Successful start followed by review phase

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Successful start followed by review phase

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In December 2016 we started the first production of Misogi Dogi with a crowdfunding campaign. By summer 2018, all approx. 200 ordered gis and jackets were delivered. We are happy that we have already received many satisfied feedbacks about the gis we delivered. Thanks to our pioneer customers and production partners we can celebrate a nice success of our initiative. Many thanks again to all who participated!

We proved that sustainable martial art uniforms are both feasible and wanted. But as already reported on New Year’s Days, this first production did not go according to plan: There were very long delays and complications. If we want to offer not only a good product quality but also a better service in the future, we need to review a couple of things.

The revision will take some time, so no further production is planned for the coming year 2018. As soon as this process is completed, we hope to be able to start a next production with a fresh breeze in our sails and continue our contribution to fairness and sustainability in the budo textile market.

In the meantime, if you are interested in a (further) gi or jacket, you are welcome to contact us by email (team at misogidogi dot com). We still have a stock of 30 Light jackets made of waffle fabric, a few aikido jackets made of rice grain fabric and 35 trousers. With a bit of luck, the right size is available for you.

HAPPY 2018

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2017 has been a very intense year for Misogi Dogi. 180 keikogis or jackets were pre-ordered, 100 light aikido uniforms and karategis were delivered. The production was much more challenging than we expected, despite careful preparation. Everything took much more time, beyond imagination. And, as if it wasn’t complex enough, we had to move the company from Berlin to Switzerland this summer, during the production.

Fortunately, we were blessed with the most friendly pioneer clients: we received messages full of endless support and patience. We are deeply grateful for the huge trust you set in us. You made Misogi Dogi happen. Thank you very much!

And fortunately, all the effort and waiting seems worthwhile: The feedback we received so far was very positive. This one came in recently:

Hello! Due to illness I haven’t had time to try out my new gi until recently. It fits perfectly and it’s so comfortable! It’s like a dream after my clumsy judo gi I used before! Thank you so much, and give my best regards to the charming ladies on that postcard. I will do my best to honor their work and give my very best performance when I’m wearing this gi. I will no longer be able to excuse myself by saying the gi got in the way of my movements after all. Best regards

We are very grateful for every feedback, it boosts our motivation to face the numerous challenges and, for critical feedback, helps us to improve our products.

As for the clients still waiting for their aikidogi: the first jacket prototypes made of sashiko (=rice grain fabric) are very nice. We test washed them several times, they shrink by 7-8 %. The pattern maker is currently adapting the patterns of 11 sizes accordingly. Production is ongoing and will take another few weeks.

We are looking forward to deliver many keikogi made from organic cotton in 2018 too. In the meantime, we wish you all a wonderful year 2018 full of bliss, health, love and fulfilling training.

Delivery of first sustainable aikidogis

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A big milestone has been achieved this week: the first MISOGI DOGI uniforms are being delivered these days. The uniforms make a wonderful first impression. So far, we received great feedback. We look forward to get further impressions. Contact us here..

Interview – Fair uniforms from Bosnia & Herzegowina

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What does “made fair-trade in Banja Luka” mean? We asked Emir, the director of the manufacture that produces our gis:

Is your company fair-trade certified?
The company is not fair-trade certified for various reasons: One is that the certifying organisations are not established in Bosnia & Herzegowina (BiH). Fairtrade for instance has a seat in Macedonia, but not in Bosnia. Some organisations such as fairwear.org certify brands and not the manufactures. To fill this gap, we offer a maximum transparency: for example, the designers are welcome to visit the company whenever they want, even without telling ahead.

Do you offer written work contracts?
When we look for a new employee, we start with a test period to check the abilities and if the new employee fits well into the team. In our company, each seamstress produces a piece from the beginning to the end. It’s not like in a factory where they would do only one part all day long. Thus they need some more capacities. After 10-14 days, they receive a written contract for 3 or 6 months. Some employees have long-term contracts.

You need to know that Bosnia is a corrupt country. As the law system doesn’t work properly, a trust relation with the employees is key for a successful business. One important element is that we pay the wages regularly, on the 10th day of each month. The wages in our company are about 20% higher than in comparable companies, around 300-600 EUR per month. The bus tickets are also paid by the company. In 2016, we could even pay a bonus of 50 EUR before the summer holidays.

What are the working hours?
Working hours are from 7:00 to 15:00. This is business as usual for the sector. Two breaks are included. The ladies decided to take them at 11:0 and at 13:00. We would like to offer them a hot lunch meal, but we can’t yet. The ladies are happy to spend a part of the afternoon taking care of their children or of their garden. Tending for food is an important complement to their revenue. The children go to school in the morning for two weeks, and then in the afternoon for the following two weeks. We wish to adopt a two-layer rhythm as well.

What about over-hours?
High peaks challenged our company in 2015 and made over-hours unavoidable. The last bus departure is at 15:30 and doesn’t allow for over-hours on workdays. But the ladies are very committed and come to atelier on Saturdays during peak times. They want to finish the garments in time. They can compensate by taking days off during less busy weeks. The support by the employees impressed us especially in 2014, when the river flooded the region. The employees rushed to the workshop to help before taking care of their own flooded homes. To reduce peak times in the future, we are orienting towards no-fashion-labels and continuous collections such as Misogi Dogi. The customers can also contribute to diminish peaks by allowing for a longer delivery time.

How much holidays can the employees take off?
There are two weeks of company holidays in august. One reason is the high temperatures, reaching 38°C+. This is too hot to work in the workshops. Beyond this, the employees take off during religious holidays depending on their faith. Once, this led to the curious situation that one employe was alone at work for several days in January while all her colleagues were celebrating sacred holidays.

What about social security?
The social security charges are rather low: 30%. They cover health insurance and a pension fund. Women have a right to 18 months paid maternity leave. However, the countries finances are ailing, and the services accordingly.

What would you like to do to make your company more sustainable?
Electric power is very expensive in Bosnia. We wish to install solar panels and LED lamps. We also would like to buy new glasses for Anka, our master seamstress.

Thank you!
(Zurich, July 2016)

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International Women’s Day

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The International Women’s Day was celebrated at our manufacture in Bosnia. This is very touching: so many women in this sector get so little reward for their hard work. We are very proud to contribute to a better practice by working with SlowFashionFast!