‘I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be’, goes the quote by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and to that, we wish you a happy International Women’s Day from all of us over here at Kittie Yiyi Beauty.

In celebration of fempowering, we’d like to introduce you to a few lady entrepreneurs who have inspired us with what they do, what they believe in, and their resilience in realising their dreams. Let’s get to know them and what fuels them, and we’ll let you decide if you walk away inspired; we know we sure will.

KITTIE

Founder of Kittie Yiyi Creative, @kittieyiyi

CARE TO SPILL THE BEANS ON WHO YOU ARE?

My name is Kittie. I'm a fashion designer who also owns a beauty brand named Kittie Yiyi. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a fashion designer or in the fashion scene. I’m drawn to anything that catches my eye, be it furniture, nature, or buildings; everything surrounding us can relate to fashion.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE FEMALE ROLE MODELS TO YOU?

We need them to feel less alone and to feel inspired by them through their stories. All women should help each other. Some standouts to me in the fashion scene include Yayoi Kusama who makes art based on her own feelings and what she sees without fear of judgement and our homegrown photographer Zhonglin who does fashion photography for many big names out there—she personally told me to be firm about my passions. Rei Kawakubo, the designer of Comme Des Garcons is a visionary to me, I always adore how she puts on a show that is so unique and powerful. I want her creativity!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR & HOW DO YOU FACE THEM HEAD-ON?

People might think I'm soft as a female, but I can carry a lot of heavy stuff just like a man can. And of course, managing a company is never easy. All I try to do is face things positively and seek help whenever I need it.

🌷🌷🌷

CASTINE

Founder of Witchwood, Co-Founder of Wren Studio, @wit_chwood.co

CARE TO SPILL THE BEANS ON WHO YOU ARE?

As an engineer turned floral and botanical designer, I've found my true passion in creating beauty from what nature offers or even in the little things in life. I am constantly inspired by the world around me and that's what makes me push forward. Being able to turn my creativity into a thriving business has been a dream come true, and I'm grateful for every opportunity to share my unique perspective with others. Through my work, I hope to inspire joy, wonder, and appreciation for the simple things in life.

WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY DO & HOW DO YOU SEE IT CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY OR THE COMMUNITY?

Our company specializes in floral and botanical design for events, as well as plant design for homes, offices, and gifting. Our goal is to bring beauty and joy to people's lives through the natural wonders of flowers and plants. We believe that the power of nature is amazing, and we strive to create environments that promote well-being for society. Whether we're painting the ground with colourful blooms or designing a calming space, we're always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the community and society as a whole.

A NUGGET OF WISDOM FOR YOUNG WOMEN.

If I were to advise the young women of today, I would tell them to face adversity head-on and build resilience within themselves. Challenges and obstacles will inevitably arise, but it is how we respond to them that defines us. By confronting adversity and developing the inner strength to overcome it, we can grow and become more empowered as women. So, don't be afraid to take risks, embrace the challenges that come your way, and remember that resilience is a key ingredient to success in any endeavour.

🌷🌷🌷

SHEUE XIN

Founder of Xmegami, @sheuexin1014

WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY DO & HOW DO YOU SEE IT CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY OR THE COMMUNITY?

I started from scratch on the internet and with my experience, I help housewives, single mothers, and people who don't have much money to realise their dreams of low-capital entrepreneurship.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR & HOW DO YOU FACE THEM HEAD-ON?

The outside world expects female entrepreneurs to achieve a work-life balance, but it's actually impossible to do so. What we can do is integrate our family and career and find happiness from it. Entrepreneurial mothers are often criticised for neglecting their children and not being able to be there for them every day to participate in their growth process. But for me, the quality of time spent with children is more important than quantity. Female entrepreneurs handle things more emotionally than men, so we can achieve a balance of emotional and rational decision-making, which makes it easier to win people's hearts and gives us an advantage over men.

A NUGGET OF WISDOM FOR YOUNG WOMEN.

Depending on yourself can be very embarrassing, but you look really cool this way. Whenever you feel like giving up, just remind yourself that you only need to persevere for one or two seconds longer than everyone else.

🌷🌷🌷

CHING YEE & STEPHY

Co-Founders of Kiki Studio, @chingyee_26 @spongethinkings

CARE TO SPILL THE BEANS ON WHO YOU ARE?

Ching Yee: I believe beauty comes in all forms. I‘ve loved the arts since young. From drawing on paper to walls, I now turn ideas and drawings into reality. I help clients to turn their space into their dream space. Stephy: I am a designer. I am an optimistic and energetic person. I love drawing, buying plants, making coffee, and I need a lot of ‘me time’.

Stephy: 'I am a designer. I am an optimistic and energetic person. I love drawing, buying plants, making coffee, and I need a lot of ‘me time’.

Stephy: I am a designer. I am an optimistic and energetic person. I love drawing, buying plants, making coffee, and I need a lot of ‘me time’.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR & HOW DO YOU FACE THEM HEAD-ON?

Ching Yee: As female entrepreneurs, especially young female entrepreneurs in this industry, earning respect while collaborating with experienced contractors is challenging. There are too many conservative thoughts about what girls should do and what girls can’t do. We can't control how people think about us, we can only try our best to do what we are supposed to do, and of course not to forget to master our skills.

WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE MOST FEMPOWERED?

Ching Yee:

When I first started my life independently in KL. Living alone, taking good care of myself and starting a meaningful business.

Stephy:

Every time when I overcome challenges at work and learn something from that incident.