OUR COMMITMENT
OUR STORY
Mindful Merch is an independently owned apparel company, proudly designed on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, founded by Janelle Rawlins and Nicki Edmiston, who have been working within the fashion and manufacturing industry for over a decade. We create premium blank garments with a strong focus on ethical production, responsible sourcing, and long-term quality.
Rather than mass-producing trend-driven apparel, we take a considered approach to how our garments are made. From design and material selection through to production, we prioritise durability, transparency, and relationships over scale.
What sets Mindful Merch apart is our direct involvement in production. We operate our own small production units in Bangladesh and Vietnam, built in partnership with local families and teams. This hands-on model allows us to maintain oversight of working conditions, pay fair and transparent wages, and make decisions with real people in mind.
Ethics and sustainability are not add-ons to our business. They shape how we work, how we grow, and how we measure success. We believe responsibility in manufacturing comes from accountability, openness, and a willingness to continually improve.
Below, we share more detail about our supply chain, production model, wages, and the steps we take to operate as responsibly as possible.
Supply chain
At Mindful Merch, transparency is central to how we operate. Rather than outsourcing production to anonymous factories, we work directly within our supply chain so we can take responsibility for how our garments are made and who makes them.
Our approach is built on close relationships, local partnerships, and long-term accountability. By being involved at every stage of production, we’re able to maintain ethical standards, address issues as they arise, and continually improve the way we work.
Our Production Model
We produce our garments in our own small production units in Bangladesh and Vietnam, created in partnership with local families and teams. These are not outsourced factories. They are collaborative production spaces built on shared values, trust, and long-term commitment.
Bangladesh Production Unit
Our Bangladesh production unit is located in Narayanganj, an established garment manufacturing region. The unit operates across two floors, with:
- One floor dedicated to cutting, sampling, and garment production
- One floor dedicated to printing
As of 2026, our Bangladesh team consists of 40 employees working across production, printing, and support roles.
Vietnam Production Unit
Our Vietnam production unit is located in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, operating from a three-storey house. The space is structured to support small-batch production and close collaboration across the team.
As of 2026, our Vietnam team consists of 12 employees, working across sampling, cutting, sewing, and production support.
How we work
This direct production model allows us to:
- Maintain hands-on oversight of working conditions
- Provide stable, ongoing employment
- Pay fair and transparent wages
- Adapt workflows and environments to suit the people within each unit
- Build long-term livelihoods rather than short-term contracts
PEOPLE
People are at the centre of how we operate. By producing our garments in our own small production units, we’re able to maintain fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term employment for our team.
Wages are paid directly and reviewed regularly to reflect role, experience, and responsibility. We prioritise stable, year-round work and supportive workplaces, and provide additional support such as pay advancements when needed.
Ethical Labour Practices
By working closely with our teams, decisions are made with real people in mind, not just production targets.
Across our production units, we prioritise:
- Safe and supportive working environments
- Fair wages paid directly to our team
- No forced or child labour
- Reasonable working hours and paid leave
- Respectful treatment and open communication
Ethical manufacturing, for us, goes beyond meeting minimum standards. It’s about creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and secure.
wages
Why wages look different across countries
Wages vary between countries due to differences in cost of living, working hours, employment structures, and local industry norms. For this reason, wages should not be compared directly across borders without context.
We share wages in local currency and provide supporting context so figures can be understood accurately and responsibly.
Bangladesh Wages (At a Glance)
Our Bangladesh production unit is based in Narayanganj and employs 40 team members across production, printing, and support roles.
- Typical local factory wage: BDT 12,000–13,000 per month
- Minimum wage we pay (production roles): BDT 12,500 per month
- Typical production wage range we pay: BDT 12,500–20,000 per month
- Average wage across all roles: Approx. BDT 14,500 per month
In addition to base wages, our team receives paid leave, overtime where required, and access to pay advancements when needed.
Learn more about our wages and pay transparency here
Vietnam Wages (At a Glance)
Our Vietnam production unit is based in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City and employs 12 team members across sampling, production, and support roles.
- Typical local factory wage (comparable roles): ~10,000,000 VND per month
- Our wage model: Mixed structure with monthly salaries and per-order payments
- Earnings range: Some roles earn up to ~15,000,000 VND per month during higher-output periods
- Working hours: Fewer and more consistent hours than typical factories, with no Saturday work
Because pay varies by role and output, we share role-based examples rather than a single average figure.
Learn more about our wages and pay transparency here
PLANET & Packaging
Planet
We take a considered, practical approach to reducing environmental impact. Rather than producing at scale or following fast-moving trends, we focus on making durable garments designed to be worn for years, not seasons.
Our production model prioritises small runs and made-to-order manufacturing where possible, helping to reduce overproduction and unnecessary waste. We carefully plan production to align with real demand, rather than excess stock.
Sustainability for us is not about perfection, but about responsibility and progress. We continually review our materials, processes, and production methods as our business grows, with the aim of improving impact while maintaining quality and longevity.
Packaging
We keep packaging minimal, functional, and considered. Our garments are shipped in paper garment bags, and we do not use swing tags. For rebranding, we use paper tear-away tags, and any additional tags used are made from 100% cotton.
All orders are shipped using plastic-free packaging, with a focus on protecting garments during transit while avoiding unnecessary materials or excess waste.
Packaging is reviewed alongside our broader production practices to ensure it supports our commitment to reducing waste across the supply chain. This is an area we continue to refine over time, prioritising practicality, protection, and ongoing improvement rather than unnecessary embellishment.
Fabrics & Dyes
All of our core fabrics are custom knitted at a highly regarded, established mill, allowing us to maintain control over quality, consistency, and responsible sourcing. We work with GOTS-certified organic combed cotton, hemp, and cotton–hemp blends, selected for durability, comfort, and lower environmental impact.
By developing and knitting our own fabrics, we are able to oversee fibre selection, fabric construction, and performance, ensuring our garments are designed for long-term wear rather than short-term use.
The only products not made from our own knitted fabrics are caps, which use alternative materials and construction methods.
We are currently developing our own fabric blend, MindfulBlend. Initial sampling has been completed, and the fabric is now undergoing wash and wear testing to assess durability, feel, and performance over time. As with all our fabrics, this blend will continue to be refined before being introduced into production.
Fabric development and selection are reviewed continuously as we refine materials and explore better options over time.
Dying & Printing
Dyeing and printing are important parts of garment production, and we approach both with care. We prioritise low-impact and ethical dyeing methods where possible and work to minimise water usage and harmful chemicals throughout the process.
All of our printing uses water-based inks, selected for safety, durability, and suitability for regular wear. These inks are OEKO-TEX compliant, ensuring they meet strict standards for harmful substances and are safe for both the people involved in production and those wearing the garments.
Our dyeing and printing processes are chosen with longevity in mind, focusing on finishes that perform well over time rather than short-term results. As with all aspects of our production, these methods are reviewed and refined as better options and technologies become available.
Showroom & Warehouse
New Showroom Coming Soon. Currently Appointment only until March 2026
Address: 3/1 Taylor Court, Cooroy 4563 QLD
Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri - Appointment Only
Email: info@mindfulmerch.com.au
Our showroom is a space to view and feel our range of blank garments in person. Here, you can explore available styles, fabrics, and sizing, and get a better understanding of how our garments fit and wear.
We are open for drop-in visits on Mondays from 10am to 2pm. For personalised support, or visits on other days, we recommend booking an appointment via email.
For all custom orders or custom apparel, appointments are required so we can take the time to walk you through styles, fabric options, and finishes in detail.
We look forward to welcoming you into the showroom and helping you find the right blanks for your project.