One of the things we're most proud of as a small business is our expertise in designing artistic and meaningful products, no matter the medium. Our pieces always have layers, and they all have their unique origin story. Sometimes it comes from cultural references and memories, other times it comes from messages that feel important to share with the world. The Believe Survivors enamel pin is one such piece.
The Project
We had the privilege of creating this custom enamel pin for YWCA Canada as part of their national initiative to advocate for ending violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people. The message carries deep meaning for many people, and this project was about translating an idea of support, advocacy, and solidarity into something tangible.
Designing From Experience
Unlike many of our other design prompts, this one began with a "what not to do." As a survivor myself, I'm too familiar with the trappings of hollow slogans and clinical demeanor in the social justice space. I wanted to do something different—something more grassroots, something that felt lived.
I wanted it to be something you'd want to wear not just as a statement, but as a quiet act of care. We wanted it to say: “I see you, I believe you, you're safe with me.”
The History and Symbolism
Guided by these sensibilities, we used vintage botanical illustrations as our inspiration. It’s a timeless art style that also carries a profound historical connection to women. During the 18th and 19th centuries, botany was often gender-coded as a "feminized science," making it one of the few socially acceptable scientific pursuits for women.
Choosing this style felt like a serendipitous homage to YWCA Canada, the country’s oldest and largest gender equity organization, which has been serving communities since Agnes Blizzard organized that first meeting in 1870.
A Modern-Day Emblem of Bravery
We wanted the composition of the design to look slightly like a coat of arms, using the structure of heraldry to symbolize the inherent strength and dignity of survivors. We envisioned the pin as a modern-day emblem of bravery.
To achieve this, we handwrote "Believe Survivors" and encased it within a soft ribbon banner reminiscent of old books. In design and heraldry, this is known as a motto riband (or motto scroll). Traditionally used in badges to display titles of honor, the riband serves as a visual, flowing container that connects a symbol to its meaning.
Rooted in a long history of identification and loyalty—once used on 12th-century battlefields to distinguish friend from foe—the ribbon has evolved into a modern symbol of commemoration and awareness. By using the riband here, we wanted to elevate the message of "Believe Survivors" to a place of honor and communal identity.
The Language of Flowers: Potentilla
From there, we began looking into the language of flowers and found the Potentilla:
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The Name: From the Latin word potens, meaning powerful.
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The Resilience: A member of the rose family that thrives in cold weather.
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The Spirit: In traditional symbolism, it is associated with strength, resilience, courage, and honor.
The yellow color was chosen to represent friendship, solidarity, and warmth—a reminder that survivors are not alone. We added a magenta center for contrast and kept the supporting leaves in a fresh green color. The palette ended up feeling alive and grounded at the same time.
Redefining Resilience
In the earliest design draft, the flowers were held by two hands, gently supporting them from both sides. While the intent was good, it made the flower appear fragile.
I found myself thinking about how survivors are often portrayed in advocacy imagery. Sometimes the focus leans too heavily toward fragility, but survivors are not fragile beings. Our stories are often defined by resilience, courage, and the strength to continue forward even after difficult experiences. Because of that, we decided to remove the hands from the design. We wanted the flower to stand in its own independent power.
A Quiet Signal
The power of good design is often hidden in the undetectable. At MUKA, we believe everyday objects can carry meaning. A small enamel pin might seem simple, but it can also be a quiet signal. Something worn on a jacket, bag, or lanyard can be a clue to the richness of your inner world—your hopes, dreams, and everything you stand for. The Believe Survivors pin is meant to do exactly that. It’s a reminder that advocacy starts with simple actions like listening and believing.
Work With Us
We’re grateful to YWCA Canada for trusting us with this project and for the work they continue to do supporting survivors across the country.
If you're a nonprofit, advocacy organization, or campaign looking to create custom enamel pins or merchandise that carries real meaning—this is the kind of work we live for. Get in touch to put something meaningful out into the world. ❤️🙏✊
References & Further Reading
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Learn more about the 18th-century "feminized science" of botany at McMaster University Library.
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Explore the history of botanical art as a "genteel diversion" for women via Audubon Art.
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