Our story
iameko was born from strong values: ethical and environmentally sensitive production combined with fun and adventure for busy learning children.
The British founder, Courtney, learned to sew when she was a little girl. Under the guidance of her mother, she began by making her own bedroom curtains. She studied Costume Design & Construction at university and worked in stage and entertainment. In her twenties, Courtney trained as a Design & Technology teacher, and she enjoyed teaching in UK schools for over a decade.
Fun & Furnishings
In 2011 Courtney and her husband moved to Borneo. When she hand-made the soft furnishings (including storage and bunting) for her first child’s bedroom, her friends saw them and asked for more. This developed into a small craft business with all orders coming through a network of word-of-mouth enthusiasm.
Adventure & Exploring
Courtney, her husband and their two children (aged 6 and 8) live in Borneo and love to explore together. They enjoy all kinds of travel and they both dive. Borneo has an incredible diverse and intriguing culture; the island has more than 400,000km2 of the world’s oldest rainforests, mangrove swamps, mountains and beaches. The island is famous for the diversity and abundance of animals, birds, amphibians and fish - including the iconic Orangutang and adorable Pygmy Elephants.
Did you know?
The oldest rainforest in the world is in Borneo!
It is thought to have been growing for 130 million years. The famous Amazon rainforest in South America is only half that old.
Ethics & Environment
Living in Asia brings your attention to two things that are all too easy to ignore in the West: the plight of workers in industrialising nations, and the fact that plastic is littered everywhere. Courtney knew it was essential that iameko did not contribute to these two global crises.
the birth of iameko
These factors come together in the strong values of the iameko brand. Courtney feels strongly that the best way for kids to grow and learn is through adventurous, imaginative outdoor play. It is how children can develop an understanding of nature and their own role in our planet’s future. They can develop sympathy for the ecosystems they live within and around, whilst learning how to identify and weigh up risks, manage consequences and overcome obstacles.
further reading