After surviving cancer, this ex-architect started an eco-friendly clothing brand in S’pore
After working as a trained architect for six years, Clara Simanjuntak’s career took an unanticipated pause in 2010—she was diagnosed with early-stage cancer.
But instead of letting this diagnosis define her, she saw it as an opportunity for change.
Determined to embrace a healthier lifestyle, Clara began researching ways to do so, including adopting organic food choices.
It was during this time that she discovered the benefits of organic fabric—much like organic food, it can also “positively impact one’s health” and is especially beneficial for those with skin conditions as it is “non-toxic” and free from harmful substances like pesticide residue.
Fuelled by this newfound discovery, Clara launched Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, a brand offering eco-friendly clothing and accessories made out of certified organic and naturally dyed fabrics—and as she puts it, her goal was to produce “fashion that’s better for the producer, the wearer, and the planet.”
Seeking for artisans in rural Indonesia
Clara first conceptualised the brand in 2011, but it wasn’t until a few years later that she managed to launch Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion.
Several challenges delayed the process, including the resurfacing of her cancer, where she needed another surgery.
Despite the setbacks, she dedicated those years to researching and sourcing organic and naturally dyed fabrics. According to Clara, these materials “were difficult to find” at that time, but her research led her to Indonesia’s “rich heritage of indigenous natural dyeing techniques.”
I visited rural villages in Indonesia to connect with artisans personally to work together and build the brand. I look for artisans that use natural dyes, and [inspect their] supply chain, [I see if] they grow [the natural dye plants] nearby, harvest it in the same area, and dye it there.
Founder of Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, Clara Simanjuntak
She goes beyond merely inquiring about their working conditions, ensuring that both the production process and disposal methods are eco-friendly.
After establishing a network of eco-conscious artisans, she launched Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion in 2017, selling accessories like silk batik scarves and neckties online and at pop-up events, including at Singapore’s National Heritage Board museums.
But Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion’s first breakthrough happened in 2020, when the brand was selected to participate in a brand call and began retailing at Design Orchard, a multi-label retail store showcasing apparel and lifestyle products by Singapore designers.
Eventually, Clara was able to expand on the brand’s offerings—ultimately fulfilling her long-held dream of becoming a fashion designer.
From architecture to batik
While transitioning from architect to fashion designer may seem like a big shift, the switch was smoother for Clara, as both careers fall “within the design field.”
In an interview with aNERDgallery, she explained that she was able to reuse software she was already familiar with, allowing her to repurpose her skills for creating clothing and batik patterns.
“I do still use my old computer programme, like AutoCAD, to draw clothing because I do not want to learn a new programme,” she noted.
That said, Clara still had to take up sewing and pattern-making lessons at the Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre (Taf.tc) to refine her skills and gain more hands-on experience.
On top of that, she also had to learn how to manage her own business. Not only did she have to design her garments, but she also had to source materials, manage the business’s finances, oversee production, and build the brand from the ground up.
Staying eco-friendly
According to Clara, Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion uses pre-consumer textile waste from “ethical factories and workshops in Indonesia” to produce their apparel.
Materials used are certified organic by global certification bodies such as The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which guarantees that textiles are made responsibly, using minimal chemicals. In the case of Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, their apparel is also made from natural dyes from plants.
The brand repurposes fabric off-cuts, end-of-roll materials, and defective stock, applying dyeing and batik techniques to breathe new life into these fabrics. Their collections are also made in small batches to prevent overproduction.
Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion is also a member of Singapore’s Social Enterprise (raiSE), which offers similar brands credibility and access to resources such as funding and networking to help businesses grow and enhance their social impact.
Pricing for Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion’s offerings starts at S$49 for entry-level items, with most mid-range products priced between S$50 and S$150. However, prices may fall on the higher end for special collaborations, including those with other Singaporean designers.
For instance, in a collaboration with Mandai Wildlife Group, a camp shirt is priced at S$105, while a vest costs S$99.
These prices may seem steep to some, however, Clara had a reason for that. “Considering our handmade, certified organic fabrics and natural dyeing processes, our products are competitively priced.”
Opening their first retail store
In early 2024, Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion had the opportunity to showcase a special collection at Design Orchard, where the brand was given a larger space to display its pieces.
The positive response from customers during this event inspired Clara to invest S$24,000 and open her first retail store—Something Sustainable (SoSus), in August 2024.
In addition to showcasing Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion’s products, SoSus features a curated selection of local brands that align with its vision and mission. These include:
- Pao Pao The Label
- Flair By Tori
- Sway
- Aestivale
- Projet1826
- One Puram
- Virya by Urbi
SoSus also carries international brands such as Vino Supraja from Dubai.
Furthermore, brands have the opportunity to set up pop-up booths at the store, which typically last between three days to a week, with new brands featured each week.
“We understand how difficult it is for a small brand to establish an offline presence, which is why we decided to share the space through consignment, pop-ups, and workshops,” explained Clara.
In addition to SoSus, Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion is also currently available at other retail channels, including the Night Safari Store at Mandai. The brand has also expanded its presence in two cities overseas: Bali, Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Looking ahead, Clara aims to make sustainable products more accessible and provide a platform for local and regional designers through SoSus, with the goal of becoming a go-to retail destination.
This March, SoSus will collaborate with 10 local designers to launch the Tanjong Pagar Designer Clan—which, according to their website, is a “collective of Singapore-grown, creative brands with a passion for design and quality craftsmanship.”
As for Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion, Clara aims to reduce textile waste by using 60-80% pre-consumer textile waste and plans to increase this percentage each year.
- Read more about Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion here.
- Read more articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.
Also Read: With no F&B experience, these S’porean tech founders scaled 1 food truck to a multi-brand biz
Feature Image Credit: Nyana Nyana Eco Fashion
This M’sian architect created a luxury “resort” for an unlikely audience: new mums & babies
If you were to walk into Katrine Cheong’s latest establishment, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you had just entered a five-star hotel.
But in reality, it’s actually a confinement centre, a place for postpartum care and an industry that’s growing worldwide.
According to a survey by QYResearch, the global confinement centre market is projected to reach US$18.8 billion in 2029, increasing from US$6.742 billion in 2022.
This, Karine attributes, is due to the newer generation of parents growing increasingly concerned about their transition into parenthood.
Simply put, they want to provide the best care for their children possible, as I’m sure all parents do.
And that’s where her Little Precious Postnatal Care (LPPC) seeks to lend a hand.
Full circle
Growing up, Katrine lived in a small room above her parents’ Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shop.
But her eventual jump into something health-related wouldn’t start from there.
“Living in that humble space sparked my initial dreams of creating a luxurious, boutique hotel,” LPPC’s founder shared.
To that end, she would go on to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture, graduating in 2001.
It was not long after that she would establish CK Yin Architect and Hoe & Yin Design Studio, both companies that she is still active in today.
“It was only after becoming a mother to three children when I realised how fond I was of babies and how women make the big transition into motherhood,” she explained.
But having spent plenty of time in confinement centres, the architect couldn’t help but notice how lacking the industry was in the luxury department.
There was also nothing that she saw as “holistic,” a place that prioritised both mother and child equally.
All of that would culminate in her decision to open LPPC in 2020 in Kuala Lumpur.
The cost of love
Of course, prior experience in entrepreneurship means nothing in the service industry if the service isn’t actually good.
In the build up to Little Precious’ opening, Katrine did her homework by visiting pre-existing confinement centres and seeing what they had to offer.
“I took my research a step further by carefully selecting staff who were not only highly experienced but also professional and attentive to ensure the highest standard of care,” she explained.
This would lead her to come up with the company’s strict 1:2 nurse-to-baby ratio policy. With staff not spread thin, this allows for newborns to receive more dedicated as well as personalised attention.
This includes 24-hour care, growth recording, sterilisation of bottles and pumps, and helping the baby get a good circadian rhythm, just to name a few.
Mothers appear to get top-of-the-line care too, with wound recovery and care, physio recuperation, various classes and activities, and more, to help ease them into parenthood comfortably.
The nurse will also accompany their assigned mother-child duo to medical exams and check-ups, something that the company refers to as a “nurse escort” service.
TCM also plays a major part in the company’s operations. In the founder’s own words, this is a way of “honouring tradition” whilst simultaneously integrating modern practices into Little Precious’ offerings.
“Our herbal teas are customised for each mother based on the advice and diagnosis of our TCM physician,” Katrine said.
Herbs can also be found in the centre’s soups and in packages to be mixed with bathwater.
Other services provided by the company include postnatal care, physio recuperation, and parenting classes.
All these offerings come with a heftier starting price of RM31,288 for a package inclusive of a one-month stay.
Thus, the demographic that they primarily serve is the upper-middle class as well as local and international expats.
A brighter future
As a whole, it took two years for Little Precious to make a name for themselves, shared the company’s founder.
“We faced scepticism, with many saying that the level of service and quality we aimed to provide was not feasible.”
Learning from this experience, Katrine had this advice to share:
- Invest in people over profit. Ensure that employees are well-trained and supported, aligning with company goals.
- Scale with the right team capacity. Don’t bite off more than your team can chew.
- Listen to customers and adapt. Heed feedback and improve accordingly.
At present, Katrine has no plans to expand Little Precious within Klang Valley or otherwise.
Rather, her goal is to add on to the list of services provided by the business. A “specialised mother and baby spa” as well as an “online baby care platform” were given as examples.
“Unlike other industries, such as the food industry, where repeat business is driven by daily needs, postnatal care operates within a unique life cycle,” she explained.
And in light of the country’s declining birth rate, she also noted that parents today are pickier than ever when it comes to postpartum services.
“They prioritise trust in their chosen partner to guide them through this crucial journey, which underscores the importance of refining our existing services over expanding our footprint.”
Now, five years into the business, LPPC looks to have finally found its footing.
Here’s to hoping that they can keep that momentum going.
- Learn more about Little Precious Postnatal Care here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about health & wellness here.
Also Read: CARiNG’s CNY video reminds us what “home” really means, and it’s not about a place
Featured Image Credit: Little Precious Postnatal Care
M’sians like it hot & cold, proven by this contrast therapy spa’s rapid expansion in 7 months
Rachael and Richard Prentice are a couple of plungers. Cold plungers, that is.
Hailing from Malaysia and Scotland respectively, the two started cold plunging thanks to Richard’s interest in professional Mixed Martial Art, where contrast therapy is a well-established recovery treatment.
“As soon as we tried contrast therapy for ourselves, we both instantly loved it,” Rachael shared.
Convinced by the research done on cold water immersion’s effects on their health, the two began plunging consistently.
A 2020 peer-reviewed study found that contrast therapy was effective in increasing blood flow, reducing muscle stiffness, increasing muscle elasticity, and relieving pain.
This came at a time when the couple had gone through the pain of consecutive miscarriages, despite having a successful pregnancy in 2021. Thus, they decided to take their approach to wellness and health more seriously.
Along with regular exercise and better nutrition, contrast therapy became a key pillar of their health changes. “We were fortunate to bring in our latest addition to the family in October 2024, our baby boy Isaiah.”
Incidentally, that was the year their business, Rise & Plunge, got its start.
“We were plunging consistently at home but were doing it with an inflatable bath which we would fill with almost 50kg of ice every time we wanted to plunge,” Rachael pointed out.
As the ambient water temperature in Malaysia is around 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, you’d need a huge amount of ice for every plunge, which is impractical and wasteful.
“So between how impractical it was to do so at home and with Malaysia not having somewhere to do contrast therapy, we decided that we wanted to bring somewhere new, something different to Malaysia, and that concept became Rise & Plunge.”
Plunging into the business
Prior to entrepreneurship, Rachael’s background is in digital marketing. Meanwhile, Richard has been in senior leadership roles in the UK and Australia, having been a CEO for a Malaysian-owned business for nine years.
Both left their corporate roles in late 2023. After some time off, they began building Rise & Plunge at the end of Q1 2024.
By the middle of 2024, Rise & Plunge opened its first store in Mont Kiara.
Starting a business together has always been a dream of theirs, Rachael shared.
“We’re partners and best friends, so working together has always come easy to us,” she explained. “Rise & Plunge gives us a platform to build something that’s ours and it’s been great so far… most of the time.”
Dubbed Malaysia’s first dedicated contrast therapy spa, Rise & Plunge provides private studios designed for either one or two people to enjoy contrast therapy.
Sessions are typically 45 minutes long, with 30 to 35 minutes spent in the infrared saunas, and three to six minutes in the ice baths.
Single sessions are RM110 per person, and RM165 for a two-person studio (RM82.50 per pax). There are also multi-session packages available.
They also offer 15-minute sessions for those only looking to use the ice bath. These cold plunge-only sessions are around RM62 per session.
All nine contrast studios across two stores are private.
“We’re much less keen on shared spaces, it’s not part of our model,” they explained. “Our private studios are a great place to completely unwind by yourself, or spend dedicated time with a partner, family member, or friend.”
Swimming into diversified revenue streams
All technology used by Rise & Plunge is custom-built, designed to their specifications.
“The manufacturing side of the business is unseen to our customers, but has been a huge amount of work,” Rachael said. “Product research, testing, and refining has been one of the biggest requirements for Rise & Plunge to get right.”
Knowing that these equipment can handle the heavy demands of their spas, the couple believed it would also be perfect for people’s homes.
That’s why Rise & Plunge also has a home installation arm that installs their saunas and the ice baths into people’s homes.
“This allows people to make contrast therapy a genuine part of their daily or weekly routine from home,” the founders explained.
Including delivery and installation, the saunas cost around RM13K. According to Rachael and our research, this is relatively competitive pricing.
Rise & Plunge also offers ice bath products in a range of different tub types. The ice baths start from RM7,850 and go up to RM13,100, including delivery and installation.
Again, this is competitive pricing when up against comparable products in the market.
“Providing great quality whilst remaining as affordable as possible for both spa sessions and home products is something Richard and I are committed to,” Rachael said.
Not just a fad
These days, there’s been a lot of cold plunge businesses that have cropped up, such as Polar Plunge and Warrior Plunge.
Seeing that, we wondered if Rise & Plunge was just riding the wave of the hype.
“To be honest we don’t see contrast therapy and plunging as a new trend; it’s been a foundation of life in northern parts of Europe for a century,” Rachael explained.
After all, sports teams all over the world have used saunas and cold baths to boost recovery between matches or competitions.
What’s changed is that home and spa solutions are more readily available and affordable.
“If other businesses pop up with similar concepts, they’ll be growing participation in contrast therapy and with so many of the population yet to experience it (especially in Malaysia), a growing community of advocates can only help,” Rachael said.
Rising to the occasion
When Rise & Plunge first opened, Rachael was 29 weeks pregnant, and the couple was running everything by themselves.
“Looking back, it was a huge undertaking whilst also being heavily pregnant,” Rachael admitted. “The business operates in some capacity every single day of the week and honestly we’ve never worked such long hours in any of our roles previously.”
That said, the two strongly believe in consistent hard work. That, and a great support network such as family and friends, and a supportive team.
Rachael expressed that whilst it’s been difficult, it’s also been really satisfying. “And when we get really stressed, there is nothing like an ice cold bath to calm the mind.”
Barely half a year after opening their Mont Kiara outlet, Rise & Plunge opened its Bangsar Village 2 outlet in December 2024.
What’s more, their third location will soon commence its construction at The Campus Ampang. This takes them to three locations in the first 10 months of operating.
Looking ahead, they aim to expand into markets like JB and Penang. From there, they hope to bring Rise & Plunge beyond the shores of Malaysia.
Empowered by their mission, Rachael and Richard have boldly taken the plunge with this business. And so far, things definitely look to be on the rise.
“If you’d said to us that we would be about to start building our third retail store, just seven months after opening our first store, we would have said you were crazy,” Rachael mused. “As it turns out, I think it might be us that are a little crazy.”
- Learn more about Rise & Plunge here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Also Read: Bigger is always better for displays, but size isn’t the only reason we like these 98″ TCL TVs
Featured Image Credit: Rise & Plunge
Free like a Singaporean: 50% of city professionals work no more than 3 days in office per week
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated any opinions expressed below belong solely to the author.
While many companies in America are pushing for full return to office of all of their employees for five days a week, including tech giants like Amazon, with Elon Musk recently extending his demands to all federal employees currently evaluated by his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Singapore seems to be bucking the trend.
Not only did the official Tripartite Guidelines for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) take effect in December—a product of consultation between the government, unions and employers—but the companies themselves have embraced the hybrid work model following the pandemic.
Thanks to a survey included in Hays’ 2025 Asia Salary Guide we now know exactly how common the practice is in Singapore and several other Asian nations.
Free at work
As it turns out Singaporeans enjoy by far the most freedom of all surveyed nations, followed—surprisingly perhaps—by Japan, where nearly a fifth of professionals are permitted fully remote work (although nearly 40% are still expected to show up at the office five days a week).
In Singapore the traditional full-time arrangement applies only to a third of white-collar workers:
Full 66%, or two thirds, of Singaporeans are already given at least one day to work from home and for 50% that is two or more.
By comparison, 62% of mainland Chinese are expected to work as usual and even in the more liberal Hong Kong it is still a requirement for over 50% of the workforce.
Even in neighbouring Malaysia, usually considered more relaxed and less disciplined than Singapore, close to half of the workers are expected to turn up daily.
Is hybrid work here to stay?
For the time being it certainly is but employers will look closely at how companies like Amazon, Tesla or JP Morgan—which have been most vocal about full-time return to office policies—function compared to their more flexible counterparts.
CEOs opposing remote work do have a point saying that it impedes collaboration and may lead to breakdowns in teamwork, as people who fundamentally have to cooperate as a group don’t see each other often enough, don’t build relationships, and don’t communicate effectively.
This is especially true for work on complex projects where many people are involved.
The main reason why hybrid arrangements are bound to remain in place and even grow in popularity—especially in Singapore—is the talent shortage which has yet to ease.
With 83% of local companies reporting problems finding qualified people—compared to just 10% ten years ago—the local labour market is still skewed towards employees and their expectations.
Companies in Singapore will be more cautious not to discourage workers they rely on, in case they choose to look for more flexibility in another company, given the high demand for qualified staff.
Besides money, freedom to work from home is one of the most important benefits jobseekers are looking for, and may be a deal-breaker for many of the most qualified who can spend time shopping around.
This is probably why Singapore jumped so far ahead of its Asian neighbours, as the local employment situation remains very good for white-collar workers and employers compete on the work-from-home perks to lure the best ones in.
That’s quite a change in a country otherwise known for long hours, overwork, and strict performance expectations.
Featured image: depositphotos
