You could say our co-founders, sisters Renee and Tiffany Tam, started their business as little girls. They followed their parents around their shops in Chinatown, San Francisco, went with them on trips to Asia to visit the Silk Villages. And they learned so much from their parents over the years. So much so, that twenty years ago, they set out to expand on that family business and make it their own.
Twenty years ago, they built their own dream on the heritage passed down by their family. Their dream was to create something that felt both meaningful and luxurious. Something that could live in your wardrobe as a work of art and in your life as an everyday luxury. That dream became reality in the form of handcrafted kimono robe silk and charmeuse pieces — each one inspired by centuries of tradition, infused with Renee and Tiffany’s modern aesthetic, and rooted in the belief that self care is for everyone.
Now, two decades in, we’ve seen trends come and go. We've grown from a tiny operation of two to a small but mighty team of ten. We’ve certainly seen ups and downs, and through it all, we’ve held tight to a few truths. So today, we’re celebrating the growth and learning that comes with time, and sharing some of the most important lessons we’ve learned over 20 years of creating kimono clothes to bring a little extra luxury to your every day.
Photo by Augie Chang
1. Always Follow Up
Whether it’s an email from a new customer or a long-standing collaborative partner, we’ve learned that following up is simply good business. It is so easy for loose ends to remain just that, loose ends. But one thoughtful message can keep communication going, and communication is key to a thriving business. That one check-in can salvage a tricky situation or push a nascent idea forward.
2. Stay in Open Dialogue with Your Community
We’ve never wanted to be a silent brand disconnected from our community because community has been central to our own lives. Chinatown, with all its shops and storefronts, was a second home for Renee and Tiffany and has always been integral to their values. For the KIM+ONO team, we see ourselves as part of a dynamic conversation with our customers. Listening to our community, through DMs, reviews, or in-person chats from their store visits, has shaped our offerings from adding pockets to our kimono wraps to our plus size cuts to the little details of our cotton drawstring bags.
3. Collaborate with Like-Minded Folks
No one builds something lasting by themselves. Some of our most powerful growth moments have come from partnering with fellow creatives, founders, and artists. Whether it's co-hosting popups in our store with artisans and wellness practitioners, working with photographers who tell our story with elegance and intention, or creating a special collection with a designer we love, collaboration has fueled our most exciting ideas. And beyond the logistics of teamwork, there’s something emotionally nourishing about working with people who value the same principles of beauty and intention that we do.
4. Be Part of the Community, Physically and Philosophically
We’re proud to be based in San Francisco. Our founders have grown up here, have family roots here, and have been part of the community of Chinatown for decades. We’ve been lucky to be supported by this neighborhood over the years and we’ve made it our mission to give back, whether by making donations to important local groups, letting our store be a hub for the Lunar New Year Parade, or stocking gorgeous wellness goodies and gifts from small local businesses we love. And beyond that, when our customers wear our kimono clothes, they aren’t just lounging in them. They wear these pieces to date night, poetry readings, postnatal checkups, community gatherings, and getting ready for their wedding day. Being part of the lives and rituals of our community is one of our greatest honors.
5. Don’t Sacrifice Your Values During Production
There’s always a quicker way. A cheaper fabric. A shortcut on labor. But we learned early on: you feel the difference. We’ve had opportunities to cut costs and scale faster. But we chose instead to go slowly, to double down on the timeless techniques that ensure that every kimono robe silk garment we offer is made with quality and intention. It’s not just about integrity — it’s also about the longevity of what we create. Trends come and go, but true quality lasts.
6. Prioritize People
Our team is everything and we always prioritize the people who make this brand run. Whether it’s the artisans who handpaint our designs, our fulfillment crew who carefully and intentionally fold each and every kimono robe to ship out, or our store associates who connect with customers to guide them through finding their favorite, everyone on our small team is important. We’ve learned that if you want your product to feel like it’s made with love, the people making it need to feel valued. That means fair pay, flexible schedules, healthy working conditions, shared wins, and real appreciation. It’s not revolutionary. It’s just human.
7. Use the Best Quality Materials
Silk has always been the signature material at the core of our collections. It’s breathable, fluid, strong, and luxurious. It feels like you’re wrapped in a cloud, and adds a little bit of self care to everyday moments. We’ve spent years researching and refining our process to ensure that every kimono robe silk piece is beautiful and built to last. We test all of our fabrics in a variety of conditions. We listen to how they move, how they feel, how they wear. A regular robe becomes the best robe when it’s made from the best materials. We believe you can always feel quality, and it makes a real difference.
Photo by Miranda Tillinghast
8. Gratitude is the Best Business Strategy
Twenty years later, we wouldn't be here without you. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or just discovered us last week, thank you for letting us be a small part of your story. We’ve wrapped so many people in silk over the years — new moms, brides, artists, caretakers, dreamers. And what we’ve realized is: the kimono robe is just the beginning. What we’re really making is the joy that comes from being truly confident in your own skin and your own story. So please use the code ENJOY20 as part of our Customer Appreciation Sale. It’s a token of our gratitude for your support and love over the years.
Here’s to the next 20 years. We promise to keep showing up with heart, with heritage, and with kimono robes that make you feel like the queen you are.
