A Navy spouse used inspiration from her time stationed in Okinawa, Japan, to bring life to recycled kimonos and Japanese textiles.
Mottainai (pronounced “moh-tah-ee-nai“) is a Japanese term for “don’t waste.” It embodies the ethos: reduce, reuse, recycle, respect. Since 2017, this mission became the heart of Jennifer Kemp’s business, Mottainai Creations.
A need and a vision
Mottainai Creations began after Kemp visited a recycling center during her first year in Okinawa. Purchasing her first kimono, it gave her “an instant appreciation for the culture,” she explained on her Spouse-ly business page.
Kemp uses materials locally sourced in Japan to create women’s clothing and home decor. She is both the company’s creator and first customer.
“Being taller and larger than the average kimono wearer, I knew I didn’t fit the profile. I purchased two coordinating vintage silk kimonos, intending to deconstruct and use yardage for a scarf,” Kemp told Military Families Magazine.
But Kemp wasn’t the only one who didn’t fit the typical kimono-wearer profile.
“I wore my first creation to an event and was asked by multiple people where I got it. This led to in-home scarf parties,” she shared.
Kemp brought tubs of deconstructed kimonos to these in-home gatherings, where everyone would pick textiles that caught their eye. There, they’d create something unique. What started as a need became a business with a purpose.
Life in Japan
Mottainai Creations’ beginnings brought a sense of togetherness for those stationed with Kemp in Japan.
“I loved getting to share what I learned about these vintage pieces. It brought so many of us together while in a distant country,” she said.
Japan’s culture and customs, specifically that of the kimono, remained the driving force behind Kemp’s business and creative influence.
“Seeing how textiles were discarded because of imperfections inspired me to repurpose them, to continue to tell their story,” she said. “I made friends with a lovely Japanese woman and asked as many questions as I could, sharing my vision to make sure I was honoring their traditions and culture. Kimonos have such beauty and craftsmanship from the dying process. Some are hand-painted or hand-sewn. All are pretty remarkable.”
The creative process
Kemp’s intricate textile creations don’t just happen. She spends hours at her sewing machine, playing with colors and patterns.
“It’s a lot of trial and error,” she said. “Part of the fun is finding ways to utilize these unique and beautiful textiles. Scarves were the start, but it has definitely grown.”
Kemp honors the meaning of mottainai and the heart of her business by repurposing as much as possible, giving each piece of textile new life.
“In an effort not to waste anything, smaller silk pieces are turned into wearable art like jewelry, bow ties and hair accessories. I’ve started making pouches, eyeglass/sunglass cases and a larger boxy pouch. I also create home goods such as quilts, pillowcases, table runners and seasonal decor.”
New duty station, same mission
Although Kemp and her family are no longer stationed in Japan, you can now find her selling her one-of-a-kind textiles in an equally stunning location: the San Diego Japanese Gardens.
“After relocating stateside, I went to the Sakura blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden. I casually inquired if they worked with vendors, and it didn’t take long for the wheels to be set in motion.”
Kemp shared that she’s been grateful to be part of the Garden’s gift shop since February 2021.
Want to learn more about supporting military family-owned businesses? Visit our 2025 Military Shoppers Guide sponsored by The Rosie Network.
Learn more about Mottainai Creations on Facebook or Instagram.
