Made by HER, For HER
In every corner of Malaysia, women are building brands that go beyond just business—they’re creating culture, community, and conversation. Whether it’s rethinking the way we shop, redefining beauty standards, or reimagining food experiences, these founders are making bold moves with even bolder ideas.
Some started with a few hundred ringgit and a dream. Others turned side hustles into full-time careers. All of them share the same grit, heart, and unwavering belief in their craft.
This list celebrates women who are doing the work, shifting the narrative, and proving that success doesn’t have one look, one path, or one pace. From sleek fashion labels and clean beauty to soulful food concepts and wellness essentials—these are the names worth knowing, supporting, and sharing.
Image credit : @by.brÏk
BRÏK
BRÏK is the lovechild of two sisters with very different styles, and one shared dream. Sabrina and Syakira fused their contrasting aesthetics to create a wardrobe line that feels both grounded and fresh. Minimalist but never boring, BRÏK is their vision of elevated everyday wear: versatile pieces you’ll reach for over and over again. Built on intention, made for movement.
Image credit : @wownana.co
WOWNANA
What started as a casual experiment in the kitchen turned into a quiet revolution in the Malaysian vegan dessert scene. Fiozznah, never set out to preach veganism—she just wanted to prove that plant-based treats could taste just as rich, comforting, and satisfying as the real deal. No compromise, no weird textures, and definitely no “you can tell it’s vegan” aftertaste.
With no culinary background, she taught herself how to bake through trial, error, and a whole lot of banana bread. Slowly but surely, she began converting skeptics one banana bread at a time. Word spread fast—her banana breads sold out almost instantly, and what began as small-batch bakes on Instagram quickly evolved into a full-fledged cafe.
Today, WOWNANA is known not just for their fluffy loaves, but for changing minds about what vegan food can be.
Image credit : @cocodry.co
COCODRY
At an age when many are just dreaming of their future, Kim May Chee poured her heart into creating Cocodry, Malaysia’s first blow-dry bar.
Kim noticed a gap in Malaysia’s beauty scene: there was no blow-dry bar where women could unwind, feel empowered, and leave looking fabulous—without spending hours in a salon. So she built one. Cocodry is now a go-to for easy glam, good vibes, and girl talk. More than hair, it’s about confidence, community, and carving out time for yourself.
Image credit : @lilianscakehouse
LILIAN’S CAKE HOUSE
Lilian’s Cake House blossomed from Jessica’s home kitchen, fueled by a whisk, a dream, and boundless passion, and named lovingly after her mother, Lilian. Without any formal culinary training, Jessica’s journey was one of self-discovery, transforming kitchen experiments into edible masterpieces.
Guiding her every step and sharing in this sweet venture is her mother, Lilian, not only the namesake of the cake house but also Jessica’s closest confidante and invaluable business partner.
Image credit : @chucks.co
CHUCK’S
Jane Chuck created Chuck’s the same way you’d make something for a friend—gentle, honest, and made to make you feel good. Born out of her own skincare journey, Chuck’s is now a cult-favourite brand known for its clean ingredients and conversational voice. It’s beauty without the pressure—pastel, playful, and proudly personal.
Image credit : @leanwellness
LEAN WELLNESS
Allisha, the inspiring founder of Lean Wellness, champions a holistic approach to well-being that intertwines inner strength with outward poise. Through Lean Wellness, she encourages individuals to cultivate a deeper connection with their bodies, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that finds expression and empowerment through mindful movement.
More than just fitness, Allisha’s vision emphasizes the profound impact of kindness, both as a form of self-care and as a way of engaging with the world. She positions kindness as a powerful catalyst for personal transformation and a cornerstone of true wellness, inviting others to embrace this philosophy in their own lives.
Image credit : @kuletstore
KULET
Julie Anne Kang and Aina Syahirah, the dynamic duo behind the Malaysian fashion brand Kulet, transformed their friendship and shared passion for style into a thriving business. From classmates to business partners, they envisioned Kulet as a brand that celebrates individuality and empowers women through thoughtfully designed, timeless pieces.
Kulet distinguishes itself by prioritizing collaborations with local artisans and businesses, reflecting a commitment to community and sustainable practices. Their designs, known for their clean lines and understated elegance, resonate with a modern aesthetic while honoring traditional craftsmanship. Julie and Aina’s collaborative spirit and dedication to ethical production have positioned Kulet as a rising star in the Malaysian fashion landscape.
Image credit : @fit.co_my
FIT.CO
Founded by Bella, aims to redefine fitness for modern women. Inspired by her Malaysian roots and background in ballet and gymnastics, Bella’s mission is to create effective and affordable fitness gear suitable for all women, regardless of their fitness level or schedule. The brand focuses on user-friendly, high-quality products designed to elevate everyday workout routines, promoting a healthier lifestyle for the heart, body, and mind.
Beyond its products, Fit.co is committed to building a supportive community and environmental responsibility. They prioritize eco-friendly materials and packaging and support local Malaysian artisans to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining product quality and affordability..
Image credit : @nikoandclare
NIKO & CLARE
Niko and Clare, the mother-daughter fashion brand, was born from the friendship and entrepreneurial spirit of Charis Ow, a content creator, and Niniek Sugiarti, who identified a gap in the Malaysian market for stylish and coordinated mother-child apparel. Inspired by the prevalent tailor-made parent-child fashion in Indonesia, they combined their skills and passions – Ow’s love for design since childhood and Niniek’s desire for matching outfits with her daughter – to launch the brand in late 2020.
With a focus on creating comfortable and appealing garments for both mothers and children (rigorously tested by Niniek’s own child), Niko and Clare navigate the challenges of a new business, learning about design, materials, and production while aiming for sustainability despite high minimum order quantities from manufacturers. Their collaborative approach, with Ow handling creative aspects and Niniek managing operations, underscores their dedication to building a brand that celebrates the bond between mothers and children, with future aspirations to expand into lifestyle products and services centered around celebratory family moments. The name itself, derived from their initials and carrying meanings of “victory of the people” and “bright or clear,” reflects their aspirations for the brand’s success and the purity associated with childhood.
Image credit : @saoi.my
SAOI
Wan Nur Syaira, the influential figure behind the minimalist fashion label SAOI, embarked on a journey of rebranding her former WNS Studio in 2023, driven by the collaborative spirit of her growing team and a newfound wisdom reflected in the brand’s Irish Gaelic name, signifying “to grow wiser.” Inspired by her own ballet background and a keen eye for trends seen on platforms like Pinterest and runways, Syaira curates essential, timeless pieces with a focus on quality craftsmanship, personally testing the durability of items like her popular shoes.
Signature pieces from SAOI include the elegant Palermo maxi skirts, loved for their ability to make wearers feel beautiful and graceful, and the versatile Lola Kitten Heels, designed as a staple for effortless everyday style, all with the intention of empowering individuals to feel confident and authentically themselves in SAOI’s creations.
Image credit : @cliffandmax
CLIFF & MAX
Founded by sisters Clarisse and Mabel, Cliff & Max is a brand born from a shared vision: to cultivate a mindful, minimalist lifestyle in a fast-paced world. The duo has crafted a space where simplicity, elegance, and intentional living intersect. Their carefully curated collection of natural scented products embodies the essence of slow living, designed to help you embrace imperfections and appreciate the beauty in nature.
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, their products encourage wellness through thoughtful, sensory experiences that connect you with your surroundings. Whether it’s a calming tea blend or an aromatic candle, each item in their collection tells a story of mindfulness and self-care. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, Cliff & Max offers more than just products—it’s about creating a unique journey toward self-discovery and well-being, one mindful moment at a time.
Image credit : Fondest
FONDEST
Founded in late 2020 by Josephine, Fondest was born from a personal frustration: the struggle to find clothing that embraces curvier silhouettes. After years of trying on clothes that didn’t fit her body right, especially around the hips, Josephine, with no formal fashion background, set out to change the game. Her mission? To create a brand that truly celebrated women’s curves—because, as she puts it, “the hips don’t lie!” (cue Shakira).
Every piece is thoughtfully designed to fit and flatter all body types, celebrating curves with intention and care. The brand is committed to offering stunning, figure-friendly designs, blending fashion with sustainability.
Image credit : TK by Tyra
TK BY TYRA
TK by Tyra is a beauty brand born from Tyra Kamaruzzaman’s passion for creating affordable, high-quality products that cater to the diverse needs of her community. What started as a vision to offer accessible beauty quickly evolved into a brand that focuses on local production and delivering professional-grade solutions at prices that don’t break the bank. Tyra’s approach is simple, create products that are not only effective but also connect with her audience on a personal level.
The brand’s standout products, like the popular blushers, have earned widespread love and support, with items often selling out quickly. TK by Tyra reflects her commitment to delivering beauty essentials that are easy to use, versatile, and designed to enhance every individual’s natural beauty. With a focus on authenticity and inclusivity, her brand continues to build a loyal following, making beauty both accessible and empowering for all.
Image credit : Grumpy Bagels
GRUMPY BAGELS
Claire Tan’s Grumpy Bagels is a love letter to the authentic, hand-rolled bagels of New York, brought to life right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. What started as a flight attendant’s side passion for baking quickly became a local favourite, as Claire documented every step of the process—from design to construction—giving the community an inside look at the making of her beloved bagel shop.
With a focus on quality ingredients and a commitment to craftsmanship, each bagel is more than just food, it’s a piece of Claire’s heart. Grumpy Bagels isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite—it’s a neighbourhood gem where passion, flavour, and tradition come together to create an experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Where to find them:
Grumpy Bagels
8, Jalan Kamuning, Off, Jln Imbi,
55100 Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur
9am – 5pm, daily
