Tuesday Style Fashion (TSF) is at Haveli boutique for this week’s spotlight on retailers. Under the fashion radar is founder and creative director Mina Robertson.

Share with us your foray into fashion.

My experience in fashion started with an internship at the Style Observer when I was 13 years old, reporting on lifestyle/street-style trends and later styling editorial shoots. I went on to pursue my undergraduate degree in fashion business studies at ESMOD/ISEM in Paris where I interned at Chloe. While in school, I went to Ghana to intern at Studio 189 which is part of the UN/ITC’s Ethical Fashion Initiative. After graduating, I stepped away from the industry, worked as an analyst at Sagicor Group Jamaica and pursued an MSc in Corporate Finance at the Mona School of Business, UWI. After grad school, I went to India where I was inspired by the traditional textiles, use of natural dyes and fibres and reverence the artisans had for the process of creating clothing. That’s where I decided to start Haveli.

What has kept you in the industry?

The confidence I see women carry when they wear Haveli. That moment when they beam out of the dressing room or when they stop to show me a picture of them making a speech or at an event makes it all make sense. The opportunities I’ve had to represent Jamaica and shine a light on our talent through Haveli have also been incredibly rewarding. The people I have the privilege of working with who span continents but share a commitment to making the industry more sustainable and a desire to preserve and promote artisanal production. I’m also motivated by the possible ways we can use fashion as an agent for social change — especially the ones that I haven’t thought of yet.

How have you maintained relevance?

We are very much an emerging brand with a lot of ground to cover, so consistently telling our story and finding key partners to tell it to is important. I focus on why we exist and who we are serving and then it becomes an exercise of figuring out where and how to meet them. Building relationships through that storytelling, especially with agents, buyers and media outlets in new markets has been key for us. After that, I think the product speaks for itself. I pay attention to how it’s received, what works, what doesn’t, and evolve in a way that stays true to our principles and aesthetic.

How have you revitalised the brand and garnered additional support?

In 2024 we made the shift from being predominantly a physical boutique to focusing on wholesale distribution and e-commerce in new markets. We’ve built relationships with buyers and journalists; again through telling our story and identifying a specific space that we occupy in the market — the ‘need’ we’re meeting.

What can customers look forward to from Haveli over the next couple of months?

By popular demand we are bringing back some favourite pieces from past collections like our Sienna Palazzo Pants, Titli Culottes and kaftans in new colours and prints. We also have some new raw silk pieces coming that I’m really excited about.

What are a few season must-haves?

Our Seya dress will become your go-to piece for every occasion and our linen pieces have become wardrobe staples.

Where can the collection be sourced?

Myhaveli.com; Nordstrom.com; Locale in Kingston, Jamaica.

myhaveli.com

Haveli founder and creative director Mina Robertson (right) joined NBC’s TODAY Show hosts Jenna Bush Hager (centre) and Sheinelle Jones during the live taping of the show at Sandals Dunn’s River on Friday, March 27. (Photo: Sandals Resorts)

Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 contestant Kennya Young showcased the Roaring Knit Top and Skirt by Diotima sourced by JAM during the March 27 taping of NBC’s TODAY Show. (Photo: Sandals Resorts)

Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 contestant Rajivea Soman modelled the Cut Deep Monokini in Black by Kris Jackson Swimwear and Kimono Set from Locale Jamaica on the March 27 taping of NBC’s TODAY Show.(Photo: Sandals Resorts)

NBC’s TODAY Show hosts Sheinelle Jones (third left) and Jenna Bush Hager (centre) shared a moment with Haveli founder and creative director Mina Robertson (third right) following her appearance on Friday, March 27. Joining them are Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 contestants (from left) Rajivea Soman, Marian Millaneise, Kennya Young, aniann Excell. (Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts)

Returning to the Haveli collection: The Titli Culottes. (Photo courtesy of Haveli)

Another favourite piece making its return: he Sienna Palazzo Pants. (Photo courtesy of Haveli)

Haveli founder and creative director Mina Robertson