The Artisans Haven was founded in May 2020 in the midst of the pandemic during CMCO by two incredible Malaysian women

Jade Lee and Rosalie Lin coined the term ‘Handmade is Heartmade’ as they worked to transform the lives of local artisans and small businesses, the majority of whom are women, by providing them an online shopping platform. 

Recently retired from AmBank as Managing Director, Retail Banking, Jade Lee started a blog to share business success stories and tips. Through her pet project, she discovered talented local artisans who were struggling to market their crafts, especially during the early stages of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Rosalie Lin is the CEO of DCR Marketing and runs various e-commerce platforms. Together, the women founded The Artisans Haven, working pro bono to provide a digital mall for local artisans to showcase, market, and sell their craft. 

Starting with only 30 online tenants in 2020, the site is now home to more than 120 artisans, of which 70% are women. In addition to having an online space to sell their goods, these artisans are also supported in the areas of digital marketing and business consulting.

Besides supporting local artisans, The Artisans Haven also promotes #ShopforGood where a portion of sales from the digital mall is channeled to support five selected NGOs namely Beautiful Gate, Community Excel Services (CES), Autistic training, Deaf community, and Penan Healing Hands.

Check out five awesome female entrepreneurs and their brands on The Artisans Haven:

1. Angeline Teoh – Stunning face masks, headbands, and pouches with immaculate stitching

Angeline Teoh started out creating bespoke couture tutu dresses for little girls. She then switched gears to produce beautiful face masks and stunning pouches, all made with exquisite designs and in limited quantities.

Check out Angeline Teoh here.

2. Vive – Themed stationery designed with love, functionality, and an awareness of eco-conservation

Designed and produced by Chong Foong Yin, Vive creates stationery and gifts. Goods are inspired by Malaysian culture, such as gift wrappers designed with hibiscus, rafflesia, kuih bahulu, and currypuffs, batik journals, planners with Baba Nyonya-style tiles, and so much more.

Check out Vive here.

3. Bling Bling Paradise – Handcrafted crystallised accessories

Founded in 2009 by Sharon Ting, Bling Bling Paradise offers sparkle and glamour unlike any other. Go big or go home with these one-of-a-kind handcrafted smartphone cases, clutches, and more. You can even have designs custom made with your name 😉

Check out Bling Bling Paradise here.

4. Rekha Studio – Eco-friendly, ethical designs that include beautifully pressed flowers and foliage

Using real plants and flowers, Rekha Studio preserves precious leaves and petals in resin, to create jewellery, keychains, framed artworks, and other beautiful trinkets.

Check out Rekha Studio here.

5. Perfectly Tea

Enjoy fuller flavours and deeper aromas with Perfectly Tea. Created by Cindy Lee, Oflavia Veranez, and Vivienne Piong, this brand stands for wellness and empowerment. Made with premium ingredients and no chemicals, these tea blends are not only tasty and satisfying, they’re also nutritious and soothing.

Check out Perfectly Tea here.

Jom, let’s support homegrown brands! For more awesome local crafts and goods, head to The Artisans Haven.

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