Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Yafuso.
Monica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After working for almost ten years as a handbag designer for a major company, I decided to start making pieces that truly reflect my identity and passion for accessories. The name MAY came from my initials, Monica Andrea Yafuso which summarize my heritage, born in Argentina to Japanese descendant. I’d like to work with natural fibers, silk the most. In my scarves, I combine the ancient Japanese Shibori technique with the vibrant colors of my Latin American roots.
Has it been a smooth road?
The transition from a full-time job to be an entrepreneur on my own was not easy at all. The first year back in 2015, I invested a lot of money and time and once in a while happened to get frustrated with the results,but still I kept going. In 2016, decided to start a career as a Yoga teacher and that didn’t fly out, I learned a lot though during my training and helped me connect with myself but that path was not for me. In 2018, I decided to go back to a full-time job as a designer in a company that allowed me to fulfill both, an steady income and my creative/hands-on side. Finding a balance can be a struggle but I feel now I am at a stage where work and personal life meet somehow in the middle.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Year of May – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Year of May specializes in hand dye silk scarves. Each one of them is made individually and there are not 2 of the same. The preparation of the scarves requires of meticulous pleating and hand sewing previous to the dying process. The characteristics of the shibori technique allows for creativity and uniqueness in each design. I sell DIY kits and thus far is the most popular item on my Etsy shop.
For the past two years, I have been collaborating with the DMA store and made two very successful collections that matched back 2 of the most popular exhibitions they recently had, one was Yayoi Kusamas iconic dots and the last one was the Dior one.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
When I moved to Dallas back in 2005 the city was completely different from what it is today. I didn’t like it much those days, My husband and I moved from NYC and felt like we didn’t fit. Nowadays and with two young kids, I have so much to be grateful for, nice weather, low taxes, affordable housing, good restaurants, more art-related events and above all we have met the nicest people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theyearofMAY
- Email: theyearofmay@gmail.com
- Facebook: The year of May
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