3 powerhouse fashion and beauty brands that started from pop-up markets.

The two friends were engineers before
starting their own fashion label.
Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin

From small stalls at pop-up markets, entrepreneurs grow big business. This is the case for three popular Malaysian brands – So.lek Cosmetics, Pestle & Mortar Clothing and Kapten Batik.

Each has shown that hard work can take you far in the fashion and beauty industry. The founders have put in the hours selling their products at weekend markets, and are reaping the fruits of their labour. They started small too, with funding from personal savings or a little help from family.

We talk to them about their experience and find out how their humble beginnings at pop-up markets have led to retail success.

Banking On Batik

For friends Farhan Omar and Mohamad Ekram Faiz, starting their own batik label was really a leap of faith. They did not have any fashion background at all, being engineers.

Somehow, the two made it work. With zero experience, they built up their business (which started in 2017) to where it is now. Kapten Batik can now be found in Robinsons, Sogo and Isetan, plus its own standalone flagship store in Publika Shopping Gallery.

By Bervin Cheong.

Full story at Star 2.