The Bag Designer with a Big Heart

#handbags #artisanal #entrepreneurship #designer #elegance #MalaysianRocks #changemaker #inspirational

If you're a woman, you'll understand the difficulties we face when it comes to transporting our essentials. And, for some inexplicable reason, the majority of our apparel does not have a lot of pocket space to begin with. As a result, handbags are quite useful at all times. It can be used as a statement piece as well as a storage area for us.

On October last year, I was blessed to meet this lovely lady by the name of Agnes from Yuniku Art & Craft. To be precise, Calista from Aime (She makes handcrafted lipsticks, eyeliner and many other great things!) introduced her to me.

It was only during December 2021 that I learned she makes handcrafted handbags for sale. I was blessed to be able to experienced her handiwork as I conducted a Facebook Live product review for her during the WIEN Christmas Weekend Market.

I remembered the first time I held her bags. I was absolutely stunned and amazed by the amount of detail she put into each and every piece. She ensures quality, and thrives for perfection in every piece. And you can sense her passion, and love in every bag of hers.

I remembered Uma akka (sister) asking me about her bags recently and she was surprised by the reasonable price range (from RM49 to RM299). And as she was looking into the bags, Agnes was there to show her designs that are half done.

Oh yes! You can choose the designs you want and she will make them on the spot for you, if time permits. I was truly surprised by the level of service she offers to ensure the satisfaction and happiness of her customers.

I personally got a bag from Agnes that I totally am in love with. I was blessed to be able to showcase her beautiful work during the Miss Plus World Malaysia Gala Night and got some amazing photos taken with it.

A picture of my sisters from a different mother (from left - Gwyneth Loh, myself, Uma and Kanchan)

Agnes started this journey some time during the pandemic in 2020. At that time, she was looking for other ways to generate an income for herself, and to ensure that her staffs in Tadika Merry Kids and Merry Kids Child Care Centre will still be paid as she believes this hurdle should not be the reason take away others' rice bowl (income).

To help women and other mothers to pull through during this trying times, she also teaches those that are interested to learn the techniques in making these bags. That's not all, she also offers to sell these bags for them at her booths in the bazaars she participates in.

She may be a kindergarten teacher to some, and a bag designer to others. The impact she makes can be felt in the paths she walks on as her heart of gold shines through in everything she does. It was her passion and dedication to persevere that inspires me to stay strong when I face obstacles. For the focus should always be on the what can we do to change our lives (and the lives of others).

If you would like to get a bag, do visit her Facebook page and contact her at Yuniku Art & Craft or her Instagram at @yunikuartcraft.

Kindergarten Facebook pages are:

For 4-6 years old - Tadika Merry Kids and for 1 - 3 years old - Merry Kids Child Care Centre