u/BlueHarm0ny

I've been building alone, for the past two years, my fashion brand called Amān Zya (@maison_amanzya on IG) and I am in the early launch stage.

The brand is about making women clothes in 100% natural fabrics, high-end quality with Moroccan details (trims, belts, etc.) inspired by Moroccan architecture and culture. The brand is based and made in NYC.

It's a very lonely journey and would love to connect with other founders who are at the same stage to share perspectives and why not partner together if the philosophy aligns.

About me: a self-made woman born in Morocco, lived in France for 10 years, moved to NYC 8 years ago. Full time job in technology consulting, computer science engineer by background. I grew up surrounded by my family business in fashion that my dad built from the ground up and I've always wanted to build my own brand. Two years ago I felt a calling that it was the right time and suddenly I found myself diving in at 10000%. The next thing I know: Amān Zya was born.

Anyone here at the same stage?

With love

I've been quietly building a small womenswear brand for the past year and I'm honestly not sure if it's landing the way I think it is, so I'm coming here.

The brand is rooted in Amazigh-Moroccan heritage. Everything is made in NYC in natural fabrics only (linen, silk, cotton, wool). The design details come from Moroccan architecture and culture. The whole thing is intentionally slow. No trend cycles, no drops, no urgency.

The woman I'm designing for is someone I kept not finding in the market, globally minded, culturally layered, done with clothes that feel disposable but also done with heritage brands that treat culture as costume.

Here's what I'm genuinely unsure about:

Does a brand like this make sense to you as a shopper? Like is there a version of "quiet, culturally grounded, natural fabrics" that actually pulls you in, or does it just sound like a niche that works better on paper than in practice?

And the harder question, when a new brand leads with heritage and craft, does it feel like a story you want to be part of?

Please be honest. I'm at the stage where honest is more useful than kind.

I'm building a luxury womenswear brand called « Amān Zya » on the side while working full time and struggling with one specific thing: how do you build a community around a niche brand when you can't show your face?

The brand is rooted in Moroccan-Amazigh heritage. Natural fabrics only, made in NYC, design details pulled from Moroccan architecture, artisan partnerships for cultural details that are subtle, not costume-y. The opposite of trend-driven or performative luxury.

How it started: I got angry. Angry finding 70% of pieces in polyester. Angry that luxury had stopped respecting women's intelligence. Angry that culture is being used without honoring the people who live it and keep it alive. I grew up in Morocco, studied in France, moved alone to New York, multiple layers of identity, don't fit any box. So I designed a wardrobe for myself. Now I want to share it.

The challenge: I have a full time job so I can't be the face of the brand and the brand is 100% bootstrapped (I am here for the long term game).

Has anyone built something real without being the face of it? What actually worked?

I'm building a luxury womenswear brand called « Amān Zya » on the side while working full time and struggling with one specific thing: how do you build a community around a niche brand when you can't show your face?

The brand is rooted in Moroccan-Amazigh heritage. Natural fabrics only, made in NYC, design details pulled from Moroccan architecture, artisan partnerships for cultural details that are subtle, not costume-y. The opposite of trend-driven or performative luxury.

How it started: I got angry. Angry finding 70% of pieces in polyester. Angry that luxury had stopped respecting women's intelligence. Angry that culture is being used without honoring the people who live it and keep it alive. I grew up in Morocco, studied in France, moved alone to New York, multiple layers of identity, don't fit any box. So I designed a wardrobe for myself. Now I want to share it.

The challenge: I have a full time job so I can't be the face of the brand and the brand is 100% bootstrapped (I am here for the long term game).

Has anyone built something real without being the face of it? What actually worked?

Hello,
I’m planning a trip with my partner to south of France from August 23 to September 5 and would love feedback.
Current plan:
Aug 23–26: Hyères / Port-Cros area
Scuba diving (Port-Cros National Park)
Aug 26–29: Provence: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Gorges du Verdon (hiking, kayaking)
Aug 29–Sept 5: French Riviera with day trips
Does this itinerary feel realistic for 13 days?

For the French Riviera portion, any recommendation on where to stay for an authentic experience with small town/village vibes?
Many thanks!

I’m planning a trip with my partner in Southern France from August 23 to September 5 and would love feedback from people who know the area.
Current plan:
• Aug 23–26: Hyères / Port-Cros area
Scuba diving (Port-Cros National Park)
Beach time
Exploring Hyères and nearby coastal areas
• Aug 26–29: Provence
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Gorges du Verdon (hiking, kayaking)
Exploring villages and local food
• Aug 29–Sept 5: French Riviera
Day trips, beaches, running, boat trip
Exploring villages and towns
A few questions:
Does this itinerary feel realistic, or am I trying to fit too much into 13 days?
Is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie the best base for Verdon, or would you recommend somewhere else?
For the French Riviera portion, where would you stay if you wanted an authentic experience rather than a luxury/resort vibe? I’m considering Villefranche-sur-Mer, Menton, Antibes, or another town.
For context, I enjoy hiking, scuba diving, beautiful villages, local food, authentic places, and I’m training for a marathon, so I’ll be running 3–4 times during the trip.
Thanks!