About

  

Hi there! My name is Asha Tobing, and I am a mother of two beautiful boys - Jaxon (aka "liljax" - my original inspiration behind my company name) and MaZen. I am an upcycler, wearable arts maker, artist, and creator, residing near the sea and redwoods of Santa Cruz, California. 

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, of Indonesian and Dutch heritage, I've also lived or spent significant time in Indonesia, Holland, France, Maryland, Washington, DC, Minneapolis and San Francisco. My design approach derives from pure imagination, and a culmination of diverse life experiences, and rich cultural exposure.

My artistic vision is to transform discarded textiles into beautiful, functional wearable art, bridging the gap between waste and creativity. By breathing new life into old fabrics, you not only reduce waste but also inspire others to see the potential in the overlooked and discarded. Each piece tells a story of reinvention, highlighting the beauty in imperfection and encouraging a deeper connection to the environment and the objects we use.

I see sewing as a form of expression, where every stitch represents imagination, patience, care, and the endless possibilities of transformation. Through my art, I aim to challenge conventional ideas of what textiles can be and invite others to rethink their relationship with material possessions, embracing the concept of reuse, repair, and renewal.

Each handmade piece comes together from my selection of salvaged fabrics and collected remnants, often assorted vintage and textiles from around the world, creating a one-of-a-kind look and feel for adults and children alike.

“Given the overabundance of materials already in existence, much of which gets thrown out, I find upcycling and eco-fashion to be a creative avenue and means to offset climate impact and raise environmental awareness around textile waste accumulating in landfills.”

When I'm not sewing custom pieces, vending on location, or teaching kids sewing and upcycling, you can find me walking along the coast at sunrise or sunset, hiking, practicing yoga and meditation, or adventuring and growing alongside my beloved boys, Jax and MaZen.