BY: Michelle Liew
With more and more sectors resuming operation, many are still hopeful that the pandemic woes will be put to rest and that liveliness will be restored as soon as possible.
While places such as the zoo and parks have reopened to the public, there is still little to be said about social events.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stated via Twitter that he was not convinced that standard operating procedures (SOP) could be observed at major ceremonies such as weddings. Thus, we can expect major events such as weddings and engagement ceremonies to be among the last activities to be allowed to resume in the country.
However, with the improvement of circumstances, people have embraced the idea of a quaint and intimate wedding within their means and time, adhering to SOPs while still embracing their moment of joy.
We have taken the liberty to highlight some local businesses and entrepreneurs and their journey throughout this pandemic.
Eventistry
After noticing the market shift during the first Movement Control Order (MCO), Eventistry propelled its business to offer party services through its “Party in A Box” and “Party To Go” packages. The packages included cake, balloons and adequate decorations for couples intending for an intimate wedding with their loved ones.
Soon after the second MCO was implemented, Eventistry pivoted its business by launching a side business called Messy Play Don’t Care. They focused on creating and selling sensory play kits for children who were spending more time at home.
Suhyla Ashari, a home-based tailor in Port Dickson
Suhyla Ashari
Suhyla Ashari is a home-based tailor in Port Dickson. Mostly accepting requests from family and friends, her shining moment dawned upon her when she received a request to design an elegant wedding gown for an Australian customer using video calls.
Due to the MCO, Suhyla had to make do with online platforms but she was not expecting a buyer from the land Down Under. As challenging as it was, Suhyla stunned everyone with the finished product. She noted that she was hesitant at first because it was difficult to get the exact body measurements via virtual calls.
The tailoring fee cost RM890, the cost for shipping the gown to Australia cost RM700.
The success of the wedding gown has inspired Suhyla to open her own shop in the future.
“It’s my dream to have my own store and workers as many would then notice me as compared to working from home.
“I’ve always loved fashion and seeing people happy in the clothes that I’ve designed for them,” she said as quoted from Malay Mail.
The Happy Butterfly by Amreeta
For anyone that is seeking to get custom wedding planners, The Happy Butterfly is the place for you. Founder Amreeta Kaur Dhillon is a positivity-filled educator with a knack for crafts and creativity.
Started off with custom greeting cards, the quaint business soon metamorphosised into something greater. Just like a butterfly, the business developed its wings and Amreeta expanded the range for her artwork. Even during the lockdown, there was no stopping for The Happy Butterfly to soar higher.
The designs on the wedding planners are hand-drawn by Amreeta and the process of curating each beautiful piece is uploaded on Instagram. Each piece is crafted meticulously to cater to each customer’s tastes and expectations, with Amreeta maintaining a positive outlook in her art.
“Getting to the idea tests my faith in myself as an artist. That I have an eye. That the idea will come to me. And to know, with time, what catalysts work best for me to spark my idea. Teaches me the need to know myself, honestly,” she writes.
As with all industries, there is no surviving this pandemic without an online presence for businesses. It has taught us that events can be managed remotely, no matter how difficult it may seem. These local talents have inspired us to keep the momentum going regardless of the circumstances.
