How it all began - told by Mel, the founder
In 2016, I traveled to Malawi. There, I realized: I want to found a social business that creates jobs and distributes prosperity from the north to the south – without relying on donations. The colorful chitenge fabrics of Malawi immediately captivated me. It quickly became clear: it would be a ethical fashion label. I'm neither a fashion designer nor a textile expert, but a psychologist and economist. Some business knowledge helped, but the rest had to come through learning by doing and the dedication of many wonderful people.
In 2017, we were able to open our production facility and sew our first reversible jackets. Over the years, our team grew to 20 people plus many volunteers—a small but proud company that worked with great passion. In 2020, we were finally able to pay our first salaries in Germany and felt we had overcome the biggest hurdles. Until then—as you might have guessed—the global pandemic hit.
Restart
In 2024, a conversation with the founder of DearGoods inspired me to rethink Khala. I slowly accepted that while the Malawi chapter was over, that didn't mean Khala's story had to end. This time, I wanted to plan more realistically, taking our personal time and financial resources more into account. Back then, we had created fair jobs in Malawi, but exploited ourselves in Germany. That wasn't going to happen this time.
The Crucial Tip
It was clear: no more in-house production, but a partner who shares our values, delivers high quality, and has experience with hemp textiles. Then came the crucial tip from Robert, founder of HempAge. One of the most authentic people in the fashion world I've ever met. Although we didn't know each other, he openly shared his knowledge with me. He told me who they've been working with for over 15 years: a production facility in China that embodies our values and processes hemp to the highest standard. At first, I thought: China? That doesn't suit us. But Robert's experience convinced me.
Hemp – Fiber of the Future
We were already working with hemp fabrics in Malawi. I wanted to expand on that, as hemp is one of the most sustainable fibers in the world:
- it requires significantly less water than cotton,
- grows almost anywhere like a weed without pesticides,
- and is extremely durable and long-lasting.
In short: perfect for our reversible jackets. Despite all these advantages, hemp accounts for less than 1% of the textile industry. China is the leading producer. Nevertheless, we explored other options: Turkey, Egypt, Portugal – tried everything, without success.
Ethically produced in China
If someone had told me a few years ago that we would one day be producing in China, I wouldn't have believed it. Khala made in China – I still have to get used to that, because my first association certainly isn't fair and sustainable fashion. Personally, I find that exciting: I have to leave my mental comfort zone to make new experiences possible. The prejudices run deep. Nevertheless, it feels right. The next chapter of Khala is now being written in collaboration with our partner in Shandong – fair, sustainable, and on equal terms.
Khala 2026
In February 2026, our first reversible jackets made from hemp and organic cotton will be launched – ethically made in China. Join the waiting list and be among the first to discover our new reversible jacket.