Guests perusing the bazaar, which featured enterprises founded or led by Malaysian women (Photo: Mohd Izwan/ The Edge)
From fashion items and handicrafts to food and beverages, these small enterprises provided a slew of exciting offerings at Options’ recent IWD forum.
Founded in 2016 by Anne Nathan and Evlyn Ambrose, Southern Nools is a small Penang-based clothing brand selling batik clothes for men and women that are ideal for a range of occasions in our tropical climate as well as daily accessories. While the business was initially set up to help the duo cope with work, single motherhood and childcare, it became a medium for them to create employment for women from marginalised communities. At the event, the label brought out its latest products, including garments in a variety of styles such as blouses, kimonos and tops for men, as well as handmade tote bags, pencil cases and bookmarks. Vibrant clay bracelets and necklaces sourced from Cambodia were also available.
Rhymba Hills has been around for 11 years. Founder Ciinndey Wong started the business to fix her unhealthy lifestyle, which caused her to suffer from multiple health issues. She is also sensitive to caffeine. A decade ago, most restaurants and cafés served limited choices of teas such as chamomile and peppermint. Wong was looking for more variants and began exploring herbal plants from our region like lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, kaffir lime and pandan. She then came out with beverages made from a blend of these locally sourced ingredients. Halal-certified, they are packed with health benefits, including boosting the immune system, aiding digestion and managing sugar levels.
Not everyone is familiar with the proper and safe ways to use essential oils, says Michelle Lee of Oilees. While she has long known the benefits of essential oils — from creating a calming ambience to combating flu and fever — she became a firm believer when she saw the positive effects they had on her family members who were treated for muscle aches, blocked nose and flu. She established the business with the intention of providing quality and affordable essential oils. Nine years later, she is planning to expand her offerings by holding classes to educate people on the correct methods to incorporate essential oils in one’s daily life.
Established in 1992, Persatuan Daybreak is the acronym for Disabled Adults and Youths Being Rewarded, Encouraged and Accepted in Kinta, Perak. Helmed by Puan Sri Datuk Sandra Lee, this charitable non-governmental organisation started out selling handicrafts made by volunteers. Over time, it has grown into a vocational training centre where people with disabilities can learn and develop skills to empower them to lead self-reliant lives. Currently, about 40 individuals are receiving training in different sectors, including handicrafts, farming, socks manufacturing, packaging and general cleaning. A variety of merchandise was on sale at the forum, including key holders, tote bags and plush toy animals.
Nirwana Sariff is constantly on the lookout for nature’s finest flavours. She set up East Honey and Herb with the belief that the most extraordinary tastes come from nature’s untouched corners. The brand markets four types of honey, including Tualang, Kelulut and Gelam. Its latest product is a mixture of honey and black ginger extract powder — traditionally used as food and folk medicine in Thailand for more than 1,000 years — which can help improve digestion, boost the immune system and provide natural energy. The honey is gathered from Gerik (Perak), Gua Musang (Kelantan), Tasik Kenyir (Terengganu) and some parts of Pahang. Through this enterprise, Nirwana hopes to spread awareness of plant extinction due to deforestation.
“It is one sauce that does it all!” proclaims Eunice Yin Ern, founder of Ot Sa Te, a lemongrass chilli oil brand that had a serendipitous start. One day, she rustled up the condiment for herself and packed the excess in jars. However, it was a lot for one person to finish, so Yin gave them to friends, who later told her that she should sell the sauce because it was really good. Today, the condiment is available in three options: Original, Spicy and Vegetarian. It can be used as a topping on rice, pasta, lontong, laksa, soup, porridge or egg. If you are feeling adventurous, it is also perfect as a pizza base and toast spread.
Nourish and Nibbs makes it easier to snack healthily. It all started when Adelyn Loo noticed the amount of junk food her kindergartener son brought home after every special celebration at school. From then on, she was determined to do something about his diet. Running Nourish and Nibbs allows her to watch over their lifestyle while educating other parents on the harmful effects of eating junk food, especially for young children. Her plant-exclusive products are not only suitable for kids, but also health-conscious adults who want to nibble on healthy snacks without the hassle of peeling fruits.
Founder and CEO of Graze Market Clara Wan says her brand mission is to rescue imperfect yet edible produce to reduce food waste and promote a greener future. The company works with farmers to source for imperfect vegetables and fruits and sell them at Graze Market for a lower price. Additionally, the team also processes the ingredients and turns them into edibles with longer shelf life. Since 2022, the enterprise has been collaborating with Yayasan Daya Diri for Project Gerai Up to train and assist women from the B40 community in their entrepreneurial journey.
This article first appeared on Apr 7, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
