Soyini George is the designer behind the Washington, DC, handmade baby brand, Yinibini Baby. As a little girl growing up in Guyana, Soyini’s learned to sew from watching her Great Aunt Jean cut, pin and put fabrics together to create stylish clothing. That was just the beginning of Soyini’s love for art, design and color. One year after graduating from college, and with $100, a dining room table and tons of motivation, she started the Yinibini brand of clothing and jewelry for women.
The Origin of the name “Yinibini” came from the last four letters of Soyini’s name (Yini) + bini, which means ‘good girl’ in Guyanese creole. In 2010, the brand’s focus was switched from Women’s clothing to accessories and clothing for babies.
Yinibini Baby clothing and accessories are all hand-sewn and made of cotton, organic cotton, cotton blend and bamboo blend fabrics. The collection includes blankets, onesies, booties, bibs, burp cloths, dresses and more! Her original illustrations are based off of childhood stories and memories and the great selection of colors, patterns and textures are perfect for babies. Soyini draws inspiration for color, texture and patterns from memories of her Uncle Reggie’s garden. “He took pride in his garden, and the vibrant colors, textures and patterns of the fruits, flowers and vegetables still lingers in my mind”, Soyini shared. Soyini applies the same meticulous care and love to all of her delicate her pieces.
Soyini’s work has not gone unnoticed in her hometown of Washington, DC. In 2011, Yinibini Baby was voted the 2nd Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC; 2012 – Yinibini Baby was voted Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC; 2013 – Yinibini Baby was voted Runner Up Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC; 2014 – Yinibini Baby was voted Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC.
In 2014, Yinibini Baby was also named a Finalist in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. American Made spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade. The program is made up of people and communities that have turned their passion for quality craftsmanship and well-designed goods into a way of life. Votng for the winner of this award began on September 15th and runs until October 13th, 2014. The winner will be announced on October 17th, 2014. To vote for Soyini, visit her page on www.marthastewart.com.
Yinibini Baby’s products are available in several stores across Maryland, Washington DC, Ohio, Florida and and Virginia and are also available in selected online stores. Soyini’s dream is to open her own brick and mortar store in the Washington DC area.
I am very proud of you. I am Guyanese and can relate to your story. I come from a family of seamstresses starting with my grandma. As for the gardening I can also relate my dad loved to garden. To this day I still love lots of fruits and vegetables and all the beautiful colors. Great advise in your article and a beautiful story.
Hi Adebessi. Thank you for your lovely words! We Guyanese people are so beautiful and our culture is so magnificent! I have wonderful memories of Guyana and at my weekend markets I often speak of them to my customers.