Above: Malaysian Today webpage with the article.
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Above: Picture taken by Pauline Wong on the Malaysian Today website. Missed getting a copy of the actual printed newspaper. But hope Pauline managed to get one for me. *Fingers Cross* Note: Filigree bib necklace available on our website for sale now.
Of Trinkets and Therapeutic Beads- Written by Pauline WongCraft books bought by her mother when she was a wee little lass gave Tan Sze Yoong, 27 the life she leads now as the creative powerhouse behind Sze Yoong Accessories, a web-based store selling gorgeous handcrafted accessories, which began in 2007.
What began as a hobby is now her full-time job, and if the sold-out tags on almost all of her products (which she updates regularly, mind you) are anything to go by, this petite businesswoman has got it made.
As if to validate that, the media buzz she has attracted has earned her a consignment deal with departmental store Isetan - it's going to be busy days ahead for her as she takes her creations to all the Isetan branches in Klang Valley.
But she doesn't mind busy, really. Because the one thing she loves more than anything else is how therapeutic it is to design each accessory with Swarovski crystals, silver filigree and the delight she finds in each and every beautiful colour found in the material she uses.
"I love the colour of the beads and the crystals I use," she says. "Even my fiance's sisters agree that there is something therapeutic about crafting earrings, necklaces and such!"
Almost everything in her website is hand-made personally and designed specially by Tan. Some are out-sourced, but the rest are truly original designs - and each design has a special name and story behind it.
"Many of my customers appreciate the fine work and the uniqueness of the accessories I make, and what makes me happiest is how so many are repeat customers - it is encouraging to know that people love my products enough to keep coming back!"
She also admits while handmade accessories are priced higher than the mass-made trinkets, there is a niche market for original, one-of-a-kind accessories.
"Changing a hobby to something that can be a job is not easy!" she admits. "There is so much you have to think about when starting a business. It's not as easy as just 'live your dreams!' You've just got to take your time and test the market."
Leaving a job with a globally recognized cosmetics company was certainly not a stroll in the park for Tan, but it has paid off. She has plans to expand to other regions and to mass-market the brand name, yet still keep that hand-made feel.
"I've turned my hobby into work," she laughs. "But! It's a job that I love, and it's something I look forward to every single morning."
