my Nya: the Nya in manekNya

So, after a year, what’s next for manekNya?

As I write this, BiruNya, our very first shoe collection, is out. (Check it out here). Phew. It feels both unreal and profound at the same time.

When we initially chose to venture into the world of Nyonya embroidery beading, our mission was clear: to preserve the rich heritage of Peranakan culture.

However, the question arose – which aspect of this cherished heritage should we focus on? Fashion? Nyonya cuisine? The intricate art of beadwork? The choices probably obvious - it should be as vibrant as the culture itself.

Ultimately, we took our first steps with something very close to our hearts – beaded embroidery products. We started off with shoes (more about it here). We knew that each pair is more than footwear; it's a canvas that tells a story, it’s a blend of both tradition and artistry. It is a piece of art.

For me, there are many dual realities that I have to deal with. From insisting that it is fully sustainable to the materials used to the comfort level of the insole. I have very high standards.

You can imagine:

“Is this good enough?” No. “Is that okay?” No.

“How can we make it better than the previous batch?”

...and the list goes on.

It took us eight dedicated months to perfect BiruNya. From extensive research and development, to rigorous testing, to sourcing only the finest materials – nothing was left to chance.

It was difficult. It was hard. I felt like I had never faced such a challenge before. Almost a dead end, most of the time.

When we first embarked on our journey, we knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park. But every step of the way has been worth it, truly a learning curve and journey, no matter how long I have this “entrepreneur” status. I am truly grateful, always, for the chances and opportunities given along the way in our first year.

In our first year, we; 

#1 Learned How to Make a Shoe

We started by diving into the world of shoemaking. Learning how to create a shoe that perfectly combines comfort and elegance became our mission. It's not just about crafting footwear; it's about telling a story through each stitch and bead. And that story begins from the soles up. Can we make our own shoe now, maybe?

#2 Did our first Fashion Show - MFCA (Malaysia Fashion Creativity Award)

Participating in the MFCA was a significant milestone for us. It wasn't just a fashion show; it was a platform where we gained recognition, validation, and invaluable experience. Our dedication to preserving Peranakan heritage through bead embroidery not on shoes but on 5 of our clothes wear, inspired us to continue this beautiful journey.

#3 Trained More Than 200 Potential Artisans

We didn't stop at shoes. To give life into the intricate Nyonya beadwork and art, we've been training over 200+ potential embroiderers, ensuring that this age-old artistry thrives and continues to bring lives to the world. We managed to work with some prominent organisations and local council, namely, Menteri Besar Selangor (MBI), myKasih Foundation, Sime Darby Foundation, ADUN Kampung Tunku, to name a few. 

#4 Sharing Our Ideas: Victories and Oops Moments

Pitching our ideas to the world has been an adventure in itself. We've entered many rooms, some with nods of approval and others with raised eyebrows. But that's the beauty of entrepreneurship, isn't it? We've won some, we've lost some, but we've learned from every experience. We don’t usually post about it, because we felt that the brand essence of manekNya should be in the art form itself - Nyonya beading.

#5 Run our own Private Workshops

“Every bead, every stitch, and every story starts somewhere.” At manekNya, we believe that the best way to honor and preserve the rich tradition of Peranakan beadwork is to share our knowledge. And what better way to do that than to run our own private workshops?

At the core of these workshops is the desire to foster a sense of community and celebration of culture. Our participants come from all walks of life, each contributing a unique perspective and connection to the craft. Every workshop is a blend of creativity, art, and heritage. 

#6 In 3 of the Isetans in KL (KLCC, The Gardens, and Lot 10)

And then came one of our proudest moments. We showcased our creations in three Isetan stores across Kuala Lumpur – KLCC, The Gardens, and Lot 10. Being part of such a prestigious retail environment was a testament to the beauty and quality of our work.

#7 Achievements That Shine Bright

We also had the privilege of working with renowned local designers (not going to tell you who), further cementing our presence in the world of fashion. These partnerships, like our beadwork, continue to shine brightly, sharing each pieces to those who appreciates Nyonya beading work. 

It’s interesting how - as I sit down to write, I realize that half of the things I penned down before are no longer valid.

The unpredictability of this journey is truly, unknown. 

In 2023, we are genuinely grateful to those who believed in us, a one-year-old company, almost clueless about heritage, art, and beading. We are thankful, to those who gave us a chance, listened to us, gave us their precious time, replied us, and believed in us. I believe that's what makes the difference today.

So, what's next? Well, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting chapter. In case you missed the news - we're officially a Singaporean-based company now!

We're still navigating the waters of learning and discovery, taking each day as it comes, one day at a time. The future? It's filled with question marks and, at the same time, filled with possibilities. And the uncertainties give me adrenaline rush sometimes. 

Who knows what's around the corner? You might find us in museums, art galleries, retails, airports, collaborating with brands that you might know, and the list goes on. We continuously believe that our creations have the potential to transcend traditional notions of fashion and transform into statement pieces of art. 

That's the thrill of it all, isn't it?

Cheers to the journey, to the tradition, and to every bead that tells a story. Our aspiration is to see manekNya's unique pieces featured, anywhere, everywhere, where they can be celebrated as iconic works of heritage artistry. 🌟