Ayah Tabari launched All Things Mochi after a trip to Goa in 2013 where she discovered the incredible work of the local artisans. Fast-forward four years and the brand has worked with “seven different embroidery communities worldwide.”

Ayah says she “employs artisans in their own country and we never discontinue our collections, hoping to be able to provide them with ongoing support.” Ayah sees her brand as a way to merge two things she’s always been passionate about. “I always wanted to work in the non-profit or charity sector but I was also interested in fashion so it came naturally to combine my love for both.”

The nomination for her award is bigger than just herself, she tells EW. “All Things Mochi was set up to bridge the gap between talented artisans and the marketplace so winning would not only mean a lot to me, but it would also validate their work!”