March 8th — a day where a woman’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements are celebrated and appreciated. Women’s rights and empowerment has come from a long way and right now the best way to empower them is by supporting them. So, in light of International Women’s Day, here are seven local women SMEs that you should seriously start supporting.
Mother Dough
Founder and Head Baker Nadhirah Ismail was just a student at The International Culinary Institute in NYC before she decided on opening her own bakery in Singapore. She came a long way by learning from multiple restaurants and bakeries around America just to perfect her recipes for us Singaporeans to enjoy. From fresh bread, pastries and sandwiches, Mother Dough has it all (including an impossible long queue). A place you should definitely consider visiting if you’re ever around the area.
Address: 3 Jln Kledek, Singapore 199259
Opening hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 11am to 5pm
Contact: 6909 6604
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Vintagewknd
Vintagewknd is one of the trendiest vintage stores in Singapore that has managed to keep their prices affordable as well. The duo, Eden and Eileen, established this business with the sole purpose to create nominal curated vintage clothes for youths. They thoroughly conducted their research on popular trends and even went further by collaborating with other rework designers to produce one-of-a-kind garments and styles. Be sure to check them out, they offer unisex clothes as well!
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Bamboo Straw Girl
What inspired Melissa Lam to start on this social enterprise was when she realised how much plastic waste there was surrounding the natural environment she was in. Devastated by the pollution, Melissa took baby steps into changing her lifestyle habits and eventually stumbled upon the Zero Waste movement. This was when she felt a great sense of responsibility to educate others on reducing waste. She did so by making bamboo straws as her own personal project before it gained more traction that pushed her into opening her own e-commerce. Now, the store sells a variety of sustainable products!
Contact: 9655 5836
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Nail Social
The Nail Social pride themselves on being socially-conscious by using non-toxic products as well as providing vocational training and employment to local marginalised women, The epitome of women empowerment and feminism, truly. Known for their friendly and accommodating service, regulars are always coming back for more and would sometimes bring gifts for their manicurists. You can also book an appointment here for an amazing bundle deal!
Address: Multiple outlets
Opening hours: Depends on outlets and appointments
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Soapaholic
I’ve always been a sucker for cruelty free and natural wellness products and have been the biggest fan of Lush. But thankfully, there’s a local seller who handmades these special crafts too and if anything, I feel that they’re a ton better! They have a wide range of products from facial care to body and shampoo bars. The best part? She diversifies their purposes so that it could cater to all and specific skin types! I personally recommend Soapaholic’s bundle sets that start as low as $30!
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Kneed Co.
Something about polymer clay jewellery carries a certain quirkiness and class to it. The ones from Kneed Co. are my favourite! If you’re into simplistic and monochromatic designs, Kneed Co. is your spot! She sells a range of accessories as low as $8 and does not do restocking so you can easily brag that your products are one of a kind!
Cord x Clay
Elisa and Evelyn are both sisters who share a common passion for beautifying everyday products and home decorations. The difference is; Elisa expertise lies in weaving while Evelyn’s is in ceramics. Together, they manage to create complimentary products between the materials that can greatly enhance the interior of your house. On top of that, Elisa has recently ventured into organising weaving workshops for beginners!
