Our Story

founder at the markets in our relaxed linen shirt charcoal zaya and kai sustainable baby toddler clothing byron bay
ZK Founder and Head Designer, Maria at Salt Village Markets


Zaya & Kai is a lifestyle brand born in the waters of Byron Bay. We work towards a more sustainable future in fashion, advocating for a life more lived outdoors with a focus on natural materials that will nurture our kids and the planet for years to come.

Our Founder

In 2018, the beautiful world of auntie-hood opened Maria's heart and eyes to a whole new world. This involved perfectly tiny clothing for perfectly tiny people. How could you not fall in love? Having always been interested in textile design, plant fibers and low tox living, there was a no brainer where life was heading.

But Maria also realised that kids grow so quickly and it's not practical for parents to constantly replace their wardrobes. So she decided to create a line of oversized pieces that will fit for longer, made from quality materials that are made to last and be passed down.

Starting as a market stall in and around the Byron Shire, over the years this label has grown to become available both online as well as in retail stores across Australia, America and Europe. You can still catch Zaya & Kai at selected markets around Byron. Check out our instagram for updates and locations!

Our Makers

Zaya & Kai is ethically manufactured in carefully selected factories across Indonesia and China. Our manufacturers are audited regularly with GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications ensuring employees are supported in a safe working environment.

Our manufacturers are a very important part of our business and we work with them closely and visit them when possible. Having strong relationships with our factories is incredibly important to us in ensuring our mutual understanding and ethical improvements are nurtured and continue to develop.

Our manufacturers are committed to producing high quality pieces, at the same time ensuring their employees are well looked after.

Our Indonesian manufacturer is located in Bali and our Chinese one in Zhejiang.

Fibers

We prefer to use fibers of a natural origin or recycled wherever possible.

All of our organics are GOTS certified and our dyes are OEKO-TEX certified meaning they're free from harmful chemicals.

In the studio

Our solar system helps us harvest electricity straight from the sun.

We reduce/reuse where possible.

We use recycled paper.

Packaging

All orders are shipped in 100% compostable bags that break down in 3-5 years.

We use 100% recycled swing tags, flyers and cards.