About

Yieki – A Brand for Belonging

At Yieki, we believe that representation matters not just in words, but in the symbols we wear, the communities we uplift, and the stories we tell. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Yieki was founded by Ryan Banik, a neurodiverse, non-binary creator driven by the mission to make identity-focused merchandise more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful.

Yieki was born out of a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves to feel seen. For too long, people living with invisible conditions—whether related to neurodivergence, disability, chronic illness, or mental health—have been overlooked in mainstream culture. Yieki exists to change that narrative, offering a collection of products that are not only stylish and affordable but also deeply symbolic. Each item is designed to spark pride, recognition, and solidarity.

From enamel pins and apparel to accessories and community-focused designs, Yieki brings together vibrant aesthetics with strong cultural significance. Every design is intentionally crafted with love, research, and community consultation, ensuring that what you wear isn’t just an accessory but a statement of belonging.

But Yieki is more than a brand; it is a movement for visibility. Our work is grounded in activism and social responsibility, with a portion of proceeds regularly donated to organisations supporting LGBTQIA+ communities, disability rights, and mental health advocacy. By choosing Yieki, customers aren’t just buying a product—they are joining a collective voice that stands for inclusivity, compassion, and resilience.

We believe in ethical production, affordability, and accessibility, ensuring our products are within reach for people from all walks of life. Our designs are not mass-produced trends but carefully curated symbols that help people feel recognised and celebrated for who they are.

At its core, Yieki is about empowerment through representation. It’s about celebrating the richness of human diversity and turning what was once invisible into something undeniably visible. It’s about wearing your identity proudly, whether that’s your queerness, your neurodivergence, your disability, or your mental health journey, and knowing that you are not alone.

Yieki is for those who are tired of being unseen. For those who want to wear their truth boldly. For those who believe that every pin, every design, and every flag can carry the power of belonging, healing, and pride.

At Yieki, representation isn’t an afterthought; it is the heart of everything we do.

What does Yieki even mean?

I’m often asked what “Yieki” means. Truthfully, it doesn’t have a specific meaning. I’ve been a gamer all my life, and like many gamers, I wanted a unique “gamer name.” When I created Yieki, I was browsing the World of Warcraft player database, trying to find a name that hadn’t already been claimed by millions of players.

After a long search and plenty of trial and error, I finally landed on “Yieki.” It was original, available, and it just felt right. I’ve kept it ever since and going strong since 2008.