No matter how they are styled, each subtle piece is suitable for everyday wear (All photos: MYJN)
Durable. Timeless. Tarnish-resistant. These are just some of the criteria modern shoppers with an eye for quality expect from the trinkets they invest in. While much of recent conversations on enduring style have revolved around clothing, jewellery plays a less talked about but nonetheless crucial role in holistic fashion.
Lasting power — and this applies to a piece’s physical sturdiness as well as its ability to endure trends and seasons — is an especially important aspect for buyers practising more sustainable consumer patterns, investing beyond a single generation, or anyone who simply dislikes the patinated look. Avid collectors also know all finery should be kept dry and away from fragrances and lotions. However, the quality of the materials used can make a world of difference in how long metals maintain their lustre.
Homegrown accessory brand MYJN is one of the few businesses of its kind that have attained success in terms of product quality, customer satisfaction and social media attention. Founder Rowan Ooi attributes this to the team’s sharp eye for detail and ability to listen to feedback, allowing them to curate an experience that feels purposeful and personal. Everything is made to order and carefully packed in small dust pouches before being shipped to clients in reusable and recyclable boxes lightly perfumed with an uplifting, incense-like scent.
The label was not always what it is today, as Ooi will tell you. It all began in 2017 with a “simple workbench”, at which he handcrafted pieces on a small scale and vended them in local markets.
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“Those early days taught me the beauty of connecting directly with people who understood what I created,” he says. Even then, the mission to make beautiful things that one could wear daily was clear.
“We’re not here to follow trends. We design timeless pieces that leave a lasting impression. Our jewellery is more than an accessory — it’s a reflection of personal stories, unique styles and cherished moments,” Ooi comments.
The house’s name (meant to be read letter by letter) has two primary meanings — MY being “a sense of ‘myself’ and a nod to our Malaysian roots”, while JN stands for Jun,
a character in Ooi’s Chinese name.
The founder makes it clear that it is not all about him, though.
“The name sometimes gets misread as ‘My JN’, or is assumed to be an acronym, but it’s more than that. I am introverted by nature with no social media presence. We don’t want MYJN to be viewed as ‘Jun’s brand’. Instead, we hope people see it as a celebration of artistry, thoughtful aesthetics, and the artisanal spirit we pour into every design.”
This name also hints at the label’s past, one characterised by hardship and evolution. The brand was originally imagined by Ooi and his former partner, whose initials were represented by “MY”. In 2022, that shared dream came to an end when the pair separated and Ooi, MYJN’s main force, took on the business alone. It was during this period of heartbreak that he decided to double down, channelling turbulent emotions into enhancing his work rather than giving up.
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“Even in that painful moment, I realised MYJN had grown into something much more — a promise to every customer who believed in us, and commitment to the team that trusted me to lead,” he mentions. “Instead of stepping back, I poured my energy into rebuilding, driven by new strength and purpose. We kept the name as a tribute to our origins, but now it also represents resilience, growth and a renewed dedication to what we stand for.”
Through the years of unpredictable change and discovery, Ooi worked diligently to refine MYJN’s brand ethos and services, fine-tuning things down to the smallest detail to set the label apart in the booming small business scene.
“We introduce our designs with intention and let customer feedback be our compass. Their reactions shape what stays and what evolves,” he explains.
More interestingly, every piece, inspired by the beauty of everyday objects and the fluidity of sculptural forms, is part of a grander philosophy on jewellery and self-accessorising. To Ooi and his team, picking out baubles to don every day is a deliberate and meaningful process, a practice in self-expression. This is reflected in the wide variety of offerings — namely the Permanent line which includes timeless styles more minimalist in nature and the Experimental collection that introduces bolder shapes and unconventional textures.
The reason for this is to ensure every customer finds something that aligns with their mood and personal taste. They can easily be made to feel like one’s own and thus become reflective of the owner’s persona and the stage of life they are in.
“Every product is crafted to be genuinely unique,” Ooi says. “We don’t mass-produce. Once an item reaches a certain milestone in sales, we discontinue it, ensuring that what our customers wear is distinct and unlike anything they’d find elsewhere.”
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To guarantee its bijouterie lasts as long as possible, MYJN offers cleaning and restoration services, prolonging the jewellery’s lifespan. “We’re proud that some customers still wear their first purchases from 2017, returning for repairs to keep them in perfect condition. It’s this sense of loyalty that strengthens our commitment to both quality and satisfaction,” he smiles.
Undying devotion to his clientele, who he considers family, is what has kept the brand going to this day. Ooi views it as a tapestry of narratives, from the hours the team spends creating in the studio to the emotions evoked when someone puts on a MYJN ring or necklace.
“We pour our hearts into our work,” he says. “It brings us joy to know that our creations can become part of someone else’s story.”
Just like how stainless steel or sterling silver stands up to the harshness of everyday life, so must the human spirit. And having something pretty to wear along the journey doesn’t hurt either.
This article first appeared on Nov 11, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
