Virtually a decade into working Craftiviti, which was began by co-founders Wei Yein and Eugene Tham, the enterprise has emerged as a beacon within the realm of DIY crafting and entrepreneurship.
With a wealthy background in communication and a ardour for creativity, this couple launched into a journey that has developed from humble beginnings to a thriving enterprise that now uplifts different entrepreneurs.
Crafting a artistic empire
In 2010, Wei Yein and Eugene co-founded Caesar Paper Stone SB, an occasions firm.
Nevertheless, the relentless calls for of the occasions trade finally led them to pivot in the direction of a brand new frontier—retail and ecommerce.
“Operating an occasions firm was enjoyable till it wasn’t with late-night set-ups, rushed deadlines, the stress of disaster administration and ageing bones.”
“So we determined to enterprise into retail and ecommerce to broaden our goal market and experience on the rising ecommerce pattern again in 2015,” stated Wei Yein.
Transitioning from company occasions to arts and crafts, Wei Yein and Eugene launched into a steep studying curve, harnessing their experience to carve a distinct segment available in the market.
“We have been glad we took the chance because the occasions firm grew to become inactive throughout MCO,” Wei Yein advised Vulcan Publish.
Initially working as a complete arts and crafts retailer, their focus step by step shifted in the direction of candles and DIY private care merchandise crafted from pure elements.
Whereas sustaining chosen choices similar to epoxy resin and mould-making elements, they streamlined their stock.
Crafting resilience
They’ve encountered comparable companies since their inception, however don’t view them as competitors. As a substitute, the see this as an affirmation of a thriving marketplace for the artistic motion.
“We don’t react to competitors, we work with them. So far, we work with and have partnerships with many craft companies. We imagine this trade must help one another to develop collectively,” Wei Yein stated.
Whereas unconventional, this strategy has confirmed profitable so long as they uphold their model values and preserve client belief.
Actually, Craftiviti has even unveiled enterprise starter kits as a strategic initiative aimed toward empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to enterprise into the world of handmade merchandise.
The inception of those enterprise starter kits stemmed from the corporate’s need to help people in realising their dream of launching a enterprise in handmade candles, soaps, lip balms, DIY private care merchandise, and past.
Understanding the arduous journey of R&D in DIY crafts, typically constrained by restricted budgets and room for error, Wei Yein stated they designed their enterprise starter kits to alleviate these challenges.
“Immediately now we have launched our candle and lip balm enterprise starter kits. We’re engaged on extra enterprise kits as we communicate,” she shared.
The kits allow entrepreneurs to kickstart their ventures with ease, providing choices to supply 20 to 100 candles or 150 lip balms at a considerably decreased price.
“Our enterprise starter kits purpose to help budding entrepreneurs by minimising this ache and making the product creation course of as seamless as potential so entrepreneurs can give attention to model constructing and promoting a well-made product from the get-go,” she stated.
Navigating uneven waters
For a span of 4 years, they thrived of their prime till the emergence of ecommerce giants like Lazada and Shopee, accompanied by a flood of cheaper merchandise from China.
Though they endeavoured to compete with market pricing, they prioritised sustaining the standard of their choices.
Nevertheless, they later realised that value wars weren’t essentially value combating.
So, in late 2023, amidst financial challenges, they boldly determined to extend costs whereas implementing a reward system for loyal prospects, guaranteeing mutual progress and sustainability.
Regardless of preliminary apprehension, the choice garnered surprising help, demonstrating their prospects’ enduring belief and loyalty.
“Clients would journey from throughout Malaysia to go to our compact outlet nestled inside an workplace lot,’ she added.
The Craftiviti imaginative and prescient
Amidst the tumultuous tides of entrepreneurship, Wei Yein and Eugene emphasise the significance of resilience, adaptability, and efficient communication in sustaining their partnership.
Wanting forward, Craftiviti envisions increasing its footprint internationally, harnessing the transformative energy of know-how and AI to amplify its attain.
“Within the subsequent ten years, we are going to get into the worldwide markets. At the moment, our web site is open to just accept worldwide orders and we hope to develop this market past Malaysia.”
“Final month, our Crafti-kits have been listed on Amazon and Etsy. We have now additionally began producing orders from Brunei and Singapore with reasonably priced delivery charges,” she added.
In addition they purpose to curate extra DIY newbie kits and broaden their ingredient choice, fostering creativity worldwide.
As they embark on the following chapter of their journey, Wei Yein and Eugene stay resolute of their mission to unlock the complete potential of the Craftiviti model, one artistic endeavour at a time.
You’ll be able to be taught extra about their enterprise right here.
Learn different articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups right here.
Featured Picture Credit score: Craftiviti
