We’ve always been fans of local brands and it’s even more important to support them during this time. 2020 has brought a set of challenges to many businesses, which is why we’re taking the time to rediscover the inspiring stories behind our favourite homegrown names. Here are the backstories of three brands that are bringing a range of quality goods to the table.
Scene Shang
This contemporary Asian homeware brand is popular for its original designs and elegant styles. Scene Shang tells a narrative through its classic designs created with a contemporary touch. Of their backstory, founder Jessica Wong says, “In 2007, Pam and I did an internship in Shanghai and we were very inspired by the richness of Asian culture and its place in modern society… After some years of coming back to work in Singapore, we left our jobs to create a brand that would be rooted in Asian culture but with a contemporary perspective.”
At the start, its founders found it difficult to source for the right suppliers who could understand the ethos of the brand. Plus, many were unwilling to take in small starting orders. Through sheer determination and after searching across multiple countries, they were able to find the right partners to bring their designs to life.
Marrying heritage with contemporary style, Scene Shang’s original designs have since won several awards such as a special commendation at the President’s Design Award, and the ASEAN Furniture Design Award. And most recently, the brand bagged silver for its Xuan Table at the Singapore Creator Awards 2019. What we love most about its furniture and homeware is that each piece is rooted in tradition and has its own story to tell. Plus, collaborations with local designers like Larry Peh spotlights local creations like the Invisible System chair, featuring an ‘invisible’ acrylic storage box sectioned in between the wooden legs and stool top. Check out the website for more unique creations!
The Golden Duck
One of the pioneers of the salted egg craze that gripped Asia, you’ve probably heard of The Golden Duck and tasted its snacks. From gourmet salted egg yolk fish skin crisps to salted egg crab seaweed tempura, it has everything you need for a salted egg snack fix. Alternatively, turn up the heat with Sichuan mala hotpot fish skin crisps, or snack on the chili crab seaweed tempura. This popular brand has even held the title of the number one savoury snack in Singapore in 2018!
But, it wasn’t an overnight success. Started in 2015, the brand scaled from ground up before taking off as one of the crowd favourites on snack tables around the country. “Scaling up, maintaining quality, and building international distribution” were just some of the obstacles that The Golden Duck had to overcome. Lucky for our snack stash, the brand managed to do just that. The founder’s advice for budding startups? “Get started!”
Baju by Oniatta
Founded by Oniatta Effendi, Baju by Oniatta is known for gorgeous batik pieces that reinvent the way this traditional fabric is used. Oniatta was inspired to learn more about her Indonesian roots after hearing the intriguing stories behind the craft of creating batik clothing. This eventually led her to start her own label that’s dedicated to sharing creations made from this fabric.
In its early days, the store faced the challenge of keeping to an affordable price point, while ensuring that it stayed true to its intention of offering authentic handcrafted batik items. Lucky for us, the brand managed to strike a balance and we’re able to purchase its beautiful batik pieces today! For an easy everyday piece, we’re digging the Utama bottoms from the Oh Sashiko series, available in five different batik motifs and two colours.
Want to discover more about these three local brands? They’re part of Made With Passion, a new national initiative that puts the spotlight on passionate local brands. Visit the website to dive deeper into their amazing stories, alongside 45 other homegrown brands. After discovering the multifaceted stories behind the local brands, you can take home some creations by shopping at Shopee‘s microsite. If you’re hitting the streets for some in-person shopping action, keep an eye out for the Made With Passion brand mark on selected brands. Click through to Made With Passion for the full list of local brands and more!
This post is in partnership with Singapore Brand Office.
The post #Supportlocal: Get to know 3 Made With Passion brands appeared first on Honeycombers Singapore.