashion. Furthermore, Charlotte lived in Cambodia! We found all personal qualities in Charlotte, her positive thinking, creative proposals and a great service provided. I am definitely happy for having developed this first line with Lottie, she perfectly designed product that are aligned with our brand. Our customers love them!

What has been your biggest highlight about starting Yekowave?

We have had many highlights since the beginning: Designing our ideas and seeing the first sketches, then having the first samples and starting the manufacturing of our first line! However, the biggest highlight was the official, successful launch in Phnom Penh. It was such an incredible day, displaying our eco-friendly active wear in Cambodia; it was a dream that became true! We had more than 150 people who were waiting to see our products, and they enjoyed free sports workshops (Yoga, Zumba, HIIT and Hip Hop), while wearing our outfits!

How has your brand grown since your launch?

Since our launch, we had reached more than 53,000 on social media; we have customers in Cambodia, France, and soon in more European countries, plus Australia! We have been continuously searching for innovative sustainable fabric to satisfy our customers and stick to our value, protect the planet.

Furthermore, we received the first Business Award in the category “new business” organised by the French Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, among 10 candidates! What an achievement to recognise Yekowave by the local community and business experts!

What has been your biggest challenge along the journey?

Like many businesses and professionals, Covid-19 has been our biggest challenge. Gym and club closures, lockdown restrictions, and factory closures have affected us but we did our best to overcome this difficult situation. Actually, it was an opportunity to work on new projects with some big companies and hotels, and the Yekowave team started professional training to become Fitness coaches. This will also help us to get closer to our customer and understand even better their needs!  

What plans do you have for the future of your brand?

We want to get closer to active people everywhere in the world, to provide them functional and sustainable sportswear in order to support them in their fitness journey. Spreading positive vibes, raise awareness about the importance of sports in our life is our goal, but we want to show to everyone that you can exercise, have fun and reach you fitness goal while taking care of the planet and the people making the products!

Moreover, we aim to have our own research and development Lab and a fabric mill to create and manufacture innovative and functional fabrics.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to start their own independent brand?

Passion and resilience are the key works I would like to share with anyone looking to start their own brand. Do what you love, because this is what will help you overcome the difficult moments as an entrepreneur. Keep learning and do not be afraid to make mistakes or ask for advice or help!