PanMilli — My Story

I am Korean by origin, born in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and grew up in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where I graduated from university. After graduating I moved to Canada, where I still am today. Having experienced such a diverse cultural environment has shaped me as a designer in ways I couldn't have planned.

My brand name has a simple origin — my nickname is Milli and my last name is Pan, so it came together quite naturally: PanMilli.

I am a perfectionist — my husband would say I'm just picky, which I think is not entirely true. No matter what I'm doing, I'm always 100% devoted to it and I have to be completely happy with the outcome. That's why I stand behind every product that carries the name PanMilli. It's a reflection of who I am and what I love doing. I truly love creating the perfect keepsake for every individual who orders one of my pieces — whether it's for a wedding, a gift for someone special, or simply a treat for yourself. Each item is unique and handcrafted with love.

My design journey started in 2014, and the second image is a picture of that very first hat. It inspired me to start making my own sun hats — after the first idea, the next one followed quickly, and then many more. My mind is a constant flow of ideas: hats, bags, anklets, beach accessories, and so on. I keep my eyes and mind open, pushing myself to learn, explore, and bring to life the treasury of ideas I carry around in written thoughts and sketches.

Looking back, I'm so glad I pushed past my fear and made PanMilli a reality. My husband and I travel as much as we can, and PanMilli is a brand inspired by beach lifestyle and a passion for travel.