WYLD entrepreneurs: meet the women behind our brands
So, we’re taking a moment to introduce you to the women behind the brands that bring so much colour, joy and beauty to The WYLD Shop. We’re so proud we can be a platform for women in business – it isn’t always smooth sailing, but there’s also a lot of fulfilment in making it happen, on your terms.
Besides, you know the saying, ‘every time you support a small business, the person behind it is doing a happy dance’? Now you know the women doing that dance…
Anita
ENVET
Known for its intricately beaded and handmade accessories inspired by founder Anita’s travels abroad, Envet is bright and bold – just like the woman behind the brand.
 Anita, founder of Envet
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Why did you launch your brand?
My dad is a businessman, and while I was growing up we always talked about how he started his own journey. I think this enhanced my own sense of entrepreneurship, and drive to build something of my own.
How has it evolved, and what are you most proud of?
This is tough: I often forget to give myself credit for what I have achieved, but if I were to point it out, it would be my collaboration with Jimmy Choo in 2021.
As a woman in business, what is most important to you?
Authenticity. Not just in business, but also in character.
And what do you want for other women entrepreneurs?
To not let emotions get in the way.
 WYLD x Envet Slay bracelet |
How do you want women to feel when they wear your pieces?
I want them to feel like themselves. I want them to look in the mirror and think ‘damn, I look good in these’.
What's your life motto?
“The ocean makes me feel really small and it puts my whole life into perspective. It reminds me, ‘okay, I’m this little piece of this huge earth’ and it humbles you and it grounds you.” Beyonce said that, and it really speaks to me. I guess my motto is to always be humble, remember where you came from and remember why you are doing what you are doing.
Gaya Subramaniam
JUST GAYA'S
Regular visitors to The WYLD Shop will remember Gaya’s radiant vibe and colourful style – and while she’s left sunny Singapore for her hometown of KL to launch another dream project Bungalow 18, we can still get a dose of her through her multi-label accessories label Just Gaya’s – bring on the fab statement earrings!
 Gaya Subramaniam, founder, Just Gaya’s |
Why did you launch your brand?
It came by chance, actually. One of my dear friends wanted to launch her brand Frankitas in Singapore, so I jumped on it and it naturally evolved from there. I soon became a distributor for three Malaysian brands, which also inspired me to launch my namesake line of statement earrings. I guess you can say the rest of history.
How has it evolved, and what are you most proud of?
That I am still standing! Honestly, it’s been a blessing in disguise. Nothing I really planned for, but it naturally grew. I’m proud that I’ve met amazing independent women in business — partners who have all become friends and amazing customers too.
As a woman in business, what is most important to you?
Supporting other women entrepreneurs. We’re not in competition with one another; we’re in this entrepreneurship journey together — so support, sharing and kindness is important for me.
And what do you want for other women entrepreneurs?
To continue striving together, supporting one another and accomplishing our aspirations and goals.
 Just Gaya’s leather feather chain drop earrings |
How do you want women to feel when they wear your pieces?
Like themselves! My pieces can be big or loud, but it’s about embracing your individuality. A colourful piece can brighten up one’s day, which is fun.
What's your life motto?
Be kind to yourself! You’re not in a competition with anyone. It’s your own individual and personal journey — and it’s okay when there are days you’re down too.
Nupur Khemka
MIRA
Local brand MIRA is a sensory treat: founder Nupur Khemka’s artisanal handmade soaps, sculptural soy wax candles, balms and divine hand and body lotions are giving us day-spa-at-home vibes all day, every day. She recently introduced gorgeous kaftan dresses to her collection too, and we’re loving how this brand is evolving.
 Nupur Khemka, founder, MIRA |
Why did you launch your brand?
MIRA started purely as a passion project. A couple of things led to its launch…
I was going through insomnia and found essential oils helped a sleep-deprived mama like me. That's when I got into aromatherapy and started creating balms. I also picked up soap making during the time and got completely hooked on the process.
After being in the corporate world for eight years, I realised that we don’t get any time during office days to think about ourselves or de-stress and weekends usually fly past — especially if you’re dealing with a kid’s schedule too. All of this eventually leads to burn out.
And so, I thought of creating products, which could be incorporated into our daily lives, like small doses of happiness spread through the day. You could start with a great-smelling soap in your shower, carry your essential oil roll-on in your bag for an instant mood lift and then light a scented candle before you sleep to help you unwind.
How has it evolved, and what are you most proud of?
MIRA is an extension of my personality. I'm creative and I love aesthetics and I think my brand reflects that. I love how things are shaping up for the brand. It started as a home-based business and now we have our own studio where we create products for retail and corporate clients.
I'm proud of the bigger things and what we've achieved so far, but I am also proud of simple things like each time someone tells me they like using my products. It's special as I still hand-craft and formulate all the products on my own.
 MIRA bubble candle |
As a woman in business, what is most important to you?
Running a small business is intense and crazy loads of work! As a woman, we need to be able to multitask a whole lot more. So, I think it's most important to not be hard on ourselves, to have boundaries so we can take care of ourselves, our family and make space for other things.
And what do you want for other women entrepreneurs?
I think the women in the small business community are doing such a fantastic job! You can really see all the hard work that goes behind their brand. I would love to see them take more risks, try out new things but also keep taking breaks and focus on self care. This goes for me as well!
How do you want women to feel when they use your products?
I would like them to feel a sense of calm. To be able to fully appreciate the moment, slow down and de-stress when they feel overwhelmed.
What's your life motto?
Don't wish for it, work for it!
As a woman in business, what is most important to you?
Running a small business is intense and crazy loads of work! As a woman, we need to be able to multitask a whole lot more. So, I think it's most important to not be hard on ourselves, to have boundaries so we can take care of ourselves, our family and make space for other things.
And what do you want for other women entrepreneurs?
I think the women in the small business community are doing such a fantastic job! You can really see all the hard work that goes behind their brand. I would love to see them take more risks, try out new things but also keep taking breaks and focus on self care. This goes for me as well!
How do you want women to feel when they wear your pieces?
I would like them to feel a sense of calm when they use my products. To be able to fully appreciate the moment, slow down and de-stress when they feel overwhelmed.
What's your life motto?
Don't wish for it, work for it!
Cindi Lim,
BAYOU
Cindi Lim longed for the beautiful, high-quality sandals she couldn't find anywhere – and made it happen! Her gorgeous sandals are now bringing joy from the streets to Joo Chiat to sublime beach resorts around Asia.
 Cindi Lim, founder of BAYOU |
Why did you launch your brand?
Being a nature enthusiast who is passionate about beaches, I enjoy pairing understated clothes with bright natural colours and intricate details to complete my beach attire.
Even though there was no shortage of beach sandals in Singapore, I found it hard to find good-quality, beach-style sandals that met my expectations. Beach footwear was often made from cheap rubber or flimsy plastics that were styled as flip flops, and some came in garish colours. I found myself asking: ‘Where are the resort-style sandals with quality material, and designs with a strong aesthetic?' And why was it so hard to find?
Some years back, while holidaying in Danang, Vietnam, I was enamoured with the beautiful leather sandals that were sold by the local vendors. Although the designs I saw there were slightly better, they still lacked the refined quality and design intricacies that I imagined were possible. I saw that I could fill that gap with the colours and designs that I envisioned. And this is how BAYOU began.
How has it evolved, and what are you most proud of?
BAYOU was initially designed for the beach lovers but has grown to cater to women of every walk of life, any age and any lifestyle.
I realised every woman deserves to step out in breezy comfort without sacrificing style and elegance. From teens to grandmothers, ladies of all generations have a right to look good. BAYOU designs have a special place for women no matter their lifestyle, who may want to step out to the library, take a leisurely stroll in a park, go shopping with girlfriends or take a walk along the beach.
In short, I am proud that BAYOU lovers wear their sandals confidently and look stylish for any occasion.
Over three years, the brand has found its presence in resorts and hotels including St Regis, Ritz Carlton in Langkawi, The W Hotel in KL, The Anantara Resort in Johor, YTH Hotel in Cameron Highlands and The Shangri-La in Kota Kinabalu. We hope to continue this expansion in nearby islands like Bali and Phuket.
BAYOU is also planning to collaborate with a lifestyle brand and incorporate their fabric line into timeless and unique sandals.
As a woman in business, what is most important to you?
Being honest and having integrity are paramount. You can have the most inspiring idea or a perfect business model, but if you are not honest in both your personal and business practices, I believe you will eventually fall behind.
A person who is humble will remember the contribution of other people in the success she has achieved. Yes, we can be in a better position today, but we should not discount the efforts of others who have helped us along the way.
 BAYOU Isla gold sandals |
And what do you want for other women entrepreneurs?
I would like to see women wanting the change to control the balance between their family responsibilities and their business lives. I am not a mother myself, but have seen my friends defer their dreams due to their commitments at home. If we don't try, we will never know. Help will come along the way. Never be shy to ask for help.
How do you want women to feel when they wear your pieces?
To be daring with their colour choices, be adventurous, to take a break and let their hair down. And have the confidence to stylishly transition from the beach to a night out in town, while looking perfectly poised and chic.
What's your life motto?
If an idea comes from our heart, we have to make an effort to try. If we don't try, we will never know because in the future, we do not want to look back and say ‘hey I could have done that!’.
Samantha Windebank
INDII BREEZE
If you’ve ever admired another woman strolling around Joo Chiat looking amazing in a floaty, tropical print dress, chances are she’s wearing Indii Breeze, and she got it from The WYLD Shop. Meet Samantha Windebank, the woman behind the tropical-inspired wardrobe that takes you from weekend brunch to drinks or island getaway.
 Samantha Windebank, founder, Indii Breeze |
Why did you launch your brand?
I launched Indii Breeze in 2015. After living in Singapore for a few years I struggled to find ladies’ clothing that was stylish, comfortable, which had an affordable price tag, and was made of suitable fabrics for our hot climate. So a friend and I started talking and we really thought there was a market available in this space to provide comfort with style and affordability. Casual conversations turned into some research and shortly followed by engaging tailors and buying fabrics — and once that happened Indii Breeze was born.
How has it evolved, and what are you most proud of?
Like most small fashion businesses that start in Singapore we attended all the local fairs, and pop-up events to create some brand awareness. This continued for the first two years with our very small selection of styles of maxi dresses, tops and pants. Over time we continued to add more styles, sizes, and different fabrics with prints selected for small production quantities to constantly keep the range fresh and exciting. We’re now stocked in seven stores Islandwide, which is the most stockists we have ever had and I'm very proud of how this has grown.
 Indii Breeze Nicky midi dress |
As a woman in business, what is most important to you?
I think for me it's about staying true to my brand and why I started Indii breeze in the first place. To continue to grow whilst listening to what our customers want — this, I think, is most important and I love hearing what customers have to say.
And what do you want for other women entrepreneurs?
Support and encouragement — it's what pushed me to keep going. To any woman starting a new venture it can be very daunting taking the leap to do, so you need to reach out to other women in business as there's a great network with advice and support available from those who have been through the same.
How do you want your customers to feel when they're in Indii Breeze?
I do believe Indii Breeze styles has the perfect balance between chic weekend and everyday styles. I want our customers to feel and look fabulous with minimal effort for the next occasion, weekend getaway or night out.
What's your life motto?
Hard work and commitment brings success.
Kara Bensley
The WYLD Shop
Last but not least, our very own WYLD boss, KB. She’ll never say this about herself, but we’re always in awe of her for incredible generosity with her knowledge, positivity and support for women in business — and every human she meets. Make sure you say hi next time you’re in the boutique or spot her around Joo Chiat!
 WYLD boss, Kara Bensley |
Why did you launch your brand?
When I moved to Singapore 11 years ago there was never any intention of setting up a business or launching a brand for that matter. I was a ‘trailing fiancee’ who was ready for my next adventure, but had arrived with the option given to me by my former employer to hunt for market opportunities for one of the brands I used to represent.
So you could say I just ran with it and launched it unintentionally just to have a go and try something different... and here we are 11 years on, after pivoting a few times and sometimes I still feel like we're in the launching phase!
How has it evolved, and what are you most proud of?
It has been a long, arduous but exhilarating journey. We have certainly come a long way from pop-ups and showrooms to running a full retail and e-commerce operation. I am most proud of my crew: the fantastic people I work with. Loo and I have been on a roller coaster ride and the fact we are still hustling together and growing a great team of people working toward a common goal is what I am most proud of.
As a woman in business, what is most important to you?
To try to make a positive impact.
And what do you want for other women entrepreneurs?
I want to see less self-doubt for women entrepreneurs and just women in general. Women are extremely hard on themselves, they put additional pressure that doesn't need to be there while trying to live up to the expectations of others such as their family, friends and society.
How do you want your customers to feel when they're wearing pieces from WYLD?
Comfortable, confident and carefree.
What's your life motto?
Live WYLD and live free with the confidence to dream and be who YOU want to be. Gratitude creates abundance.