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A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition and Art: "Embroided Memories"

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:53:42 GMT

A Vibrant Celebration of Tradition and Art: The Opening Ceremony of "Embroidered Memories: Tracing Heritage Across Three Generations"

Yesterday, Inner Joy Art Gallery came alive with the vibrant energy of tradition, artistry, and cultural pride during the opening ceremony of "Embroidered Memories: Tracing Heritage Across Three Generations." The event was nothing short of a joyous celebration, where art and heritage converged in a truly memorable experience.

Honourable guests who were present during the opening ceremony of "Embroidered Memories : Tracing Heritage Across Three Generations", an art exhibition that showcase Nyonya beadwork as a form of art by ManekNya

The ceremony was officiated by Datin Nazrin Aneeza Binti Nazaruddin, Advisory Council Member of MyKasih Foundation and Vice President of PETRONITA, and YBrs. Ts. Noor Azmi Bin Mat Said, Chairman of FRIM Incorporated Sdn Bhd and CEO of Human Life Advancement Foundation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a highlight of the afternoon, with the two esteemed VIPs joined by Swee Lin and Swee May, the founders of ManekNya, as well as their mother and aunt - representing three generations of Nyonya artistry.

The atmosphere was festive and colourful, as many of our guests arrived dressed in traditional Baba Nyonya attire - ladies adorned in intricate and vibrant kebayas, while the gentlemen wore culturally inspired tops that echoed the richness of Peranakan heritage. The gallery buzzed with excitement, laughter, and conversations, creating an atmosphere that felt like a reunion of family and friends celebrating shared roots.

One of the key highlights of the afternoon was the special Nyonya beading demonstration by Swee May, co-founder of manekNya, which captivated the audience. Introduced and narrated by her sister, Swee Lin, also an artist and co-founder of ManekNya, the live demonstration gave attendees a rare and intimate look into the meticulous craft of Nyonya beadwork. Watching the beads come together under Swee May’s skilled hands was mesmerizing, offering a deep appreciation of this intricate art form passed down through generations.

Adding to the richness of the event, the gallery had a special display of heirloom beaded shoes that had been passed down through three generations. These precious shoes, once worn by the artists' grandmother, were an extraordinary glimpse into the personal and familial heritage that inspired the exhibition. Available for viewing only during the opening day, the display left a lasting impression on visitors, many of whom shared nostalgic stories about their own family heirlooms.

"The Peranakan Peacock", the one and only beaded shoes that is available for sale for this exhibition. This is the only beaded items that we use 1mm glass beads. The others that were on display during the opening ceremony were part of ManekNya's personal heirloom collections

In line with the exhibition’s theme of celebrating Peranakan culture, guests were treated to a selection of vibrant Nyonya delicacies. Colourful Nyonya kueh, variety of fruits, with homemade dips of otak-otak sauce and semboi complemented the vibrant artworks on display. Each dish, like the beadwork, was a reflection of the rich heritage that continues to inspire generations. As a token of appreciation, guests were also gifted handmade bunga rampay (rampai) and dodol Melaka, adding a special touch to the day.

The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and a true sense of community. The stories shared, the art admired, and the lively atmosphere made it a day to remember. As the gallery’s walls echoed with admiration for the meticulously beaded creations, the opening ceremony truly embodied the spirit of "Embroidered Memories."

This "Peacock Serenade in Batik and Beads" are made up of 20,000 pieces of Nyonya beads embroidered on this unique batik cloth. This intricate artwork took 8 months for completion

The exhibition will continue to run until 18 October 2024, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the intersection of tradition and modern artistry through the Nyonya beadwork passed down through three generations.

We invite you to join us in exploring these rich stories of heritage and creativity, as we celebrate the timeless beauty of Nyonya craftsmanship.

Exhibition Details:

"Embroidered Memories: Tracing Heritage Across Three Generations"

21 September – 18 October 2024

Inner Joy Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Free admission, open to the public.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss the chance to witness the beauty and legacy of Nyonya beadwork!

Thank you, everyone for joining us in the opening ceremony of ManekNya first art exhibition, "Embroidered Memories : Tracing Heritage Across 3 Generations"!

Here are more photos from the opening ceremony yesterday to share with you and to be kept here for memory keepsake. :)

The art piece in the background is "The Pink Kamcheng: A Story of Heritage", featuring ManekNya's grandmother's shirt with Nyonya beadworks embroidered on it

Written by Inner Joy Art Gallery, 22 September 2024

Reflecting on Our First Year: What's Next for ManekNya?

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 09:13:09 GMT

It's been a year already? Wow - time flies!

So, after a year, what’s next for manekNya?

As I write this, BiruNya, our very first shoe collection, is out. (Check it out here ). Phew. It feels both unreal and profound at the same time.

When we initially chose to venture into the world of Nyonya embroidery beading, our mission was clear: to preserve the rich heritage of Peranakan culture.

However, the question arose – which aspect of this cherished heritage should we focus on? Fashion? Nyonya cuisine? The intricate art of beadwork? The choices probably obvious - it should be as vibrant as the culture itself.

Ultimately, we took our first steps with something very close to our hearts – beaded embroidery products. We started off with shoes (more about it here ). We knew that each pair is more than footwear; it's a canvas that tells a story, it’s a blend of both tradition and artistry. It is a piece of art.

For me, there are many dual realities that I have to deal with. From insisting that it is fully sustainable to the materials used to the comfort level of the insole. I have very high standards.

You can imagine:

“Is this good enough?” No. “Is that okay?” No.

“How can we make it better than the previous batch?”

...and the list goes on.

It took us eight dedicated months to perfect BiruNya. From extensive research and development, to rigorous testing, to sourcing only the finest materials – nothing was left to chance.

It was difficult. It was hard. I felt like I had never faced such a challenge before. Almost a dead end, most of the time.

When we first embarked on our journey, we knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park. But every step of the way has been worth it, truly a learning curve and journey, no matter how long I have this “entrepreneur” status. I am truly grateful, always, for the chances and opportunities given along the way in our first year.

In our first year, we;

#1 Learned How to Make a Shoe

We started by diving into the world of shoemaking. Learning how to create a shoe that perfectly combines comfort and elegance became our mission. It's not just about crafting footwear; it's about telling a story through each stitch and bead. And that story begins from the soles up. Can we make our own shoe now, maybe?

#2 Did our first Fashion Show - MFCA (Malaysia Fashion Creativity Award)

Participating in the MFCA was a significant milestone for us. It wasn't just a fashion show; it was a platform where we gained recognition, validation, and invaluable experience. Our dedication to preserving Peranakan heritage through bead embroidery not on shoes but on 5 of our clothes wear, inspired us to continue this beautiful journey.

#3 Trained More Than 200 Potential Artisans

We didn't stop at shoes. To give life into the intricate Nyonya beadwork and art, we've been training over 200+ potential embroiderers, ensuring that this age-old artistry thrives and continues to bring lives to the world. We managed to work with some prominent organisations and local council, namely, Menteri Besar Selangor (MBI), myKasih Foundation, Sime Darby Foundation, ADUN Kampung Tunku, to name a few.

#4 Sharing Our Ideas: Victories and Oops Moments

Pitching our ideas to the world has been an adventure in itself. We've entered many rooms, some with nods of approval and others with raised eyebrows. But that's the beauty of entrepreneurship, isn't it? We've won some, we've lost some, but we've learned from every experience. We don’t usually post about it, because we felt that the brand essence of manekNya should be in the art form itself - Nyonya beading.

#5 Run our own Private Workshops

“Every bead, every stitch, and every story starts somewhere.” At manekNya, we believe that the best way to honor and preserve the rich tradition of Peranakan beadwork is to share our knowledge. And what better way to do that than to run our own private workshops?

At the core of these workshops is the desire to foster a sense of community and celebration of culture. Our participants come from all walks of life, each contributing a unique perspective and connection to the craft. Every workshop is a blend of creativity, art, and heritage.

#6 In 3 of the Isetans in KL (KLCC, The Gardens, and Lot 10)

And then came one of our proudest moments. We showcased our creations in three Isetan stores across Kuala Lumpur – KLCC, The Gardens, and Lot 10. Being part of such a prestigious retail environment was a testament to the beauty and quality of our work.

#7 Achievements That Shine Bright

We also had the privilege of working with renowned local designers (not going to tell you who), further cementing our presence in the world of fashion. These partnerships, like our beadwork, continue to shine brightly, sharing each pieces to those who appreciates Nyonya beading work.

It’s interesting how - as I sit down to write, I realize that half of the things I penned down before are no longer valid.

The unpredictability of this journey is truly, unknown.

In 2023, we are genuinely grateful to those who believed in us, a one-year-old company, almost clueless about heritage, art, and beading. We are thankful, to those who gave us a chance, listened to us, gave us their precious time, replied us, and believed in us. I believe that's what makes the difference today.

So, what's next? Well, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting chapter. In case you missed the news - we're officially a Singaporean-based company now!

We're still navigating the waters of learning and discovery, taking each day as it comes, one day at a time. The future? It's filled with question marks and, at the same time, filled with possibilities. And the uncertainties give me adrenaline rush sometimes.

Who knows what's around the corner? You might find us in museums, art galleries, retails, airports, collaborating with brands that you might know, and the list goes on. We continuously believe that our creations have the potential to transcend traditional notions of fashion and transform into statement pieces of art.

That's the thrill of it all, isn't it?

Cheers to the journey, to the tradition, and to every bead that tells a story. Our aspiration is to see manekNya's unique pieces featured, anywhere, everywhere, where they can be celebrated as iconic works of heritage artistry. ��

How One Conversation with My Dad Changed Everything

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 09:15:29 GMT

How One Conversation with My Dad Changed Everything.

When we asked our dad "What do you want to eat for Father's Day?" his simple reply was, "Maggi Mee also can lah."

All dads always have to be the cool ones, don’t they? ��

Our dad, affectionately known as Baba or Ba in the Peranakan language, played a significant role in the birth of manekNya. He has been a secret supporter, faithfully liking and commenting on every single one of manekNya's posts.

I still remember one of manekNya's earliest Facebook posts, which had only one comment - and it was from him.

It was my Ba who encouraged me to pursue manekNya when I hesitated to dive into this full-time venture with my sister, Swee Lin. I had many doubts, contemplating whether I should leave behind the stability of my corporate job that I had worked so hard to build. Should I let go of everything and step into a world of uncertainties? These thoughts consumed my mind for months!

You have no idea, but these thoughts were playing in my mind for a couple of months.

I even attempted to juggle between my full-time job and manekNya, dedicating my nights to the latter after a day's work. But it soon became clear that this was not sustainable. I was mentally drained by the time I finished my day job, with no creative energy left to devote to manekNya. ��

Then, one fine day, I decided to go back home to Melaka.

As usual, my Ba picked me up from the bus station, and it became a ritual for us to indulge in a bowl of duck noodles somewhere in town. We chatted casually, and he asked me about life, work, and my plans for the future.

"Wow, that's a deep question, Ba," I replied, half-jokingly.

My typical response would always be, "Well, it's okay. I have everything under control."

Now, having experienced both the corporate world and startup life, I can confidently say that corporate jobs are relatively easier compared to starting a business. In the corporate world, everything is structured and solvable, except perhaps for the office politics and drama ��. Stay strong, my friends.

I still remember his exact words: "You're still young. Just go for it. What is there to lose?"

Me nodding, but I’m sure there's a reluctant sign showing in my face.

He continued, "It's better to pursue manekNya now while you still have the energy of youth. If you realize a year later that it's not for you, you can always go back to the corporate world."

I mustered an empty response, "Oh... Hmmm..." ��

That night, I pondered deeply about our conversation. The uncertainties that once held me back began to fade away. I started envisioning the possibilities, the impact we could make through manekNya, and the fulfillment it would bring to our lives. With each passing day, my determination grew stronger, and deep down, I knew it was the right path for me.

Together with my sister, Swee Lin, we devoted ourselves wholeheartedly to manekNya. We poured our creativity, passion, and hard work into building the brand, designing unique pieces that captured the essence of Peranakan culture.

On this Father's Day, as we celebrate our Ba and the profound impact he had on our journey, I realize that he ignited the fire within me, propelling me towards manekNya.

One thing that I would carry on throughout my life is the unwavering determination to keep pushing forward. When you’ve set the goals in your mind, you should just go for it and take action. Instead of “I should have done this last time” , or “What if”. It should be “I am doing this now” . The power to shape your life lies in your hands, here and now!

Without his wise words, unwavering support, and belief in our abilities, manekNya might have remained just a distant dream. Instead, it became our reality, and we couldn't be more grateful.

Happy Father's Day, Ba. You are not just a loving father, but also a mentor, motivator, and the wind beneath your wings as we soar towards success with manekNya.

To all the fathers out there who have inspired and influenced us, thank you for your unwavering love, guidance, and support.

Happy Father's Day! <3

Love,

Swee May

my Nya - the Nya in manekNya.

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:47:36 GMT

I've always pondered the significance of eulogies given at funerals or speeches delivered at weddings. And I will always remember my mom, who said it every Mother's Day, 'Every day is Mother's Day. It's a blessing to be alive.' Can you relate?

So, I decided, why not? Why wait for a special occasion? Let me take a moment to write about my Nya (which means mother in the Peranakan language).

During my childhood, my sister and I spent about 90% of our time at our grandparents' house, even during school holidays (I vividly remember dreading those school breaks because I still had to wake up early! ��) . Both of my parents worked tirelessly, balancing family time with the responsibility of providing for my siblings and me. As for me, I had piano lessons, art classes, violin practice, taekwondo sessions, and even a brief stint in badminton. Not to mention countless tuition classes (You might think this is normal, yeah, maybe). Nya never bought us toys (I remembered no Barbie dolls ��) , but she never hesitated to purchase any workbooks we needed for our studies.

A few months ago, I accidentally saw my Nya's payslip (oops!) , and I couldn't help but think, 'Wow, how is this possible?' She earned about the same as me while raising three children. How did she do it?

Then it hit me.

I remembered all the sacrifices, the absence of toys and games, the fewer holidays. Nya would always pack food from home, always striving to save and earn in any way she could. ��

Today, as my sister and I embark on our journey in manekNya , which has been 9 months since, I am reminded of the countless ways in which Nya has supported us. Even though she didn't have a university degree, her unwavering support humbles me. I also recall her sharing that her father chose not to send her to university because he assumed that all women would become stay-at-home moms after marriage. So, why bother? (Not in a mean way, but due to the cultural norms of that time, coupled with my grandparents' financial struggles.) However, she doesn’t feel any resentment about this. It made me question myself: Would I harbor resentment if the same happened to me? Probably, yes. ��

In addition to her unwavering support, Nya has played an instrumental role in the development of manekNya. She not only nurtured our love for Peranakan culture but also took it upon herself to teach us the intricacies of the beautiful art of beading. Patiently guiding us through the stitches, she shared her wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that we honed our skills and perfected our craft.

Not only did Nya impart her embroidery wisdom, but she also became our steadfast companion on this journey. You might never believe it, but she played a huge role in our journey, especially in the beginning. She introduced us to a skilled shoemaker who helped us source high-quality materials for our creations. Nya's connections within the Baba Nyonya Community proved invaluable as she arranged meetings with prominent figures, including the president of the Peranakan Malaysia Association. These encounters allowed us to delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage that inspires our work and provided us with valuable insights and guidance.

Nya's support extended beyond introductions and connections. She tirelessly championed our brand, continuously talking about us to her friends, family, and acquaintances (we called it her Aunties group ��) . Her unwavering belief in our vision and talent helped open doors and create opportunities for us. Whether it was showcasing our creations at local events, collaborating with other artisans, or securing partnerships, Nya always went above and beyond to promote our work and find avenues for growth.

Recently, Nya accompanied me on a business pitch in Kuching. It was her first time witnessing me present our brand, and her presence provided invaluable support and encouragement. Having her by my side was a constant reminder of the love and support we share.

Nya's contributions to manekNya go far beyond her role as a mother. She has been our mentor, our advocate, and our greatest cheerleader.

Reflecting on Nya's journey and her unwavering love and support, I am filled with gratitude and admiration. She has taught me the true meaning of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication as a person and as a cancer survivor. I am privileged to have her as my Nya, and I will forever cherish the lessons she has imparted and the values she has instilled in me.

This is my heartfelt to a remarkable woman who has shaped my life in more ways than I can express. Thank you, Nya , for everything. You are my inspiration, my rock, and the driving force behind my pursuit of dreams. I love you always. ❤️

So, now, if you are curious about what Nya means to us in ‘manekNya’, here you go.

#happymotherseveryday

#whataboutfathersday ��

The story of manekNya.

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 13:57:55 GMT

How it started..

As you may know, " Manek " means beads, and " Nya " means mother in the Baba language. It is a combination of the two words to remember our beloved grandmother, who was like our mother and took care of us, acting like a true Peranakan her whole life. The name represents the traditional and cultural heritage of Peranakan beaded shoes. We wanted to carry on her legacy and the values she instilled in us through our brand and the work we do.

Our grandmother has always taken care of us since we were young because both of our parents were working. Her house was the place that we would go to after school - we ate, bathed, napped, and played there. We grew up modestly; we had more than enough food to eat, went to tuition classes, and occasionally went on holidays. But if I were to think back, she lived quite frugally (but not necessarily in poverty) , but it was enough for us.

"As we grew older, we realized that the Peranakan culture is a dying form of art. It seems to be unsexy, unappealing, and unrelatable, especially to the younger generation. We want to change that."

We started manekNya to pay homage to our Peranakan heritage and to preserve the traditional art of Peranakan beaded shoes. We also wanted to create a platform that empowers underrepresented communities by providing them with training, support, and employment opportunities through the art of beaded embroidery. We believe that everyone should have access to the tools and resources needed to improve their livelihoods and achieve financial independence. At manekNya, we strive to make a positive impact on both the individuals we work with and the planet we live on through our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

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Art in the modern days seems to be losing its traditional roots, and the Peranakan culture is no exception. We recognized the need to preserve and revive this art form, which is why we started manekNya. We want to create fashionable, modern, comfortable, and relatable Peranakan beaded shoes, we aim to make this traditional art form more appealing to the younger generation and keep it alive for future generations to enjoy.

It was only when I started to learn more about the Peranakan culture and its art forms that I realized the value and importance of preserving this traditional craft. The intricate and delicate beadwork is a true form of art and requires a great deal of skill and patience to create. The high cost of the beaded shoes is a reflection of the time and effort put into each piece. It is not just a fashion item, it is a piece of cultural heritage.

With the rising cost of living, many skilled artisans are struggling to make a living. We wanted to change that by creating a platform that would provide training, support, and employment opportunities for these artisans through the production of Peranakan beaded shoes. This is the inspiration behind manekNya - to preserve our culture and empower communities through sustainable and ethical fashion.

Coming from a social enterprise background, I believe in creating a sustainable ecosystem. While we may not be able to help everyone, we can strive to make a positive impact.

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Throughout our journey, customers can expect to see a focus on sustainability and ethical practices throughout the production process. Customers can also expect to find a variety of styles and designs that are modern and relatable, while still paying tribute to traditional Peranakan art. Overall, manekNya offers a combination of tradition, culture, and fashion.

I am excited to showcase our very first shoe collection (or product) to the world. It is a combination of both unique and fashionable shoes that are assembled and Made in Malaysia.

Best,

Swee Lin, Co-founder of manekNya