Neurodiversity Fashion: Millie Haywood's Mentally Unstitched Brand

Millie Haywood's Journey

• 💡 At 22, Millie Haywood found a new passion after her dream of being an Olympic runner was sidelined by mental health struggles, including anorexia.
• 🧠 A diagnosis of autism a year prior to this interview was a turning point, helping her understand herself and find a new purpose.

The Birth of Mentally Unstitched

• 🧵 Haywood created the fashion brand Mentally Unstitched to express her feelings of being misunderstood and to offer comfort to others.
• 🧸 Her inspiration came from a giant plushy that provided support, leading her to design a "comfort hug" hoodie.

Sensory-Friendly Design

• 👕 The comfort hug hoodie is designed to be sensory-friendly, featuring no itchy tags and a hood large enough for headphones.
• ⚖️ Its weight, around two pounds, is intended to provide a calming pressure on the shoulders, helping to relieve anxiety.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

• ✨ Haywood also sews empowering slogans onto other products to celebrate neurodiversity.
• 💖 Her core message is that what makes you different makes you stronger, aiming to inspire others through her designs and personal story.