From small-town Nebraska to the bustling markets of Thailand, Brooke Mullen’s journey is anything but conventional. As the founder and designer of Sapahn, a certified B Corporation redefining ethical luxury, Brooke has built a brand that honors both beautiful design and the dignity of its makers. With a background in human rights and a deep commitment to empowering women, Brooke’s story is one of purpose, passion, and the power of building bridges—across cultures, industries, and communities.
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Tell us a little about yourself.
As a certified B Corporation, we’re part of a global movement using business as a force for good. My husband shares this passion for human rights as the head of human rights for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Together, our careers have brought us to Miami, where I balance motherhood with my commitment to ethical entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. With two young boys, we love going to the beach, playing and watching sports, and being out in the community.
How did you get to where you are today?
As a young girl, I knew I wanted to make a difference. I didn’t know exactly what this looked like, but over the years, I continued to take the next step, and the vision became reality. As a young girl, I dreamed of seeing the world, but our family’s financial situation made this dream unreachable. That didn’t stop me. I found a way and opportunity to study abroad in Romania for a year after graduating from high school early. This experience changed the trajectory of my life when I volunteered alongside Peace Corps volunteers. Post college, I married and moved to Thailand to pursue my master’s degree in Human Rights, started working at the United Nations on Human Trafficking, and the next opportunity presented itself.
I saw how women were forced to leave their villages for work, often at significant personal cost. At the same time, I met talented women in local markets crafting beautiful goods but lacking access to sustainable markets. It felt like the pieces were coming together—a way to help women stay in their communities while creating economic opportunities.
The turning point came when I met Marie Tu in Myanmar. Trapped in poverty, she told me education was her only way out. I offered her a scholarship to study in Thailand, and that moment sparked my mission: to create livable job opportunities for women while funding education for others like Marie Tu. With just $1,000 and no business experience, no fashion experience, I began traveling to villages, collaborating with artisans to build bridges between their talents and global markets. Back in the U.S., I sold their crafts at fairs and pop-ups, reinvesting profits into scholarships and asking artisans what they needed most. Their answer was clear: opportunity—and Sapahn was born.
Who has made an impact on you?
Two individuals have profoundly impacted my life and work:
Marie Tu, a remarkable woman I met in Myanmar, has been a constant source of inspiration. Her resilience, social savvy, and humility in the face of adversity led to the creation of Sapahn’s first scholarship. Marie’s perspective on life’s challenges reminds me no matter how overwhelming the hard gets, your mindset is the way forward. Her journey from working multiple jobs with little time off to becoming a liaison for the Myanmar Parliament and opening her own business exemplifies the power of education and opportunity.
My husband has also significantly influenced me. His unwavering trust and support for my vision with Sapahn have been crucial, especially when I questioned myself. As a human rights activist and scholar, he’s helped me bridge the worlds of business and human rights. We’ve lived an incredibly fulfilling, impactful life and now get to raise two incredible children together.
What do you think has helped you the most with your success?
The village of women behind me has been instrumental in my success. These women, who show up for each other and for the world they want to see, have provided unwavering support and investment in our shared vision. Their collective energy, wisdom, and commitment to creating positive change have been a constant source of inspiration and strength. Together, we’ve built a network that empowers women and fosters a culture of mutual support and collaboration, which has been crucial in driving Sapahn’s mission forward.
What are you most proud of?
Since founding Sapahn 15 years ago, we’ve remained steadfast in our core values. We continue to honor our artisans by paying them livable wages, respecting their agency, and standing firm in our partnership, even when external pressures suggest taking shortcuts. Our commitment to these principles has been unwavering, ensuring that our relationships with artisans are built on trust, fairness, and mutual respect. This dedication to our values has allowed us to maintain a strong foundation, even as the world around us changes.
What are three pieces of advice you could give to our readers?
To live the life you were meant to live:
- Stay True to Yourself and Invest in Self-Discovery: The most powerful gift you can give yourself is the gift of self-discovery. Take time to understand your passions, values, and dreams. Invest in personal growth, and stay true to who you are. This foundation will guide you through life’s challenges and opportunities.
- Embrace Opportunities with Courage: Say yes to opportunities that excite and scare you. These moments often lead to the most profound growth and fulfillment. Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Speak openly about your aspirations and challenges; sharing your journey can inspire others and bring valuable support.
- Build a Strong Community: Beautiful things happen in community. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Building strong relationships and networks can provide the encouragement and resources needed to navigate life’s journey. Remember, community is not just about receiving support; it’s also about giving back and contributing to the lives of others.
How do you try to make an impact?
I strive to be a bridge connecting people, experiences, and ideas. Sapahn means ‘bridge’ in Thai, and this philosophy guides my approach to making an impact in both my personal and professional life. I aim to create connections between diverse communities, between ethical practices and business success, and between individuals and the broader impact of their choices.
I invite others to join in this mission – to be the bridge that brings ideas to life and helps potential find its way. Whether it’s in our work, our communities, or our daily interactions, we all have the power to build bridges that lead to meaningful impact.
How do you reward yourself when you’ve reached a goal or after a hard day of work?
When I’ve reached a goal or need to unwind after a hard day, I find joy in celebrating with the people who matter most to me. Whether it’s a dinner, drinks, or a fun game night, I love sharing these moments with loved ones. It’s a way to connect and appreciate the support system that helps me thrive.
I often turn to activities that nourish my mind and body to recharge. Walking while listening to podcasts is a great way to clear my head and gain new insights. Moving my body through yoga or other exercises is essential for maintaining my energy and well-being. I also value debriefing the day with my husband, as it helps me process my thoughts. These moments of self-care and connection are my way of rewarding myself and preparing for the next challenge.
Ashley-Victoria Smith
Serial entrepreneur, celebrity publicist, published author, swimwear designer, and creative director. Currently resides in the Queen City with her two rescue fur babies indulging in coffee, a good book, and Marvel movies.
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