Creating Through Crisis: What It’s Like Running a Craft Business in Myanmar Today

An honest reflection from behind the scenes at Classic Home.

At Classic Home, we usually share stories about rattan—how we design, weave, and ship our handcrafted products to homes around the world. But today, we want to open up about something deeper: what it’s like to continue this work in Myanmar, in 2025.

Our country is going through one of its most difficult periods. And while this may seem unrelated to home décor, it is the backdrop against which every product we make comes to life.

🇲🇲 A Country in Crisis

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been facing ongoing conflict, political instability, and economic hardship. Entire regions have become unsafe due to fighting. Transportation routes are disrupted. Inflation is high. Power cuts are frequent. And daily life has changed for almost everyone.

​As if it wasn't already enough, on March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar's Sagaing Region, near Mandalay, causing significant devastation. The tremors were felt across the country and in neighboring regions, leading to widespread damage and loss of life. ​

At Classic Home, we are deeply saddened by the impact of this disaster on our community and nation. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we are committed to supporting relief efforts during this challenging time.

For those of us in small businesses—especially craft and manufacturing—the impact is very real. Moving raw materials from villages has become more complicated. Internet blackouts delay communication. Banks sometimes limit cash withdrawals. And yet, like many others, we keep going.

🧑‍🎨 Our Makers, Our Strength

Our artisans and team members come from all over the country—from rural weaving villages in the Ayeyarwaddy Region to urban neighborhoods in Yangon. Some wake up before sunrise to get to the factory. Others weave from home in areas affected by conflict.

Despite the uncertainty, they continue to show up with skill and dedication. They take pride in their craft, in preserving tradition, and in knowing their work reaches homes around the world.

One of our master weavers recently said,

“Even when things outside are not peaceful, my hands stay steady when I weave.”

That quiet strength is what fuels Classic Home.

🚚 Behind Every Shipment

Every product we export carries with it a quiet story of resilience. It passes through many hands: the framer who shapes it, the weaver who brings it to life, the QC team who inspects it by candlelight during blackouts, and the logistics team who finds alternate routes when roads close.

We’ve faced delays. We’ve lost materials. We’ve even had to reweave entire orders after sudden village lockdowns. But through it all, we’ve kept our promises to our partners and clients.

🌱 Why We Keep Going

We believe in what we do—not just as a business, but as a form of resistance, of culture-keeping, and of community support.

Every basket, lantern, or placemat we send abroad is more than a product—it’s a thread that connects a small workshop in Myanmar to a global table. It’s proof that even in times of crisis, beauty, creativity, and hope can survive.

🙏 Thank You for Walking With Us

To our buyers, partners, and supporters: thank you. Your continued trust and encouragement means more than we can express. It keeps people employed. It sustains families. It helps us look to the future with something rare in these times: optimism.

This isn’t just our story—it’s yours too.

“We craft with heart, even when the world feels uncertain. And we’re grateful to share that heart with you.”

– With hope,The Classic Home Team