When Yingying Teo (Jasmine) graduated from Taylor’s University at the age of 22, she didn’t know she was on the brink of starting a culinary revolution in Johor Bahru.
Fresh out of her Business (Marketing) programme, she faced a crossroads familiar to many new graduates—finding a job or pursuing a passion. Jasmine chose the latter, diving headfirst into the world of food and beverage with her brainchild, Poké Twins.
Despite having no prior experience in the F&B industry, Jasmine’s love for healthy eating, developed during her university years, became the cornerstone of her new venture.
Its focus was poké bowls, a trend that caught her eye back in 2016. The vibrant, fresh, and nutritious bowls were exactly what Jasmine wanted to offer to her community in Johor Bahru.
“I fell in love with the concept immediately,” Jasmine recalled. This love was not just for the food itself but for what it represented—a commitment to health and wellness, something she wanted to share with others.
Building the Poké Twins brand
Using a start-up capital of RM200,000 through family support, she opened the first Poké Twins outlet in 2018 with her team, Jerlene Teo (founder) and Hazel Boo (co-founder).
Her passion for cooking and baking, honed during her university years, shines through in the menu she crafted. Each dish reflects her commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients that align with the growing trend of nutritious and wholesome food options.
The result? A menu that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing and health-conscious.
Jasmine’s vision for Poké Twins was broader—she wanted to create a lifestyle brand. The menu, therefore, includes a variety of options such as grain bowls, bagel sandwiches, healthy bites, and coffee.
“We wanted to cater to people from all walks of life to offer something for everyone who values healthy eating,” Jasmine explained.
Overcoming early challenges
With the ink barely dry on her degree, Jasmine found herself navigating the choppy waters of the F&B industry.
She and her team faced challenges that would test their resolve—managing staff, understanding operational logistics, and even dealing with legal issues due to inexperience.
“We were young and inexperienced,” Jasmine admitted, “But we were determined to make it work.”
One of the biggest hurdles was legal—an issue that arose due to the lack of proper offer letters for their staff. “We even faced a court case,” Jasmine said, reflecting on the early days of Poké Twins.
To overcome these challenges, they invested time and money in attending classes and seeking professional advice. This not only helped them improve their operational procedures but also gave them a better understanding of effective management practices.
Sustainability is also a core value at Poké Twins. The business practices waste reduction and uses sustainable packaging for takeouts and deliveries. They even encourage customers to bring their own containers, rewarding them with a free side dish for their efforts.
It’s this kind of forward-thinking approach that has allowed Poké Twins to grow steadily over the years. It currently has three outlets in JB—Taman Mount Austin, Tiara Sports World in Pasir Pelangi, and Sutera Sports World in Skudai.
Expanding the vision with Dona Bakehouse
As the Poké Twins brand solidified its presence in Johor Bahru, Jasmine was drawn to another culinary passion—baking.
The pandemic played a pivotal role in this shift. Like many others, Jasmine began baking at home during the lockdown, starting with sourdough and hand-rolled bagels.
As her skills improved, she began exploring viennoiserie, leading to Dona Bakehouse‘s birth in 2022.
Viennoiserie refers to breakfast pastries crafted in the traditional style of Vienna, Austria, according to Le Cordon Bleu.
Dona Bakehouse located in JB is an extension of Jasmine’s philosophy that healthy food can be flavourful and fulfilling.
The bakehouse offers nearly 20 types of croissants and Danish pastries, alongside artisan sourdough, bagels, scones, and madeleines. But the offerings don’t stop there—customers can enjoy an all-day breakfast, pasta, healthy bowls, coffee, and snacks too.
“The idea was to create a bakehouse that offers more than just baked goods,” Jasmine explained.
This concept has resonated well with customers in Johor Bahru, and with a new outlet opening in Kuala Lumpur in mid-September, the brand is poised to expand its reach even further. The KL bakehouse will offer a similar menu but with a few additions tailored to the office crowd in the area, including poké bowls and grain bowls.
The drive behind the success
What’s truly inspiring about Jasmine’s journey is her relentless drive to learn and improve.
After attending a basic viennoiserie class in Kuala Lumpur, she realised that one day of training wasn’t enough. So, she took matters into her own hands, investing in essential baking equipment and embarking on a six-month self-taught journey.
“Each batch provided new insights,” she said, recalling the countless hours spent perfecting her techniques.
To further refine her skills, she took master classes in Bangkok and China, ensuring that Dona Bakehouse would offer nothing short of excellence.
This dedication extends beyond the kitchen. Jasmine’s daily routine is an example of her commitment—waking up early, working out to stay fit, and prioritising sleep to maintain her productivity. She also values her small circle of friends, finding strength in meaningful relationships that support her journey.
“My advice is to pursue something you’re genuinely passionate about,” she said, emphasising the importance of dedication in the F&B industry.
Looking ahead
Poké Twins has been in operation for five years now, and Jasmine believes the brand is ready to scale up. However, resources and capital are the current limitations. Jasmine is hopeful about engaging in strategic partnerships that will support their growth journey.
As for Dona Bakehouse, it’s still a relatively new venture, but Jasmine is carefully building the brand, focussing on stabilising operations, and ensuring consistent quality across all outlets.
Jasmine’s mind is always buzzing with new ideas and potential ventures. While managing her existing businesses keeps her busy, she’s constantly thinking ahead, looking for ways to innovate and bring something fresh to the market.
“I don’t see myself switching to another career path in the next five to 10 years,” she said, confident that her passion for the food industry will continue to drive her forward.
In a world where many businesses struggle to find their footing, Jasmine’s story is a refreshing reminder of what can be achieved with passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn.
- You can learn more about Poké Twins here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Poké Twins and Dona Bakehouse
