To put food on the table during a financial crisis, this M’sian family started a keto brand
[Parts of this story were taken from a video interview we did with the founder in August 2021.]
For a while now, ketogenic (or keto for short) has been a popular lifestyle option for health nuts or individuals looking to lose some weight.
As a low-carb, high-fat diet, keto diets require quite a bit of accommodation as the practitioner wouldn’t be able to eat foods such as bread, rice, noodles, potatoes, and more.
Due to these restrictions, a lot of brands have popped up to cater to people on keto diets, allowing them to easily practise the lifestyle.
This includes a Malaysian mother-and-son duo’s brand Molly’s Keto Kitchen. Established in July 2020 by mum Molly and son Andy, the brand started as a small home-based business that has since turned into a full-fledged operation.
Sparked by a financial crisis
Andy and his family took a hit when the pandemic first started. He received salary cuts, while his wife, Yen, was retrenched. Income started to be an issue.
Furthermore, the couple was expecting a baby boy who they would eventually welcome into the world in October 2020.
Having been practising the keto lifestyle for a few years, Andy came across a Facebook group called LCHF (low carb, high fat) Keto Market where he would buy various keto items.
After being on Facebook for a while, Andy began to familiarise himself with the types of people and products on the platform.
Paired with their financial hardships and uncertainty in the job market, Andy realised that keto-friendly foods were an industry he and his family could get into too.
After all, Andy’s mum, Molly, has always been supportive of his diet, personally cooking up keto-friendly recipes. According to Andy, she’s always cared about her family’s health.
“Why don’t we start selling [keto-friendly food] ourselves?” he wondered. And so, they did.
The key to keto foods
According to Andy, Molly’s Keto Kitchen is all about helping people eat the things they love without guilt.
“The idea is to get [the food] as close as possible to what you’d normally eat [in terms of] non-keto products,” Andy explained.
For instance, a popular product from Molly’s Keto Kitchen, aside from its bread, is the Caramel Pandan Kaya, according to Yen. The idea for the kaya came from customers who like the local jam but were unable to find a healthy, low-sugar alternative to it.
The brand also sells various sauces such as Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sambal Penyet Keto, Mee Goreng Mixing Sauce, Soy Shiitake Mushroom Mixing Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, and more.
Being a keto lifestyle brand, one of Molly’s Keto Kitchen’s priorities is to find a way to keep the carb count low. They do this by using alternative ingredients, which aren’t that easy to come by. Plus, they can be quite pricey.
As the brand name suggests, Molly’s Keto Kitchen’s products are all prepared by mum Molly, while Andy’s role comes in during the research process.
This process took a lot of trial and error through experimentation on Molly’s part. In fact, their first bread recipe resulted in loaves that were “as hard as a rock” that did not taste good at all.
“I think our kitchen turned into somewhat of a science lab during that time,” Andy recalled.
But thankfully, he’s the kind of person who likes to keep trying until he gets it right. So, he continued doing research and making adjustments to the recipe.
As of 2021, Molly shared that they were making more than 30 loaves of bread every day, while bottled products were created over weekends.
Beyond bread
“The business, I think, has been able to help us sort of supplement some of the shortage in terms of the income we’re getting,” Andy revealed. “But I wouldn’t say it covered us completely.”
In 2021, Andy shared with Vulcan Post that they had aimed to continue with Molly’s Keto Kitchen as he believes there are many customers who have come to depend on the brand and its products.
The family managed to achieve this by bringing in a partner who could oversee the production, setting up a central kitchen, and ensuring that the ecommerce system was in place.
With that, Molly’s Keto Kitchen’s products are sold on a platform called Bread and Better, a website that was started as a way to give customers the best experience when purchasing the brand’s products.
Looking at the platform today, it also sells other products, namely keto or health-conscious ingredients such as erythritol, stevia, almond flour, and lupin flour.
Beyond bread, spreads, and sauces, it appears that the family is bringing Molly’s Keto Kitchen to the next level, establishing itself as a brand for all things keto.
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This interview was done as part of our previous Vulcan Post video series, Pandemic-Born.
You can watch the startup’s video interview here:
- Learn more about Molly’s Keto Kitchen here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Also Read: To help SMEs expand in M’sia, Lalamove offers affordable, on-demand interstate deliveries
6 types of workcationers who’ll enjoy a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City & why
Situated in Shah Alam i-City is the newest DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. With Shah Alam being the capital of Selangor, this is a strategic location that borders the neighbouring Petaling District and Klang District, making the hotel an ideal hub for workcations.
But of course, not all workcationers are the same, as each will have their own requirements and preferences. Based on our previous 3D2N workcation at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, here are the six types of workcationers we’d think the hotel caters to.
1. The working parents
Situated right next to the i-City theme park and water park, it’s no surprise that this hotel makes for a great spot for families, including ones where the parents have to work.
Within the hotel itself, there’s plenty for kids to do, especially in the game room. From card and board games to the foosball and pool table, there’s a variety of entertainment here that even adults can spend hours enjoying.
Guests can also place an RM600 deposit to use the PS4. For something more educational, there are books available.
Inside the Game Room, there’s a table where parents can get some work done too while keeping an eye on their little ones.
2. The wandering workcationer
Child-free workcationers will find just as much value in staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City.
Other than visiting the theme park or the City of Digital Lights that comes to life in the evening, you can visit the nearby mall or explore landmarks such as the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque that’s around 7km away.
Right next to the mosque is the Shah Alam Lake Garden. There’s also a botanical garden not far away that nature lovers can enjoy.
3. The meet and greeter
If you’re someone who needs to meet clients or business partners, DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City makes for an ideal meeting point with several options.
You can opt to grab a pastry and pick-me-up from The Koffee and have your meeting in the lobby area. The Koffee offers freshly brewed coffee, speciality teas, juices, and sodas from homegrown brand Tapping Tapir, amongst other things.
Its bakery includes pain au chocolate, croissants, muffins, and whole cakes.
The Axis Lounge also makes for an appropriate location for lunch or tea appointments. There’s al-fresco seating for those who enjoy getting some fresh air. Drinks in the evening are also an option here.
Meanwhile, businesses looking to host conferences or meetings can check out the hotel’s event spaces.
4. The food-motivated workers
DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City isn’t lacking when it comes to gastronomy. After all, the hotel even starts you off with a complimentary welcome cookie.
There are three main spots for guests to dine in this DoubleTree by Hilton—Axis Lounge, Makan Kitchen, and Tosca Italian Trattoria, all three of which we tried and enjoyed during our workcation.
If you’re looking for recommendations, the Aglio Olio Di Gamberi and Burrata Con Pizza from Tosca were certainly our favourites. The first dish features deliciously juicy shrimp, while the Burrata pizza tasted uniquely milky.
But the star of Tosca, at least in our opinion, was the tiramisu which was assembled right in front of our eyes by the waitress.
If you love a good breakfast, be sure to book the breakfast-inclusive packages, which will give you access to the breakfast buffet at Makan Kitchen where you can enjoy Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Western dishes.
Local delights include roti bakar, soup noodles, dim sum, and more.
During our workcation, we were told that it was the second-ever seafood buffet held at the hotel, and it seems like it’s set to be a monthly event. Freshly shucked oysters, scallops, and more were up for grabs, as well as differently prepared crab, fish, and other seafood.
5. The one in need of a break
It’s not always a bad thing to mix business and pleasure, and a relaxing workcation is proof of that.
While there’ll be a spa opening soon, guests can already check out the sauna. The outdoor infinity pool also has a jacuzzi section where you can kick back and relax.
Or, you can also relax in your room, where 24/7 room service is available. Rooms are fitted with a capsule coffee machine and tea bags so you can enjoy your own cuppa at any time.
6. The workcation moguls
Perhaps it goes without saying, but if you’re just looking for something standardised and satisfactory, DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City is the place for you.
Thanks to DoubleTree by Hilton’s global status, you can expect to find the same great standards of hospitality and service at its Shah Alam i-City location as you would anywhere else.
They were super accommodating, getting us extra chairs for our room when we asked, and giving us a thorough tour around the hotel upon request. The phone operator was also informative and helpful when we struggled with connecting to the Wi-Fi.
Plus, the staff at Tosca was also very friendly and knowledgeable about all their dishes.
Never having to worry about the small things means everyone will be able to enjoy their workcation and stay at this new Shah Alam hotel.
- Read our other reviews of workcations we’ve been to here.
- Learn more about DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City here.
Also Read: Here’s what IPC’s new work pods can offer mall goers who are also workaholic
Teleport promises next-day deliveries between MY and SG. So, we put that to the test.
[This is a sponsored article with Teleport.]
Sending things to friends and family abroad can be an inconvenience due to hefty shipping rates, potential delivery delays, and more.
Thus, going through such a process is usually only reserved for important occasions or emergencies, like for a family member’s wedding you can’t attend, or sending aid to someone.
But what if we could easily ship packages abroad regardless of the affair?
Teleport, the logistics arm of Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group) has launched a new service to address this demand. Named Teleport Pink, it leverages AirAsia’s network of flights, and promises users affordable international next-day deliveries.
Teleport Pink is first offering deliveries from KL to Singapore, and plans to expand the service to other SEA destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines in 2023.
So, we tested it out by sending our team in Singapore a little gift, something they wouldn’t be able to get from their country.
Parcel bags with virtual documentation
To help us get the ball rolling, Teleport Pink’s team sent us a few parcel bags for our KL to Singapore delivery.
The bags can be purchased directly from Teleport Pink’s online store, or from participating myNEWS outlets, and certain vending machines, along with co-working spaces such as Common Ground and WeWork. Each parcel bag costs RM1, and carries a max 5kg load.
All Teleport Pink parcel bags come with instructions on how to use the service. They also have a unique QR code that leads you to the brand’s website to fill in a digital form for your delivery.
You’ll have to input details like your and your recipient’s names, addresses, contact numbers, along with a brief description of what the package contains (documents, attire, food, etc.). No printing or drop-offs are required whatsoever.
Payment can be made via credit or debit card at the checkout page, and one-way delivery fees are fixed at RM40 (or S$15) per package.
A word from our sponsor: Customers sending their first parcel get a free delivery promo code “PINKFREE”, which the receiver in Singapore will also get upon receiving the parcel.
Teleport Pink has made its parcel bags easy to reuse as well. As the original QR code is printed on a sticker, receivers may peel it off to reveal another unique QR code, and ship the package back to their sender, or anyone else in KL.
Gifting across the causeway
It’s worth noting that Teleport Pink’s next-day deliveries only apply to parcels that are picked up before 4PM.
Placing a delivery order on Wednesday, November 16 at 12.40PM, a Teleport rider came by to pick up my package at 1.38PM.
The parcel’s instructions also stated to not seal the bag. This is so packages can pass through customs quicker, as they’re checked by a Teleport representative beforehand.
So, I watched as the Teleport rider peeped at my package’s contents before sealing the bag in front of me. A little intrusive, but perhaps that’s the cost of convenience and speediness.
This definitely alleviated a concern I had about my package getting rejected by customs though, since it contained a perishable item.
When asked about what kinds of things would be rejected from the parcel, the Teleport courier said that those include drugs, explosives, and the like. Generally, anything that would be flagged when you send your bags through airport customs.
From there, I wished the parcel a safe flight on its trip to Singapore as it boarded with other AirAsia passengers.
You won’t be able to track your orders via a moving rider icon on a map as your parcel makes its way to the destination.
Instead, Teleport Pink will send you live updates via SMS when the parcel has reached its final destination. You can also see these updates on Teleport Pink’s tracker page when you enter your parcel’s code.
At 3.50PM on Thursday, November 17, I received messages from both Teleport Pink and my colleague in Singapore that the package had arrived safely.
One special gift we included in the package was coffee beans from the Malaysian brand, Gigi Coffee. It was something we personally enjoyed during our visit a couple of months ago, and we hoped that our Singapore team could share the sentiment, too.
Something interesting happened when my colleague received her package though. Her delivery guy came in a Lalamove Van.
Reaching out to Teleport Pink, the team explained that its delivery chain comprises a combination of Teleport’s own fleet, along with third-party service providers.
This is to ensure that parcels are delivered quickly as (pinky) promised, while enabling the brand to expand its coverage and scale its volume efficiently.
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Safe to say, Teleport Pink’s service lived up to its word.
When it comes to affordability, Teleport Pink’s fee of RM40 to deliver a package from KL to Singapore is arguably on the higher end, as courier aggregator sites list options that cost under RM30.
Taking into account the “next-day” factor of Teleport Pink’s service, though, the price is justified. Cheaper options would require a waiting period of up to a week.
Teleport Pink’s next-day delivery is a service that provides instant gratification to both the sender and receiver.
Using it, gifters won’t have to worry about if or when their package would reach their receiver, with the constant SMS updates and swiftness of the delivery.
More than consumers, Teleport Pink will be valued by businesses as well, especially ecommerce ones with customers rushing to get last-minute gifts for their international peers.
Plus, if buyers had to return an item to the seller, Teleport Pink’s parcels make it easy to do so via the second QR code.
For now, Teleport Pink is in its infancy stage, and only time will tell what the pickup rate of this service will be.
Living in a world today where convenience and speed are highly valued though, Teleport Pink is equipped to serve a market that’s willing to pay the price.
- Send your first package to Singapore with Teleport Pink here.
- Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.
Also Read: Here’s what IPC’s new work pods can offer mall goers who are also workaholics
All Images Credit: Vulcan Post
TikTok takes online shopping interactivity to new heights for M’sian merchants this 11.11
[This is a sponsored article with TikTok.]
More than just a social media app for endless, scrolling fun, TikTok has become a worthy challenger in the ecommerce scene via TikTok Shop.
Since TikTok Shop reached Malaysian shores earlier this year, SMEs have been utilising the platform to expand their growth.
Over the 11.11 ecommerce event, TikTok Shop held its own 11.11 Mega Deals Campaign, offering a range of products from local and global sellers alike.
Free shipping vouchers, coupon giveaways, and other items from participating brands were also given out during livestream sessions.
With the help of the TikTok team, we spoke to merchants such as ZUCCA, Alha Alfa, Gaabor, and Dessini who shared their experiences of selling on the platform throughout the 11.11 campaign.
Giving local SMEs a boost
Championing “shoppertainment”, TikTok allows users to shop and be entertained simultaneously within the app itself.
The social media platform seamlessly integrates TikTok Shop with livestream videos of merchants promoting their products.
You can find these videos in the “LIVE” tab on the app, or stumble upon them on your For You page, where you can access a seller’s shop and purchase their products within TikTok itself.
For consumers, this means ease of shopping, while for sellers, it’s a model that increases their visibility greatly.
During TikTok Shop’s 11.11 Mega Deals Campaign which lasted a week, ladies’ wear brand ZUCCA saw a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increase of 502.37% from its 10.10 campaign.
To push live sales conversions, vouchers worth RM110K were given out, with half of them claimed.
ZUCCA also hosted a lucky draw worth RM30K to increase viewers’ watching durations, resulting in video views surging by 302.26%, and a 46.81% increase in watch time. On 11.11, the brand launched merchandise and vouchers worth RM11 to reward loyal customers.
Speaking on their experience, ZUCCA’s team believes that telling followers about how their products would benefit them instead of hard selling was a contributor to the brand’s success.
“We took the opportunity to use TikTok Shop’s livestream to do more engagement and find out what our users need, to build a stronger relationship with our customers,” ZUCCA’s team shared.
Local cosmetics brand Alha Alfa hosted lucky draws where customers only needed to purchase one item from his shop to participate. The prizes included items like an iPhone 14, a mini fridge, or a makeup storage box, to name a few.
Other than the lucky draw, Alha Alfa also held promotions with buy 1 free 1 deals, and up to 80% discounts on the store’s products. The brand also collaborated with local celebrity, Zara Zya in its promotional efforts, pulling in more traffic during the livestream.
Based on these initiatives, Alha Alfa saw an average of 2.2K views between November 8-11, while its GMV was said to grow by 3,423.38%.
Datuk Abdul Al Halim Al Fadzil, who founded the brand, shared that he appreciates the ease of operating TikTok Shop which makes it simple for merchants to appeal to audiences. He added that being able to demonstrate a product on livestreams creates excitement for customers to make purchases.
“With that, we’ve managed to gain profit and grow our business easily, as it helps us in attracting new customers apart from our existing ones,” he stated.
Gaabor, a consumer electronics brand, partnered with over 100 creators (otherwise known as hosts) from TikTok Shop Partners to conduct livestreams and post short videos which marketed the brand’s products.
Did you know: TikTok Shop Partners (TSP) hosts are service providers for TikTok Shop sellers, helping them manage content creation, shoppable livestream production, store operations, etc.
A competition was also held between the creators to see who could bring in the most GMV over a period of time.
With the help of these creators, Gaabor claimed that its GMV grew by 680%, while order sales increased by 800% from its 10.10 campaign.
Free giveaways were also presented during their livestreams. Throughout the 11.11 campaign, the brand’s total livestreams grew to 10 hours per day, with livestream views increasing by 400%.
Another cookware brand, Dessini can attest to similar success. With the help of TSP hosts, the brand attained sales of US$102.5K (RM464.3K) from livestreams, which also translated as 326% GMV growth compared to its 10.10 campaign.
Dessini’s livestream views saw a 253% growth, too, and the brand reported that its team of creators continuously streamed for 17 hours.
Studying past historical data to identify effective TSP hosts was a contributing factor which Dessini’s team believes managed to drive up their traffic.
They added, “After we joined TikTok Shop, our accumulated sales volume reached more than RM7 million, which has increased our company’s overall performance by 10%.”
Sharing their gratitude, Dessini’s team noted that TikTok Shop was able to boost them in being a “hot-selling brand” within a few months.
Shopping integrated seamlessly with content
According to TikTok Shop Malaysia’s FMCG category director Wilson Leong, the platform’s intention is to shape the ecommerce space in Malaysia, maximising local business owners’ potential in shoppertainment.
Being an avid TikTok lurker myself (where I exclusively watch content and tag my friends, but don’t post anything), it’s commendable to see the platform expand outside its usual short video content.
With more festive seasons around the corner, the platform hopes to see more SME owners and online merchants come on board to take advantage of its shoppertainment capabilities here.
TikTok is available for free on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.
- Register your business on TikTok Shop here.
- Read other ecommerce-related articles we’ve written here.
Also Read: To help SMEs expand in M’sia, Lalamove offers affordable, on-demand interstate deliveries
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
