FMS RAVE: Meet Millie from Blue Bee Tie Dye

Fashion Makerspace RAVE (Really Aspiring & Very Enterprising) Student Spotlight

Meet Millie, the creative soul behind Blue Bee Tie Dye, a Bai minority family–run indigo workshop rooted in the rich cultural landscape of Dali, on the Yungui Plateau, and in Singapore!

At Blue Bee Tie Dye, every piece tells a story. From naturally dyed home decor and accessories to soft toys, each item is handmade - from the first dip of indigo to the final stitch. Millie’s aunt and her team of local Bai artisans use a traditional needle dye technique passed down through generations, drawing color from the indigo plant to craft intricate motifs inspired by nature and everyday life.

Can you tell us the story behind Blue Bee Tie Dye — how did the idea first begin, and what inspired you to turn your family’s traditional Bai tie dye craft into a brand?

I am a Bai ethnic girl from Dali who loves handmade crafts and is deeply inspired by the ancient indigo tie-dye tradition. During Covid, I stayed at home and started to share videos of Bai's tie-dye process and the indigo dye concept on social media. To my surprise, many people from different countries showed interest in the craft, and they didn't know the Bai's tie dye - They were curious about the colour, patterns, and the meaning behind the crafts. So that made me very touched, and I realised that maybe this is a chance to promote traditional tie-dye crafts with the global audience. 

What challenges did you face in preserving tradition while building a sustainable modern brand?

Firstly, Bai’s tie-dye represents a slower and more mindful way of living and creating. However, modern life, especially in big cities, moves very fast. People value efficiency and instant results, which greatly influences modern aesthetics. Popular symbols and trends change quickly, making it difficult for us to keep up with that pace, since traditional crafts take a lot of time to make and design.

Secondly, there’s the issue of value. Each piece of Bai tie-dye fabric takes days to make, but today’s market focuses on mass production. This makes it difficult for traditional crafts to be sustainable for makers. 

Why did you choose the name “Blue Bee Tie Dye”? Does it carry a particular meaning or symbolism related to your craft or mission?

The "Blue" represents peace and the natural indigo, while the "Bee" symbolises hard work - Bees collect honey with patience and care, which is very similar to us, as we create our fabric with patience, love, and effort. 

What do you hope to achieve with Blue Bee Tie Dye in the future?

My goal is not just to sell products, but also to share the stories behind our crafts. I want more people to learn about traditional and cultural dyeing techniques. These crafts — along with the slower, more mindful lifestyle of my hometown — carry a spirit that I believe is deeply valuable for modern life.

In a fast-moving world, Blue Bee Tie Dye reminds us that beauty doesn’t always come from speed or perfection, but from presence — from slowing down and letting things unfold naturally.

If you’d like to step into this slower rhythm and experience the spirit behind each creation, visit Blue Bee’s website to join one of her workshops. There, you’ll not only learn the art of tie-dye, but also rediscover the calm and creativity that come from truly making something by hand 🌟 

👉🏻 Natural Plant Paste Printing Pouch Workshop by Blue Bee Tie Dye
👉🏻 Indigo Shibori Dye Silk Scarf Workshop by Blue Bee Tie Dye