Blog: LEE AH MOOI 2nd visit!

Hey peeps,
It was a very enjoyable Sunday for my gals (and their partners) as we woke up early to prepare for our mini donation drive... As promised I will update you girls on this meaningful event and hopefully can encourage 1 or 2 of you girls to do something similar too!

Well, for this year's Lee Ah Mooi donation drive, my girl friends and myself donated money to buy goodies for the elderly in the home. I did a call prior to the grocery shopping and Mark, the director of the home (also the son of Lee Ah Mooi) specifically told us not to buy rice. He would like to have more on condiments and dry goods like black fungus and mushrooms. Of course we will arrange the items for him as he knows exactly what was lacking in the Lee Ah Mooi home!

With the information given, my frenmily (we call each other frenmily) and I met up at Pasir Panjang Wholesale Center and started our purchases! I must say it was fun! We thought of the possible dishes that can be used with the dry goods we were getting and each item was chosen carefully, knowing that the elderly may not be able to eat certain types of food or worry about their digestion. The shop owner was nice and gave us additional tips on what food should buy more and which should cut down a little... WOW, you will never expect that giving food donations can actually be this confusing eh?

Finally we were ready to go! We packed the goodies into 2 cars and off we went to the home located in Thomson Road.

(as we order, the trolley starts to pile up... SO exciting!)

(Carefully packed by the shop owner and it was amazing how 2 car boots could fit so much!)

While we were there, Mark gave us a mini tour of the home. He told us some stories about the patients and improvements they have made since they came to the home. It was good to hear that Mark has taken care of them well and that they are happy staying there.

Before we left, Mark thanked us for the generosity showered upon these elderly. Honestly, the dry goods we bought could only last them a few days. But every little counts and helps. We were glad that in some ways, we helped the home. :) One of my frenmily member suggested doing this meaningful charity drive again sometime in April but this time to an orphange. Mr Ling and I got excited and agreed immediately to the next 'charity adventure!'

Mr Ling and the rest of the KAYLENE team would like to take this opportunity to thank all customers who contributed to this charity drive as we have used portions of the sales money in November and December'13. Thank you for supporting KAYLENE, thank you for supporting this meaningful charity drive!

(look at the amount of dry goods we bought! Photos did not do justice to the purchases!)

Sometimes I wonder..

 Something really interesting happened today.

A reputable plus size blogger/owner in Costa Rica sent me a link via Facebook on how she wish to see me (KAYLENE) in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2014 in (San Jose, California)

This set me emotional and got me into tears. How sweet this girl is. She truly believes in me. She truly supports KAYLENE. I am so touched by this simple gesture of hers. It meant the world to me because I finally felt that my purpose and direction for KAYLENE has finally been recognised. As much as I love the idea of someone from such a far away place giving me support on my purpose, it was an irony that it was someone from a far away place America who believed in me. o.m.g... Where is the love back home?

Dont get me wrong, I have uncountable customers who walk up to me and tell me that they love our designs and they know that I am doing the right thing, they even sent me late night text telling me that they have thought through the convo we had (in shop) and encouraged me that I am on the right track. I am very grateful to each and everyone of them. But the rest? The snide remarks made from customers to competitors (unfortunately I know them) It can be disheartening but truly, I know where they are coming from. They just happen not to know my side of story. That why I hesitate for a very loooong time if I should bare out my thoughts and tell you my version for the change in KAYLENE.

Thinking through the collections for this whole 2014 and the direction is going for, I was buried with lots of sketches and clippings and print outs with designs that I really love. With no foundation in fashion designing, I need to be extremely hardworking to make sure that the designs will turn out fabulous and most importantly that each customer that owns the pieces will understand the perfect fit and the story behind creating that gorgeous piece. Costing is naturally on top of the my concern list. With my new factory in Singapore telling me how silly I am in pricing and the potential consequences that will happen if I continue to price them like this, I naturally will stress on each pretty designs. 'Will I be able to sell them? Will I be able to get the customers to understand the idea of this pretty piece?'

I realised that I am morphing into a designer more than just a plus size retailer. The difference is that a retailer just purely source products from various countries and often, workmanship is lacking on the area. The retailers also tends to order in huge bulks like by the hundreds or even thousands to bring down the cost and it usually results in 'clashing designs' on the streets. I started to think about the direction I am heading and got really confused with what is the best for KAYLENE because sad to say, we are not very supportive of local talents. I reminded myself that regardless what even there is only 1 person who believes in this brand, I must try my very best and give my best shot. For this case in particular, because of the blogger (in Costa Rica) I am determined to overcome each and every hurdle I encounter.

So 'What is your next step, Kayde?' you may ask. I found my answer. I will not let gossipmongers and naysayers to punch me down. KAYLENE has the potential to grow as a independent designer brand and has so much out there for be able showcase her beauty. I will never know if this will ever be fulfilled in Singapore and I do not care. I only know that as long as my dignity as a designer stays clean, brings out the best in each and every plus size girl in Singapore and through clothes creating self love to each and everyone of us, I believe I will have supportors.

This blog has been heavily editted and as you read it seems very choppy and alot of hidden message put across. Yup, I did it deliberate. For those who know me long enough will know exactly what I am talking about and why this post was done this way. I have made up my mind and I will look forward to new endeavours. My question now back to you is ' Will you take my hand and walk with me in this uncertain journey?'

BLOG: This 2014.... I WANT YOU TO.....

In the previous post 'Reflections..2013' I mentioned that I will write a blogpost on what I want you girls to do...

Well, the heading sounds a lil harsh and controlling but truth of a matter is that in 2013, I noticed a few habits that we actually have done and honestly I do not think they are good habits. As being one of the leaders in the plus size industry in Singapore, I strongly feel the urge to set a good example and encourage and remind ALL plus size girls to be a better person. Hence past few days, I had made mental notes to myself on what I would like the customers to do (YES I WANT YOU TO FOLLOW THEM...) and even for myself for this 2014. I think time is ticking and let us not waste time on the past. Let us move on and be a better person shall we? Now let us start with....

1) GIVE LOVE TO EVERYONE SURROUNDING YOU.
Many times, I think we forget to give love back to people surrounding us. This includes the aunty you buy your favourite Tau Huey Milk (Soya Milk) from that stall or even to the lady who cleans up after you have finished your lunch. What about the bus driver who you see every morning when you go to work? All I ask is to return a simple smile or a 'Thank you' and you will be surprised how you have actually brightened their day. Giving love back to the others also include doing charity work and even sponsoring a child from World Vision. Charity work is not as difficult as you think. Call a home and ask them if you can gather some friends to help out in cleaning up or even going to visit them and even food donation. Every single bit counts. You will be surprised how much you can give with that little you think you have.

2) LET US NOT CONFORM BUT TO BE CREATIVE.
Including myself, I tend to be so afraid to change and to be creative. Often I get remarks on why i couldnt just be brave and take a leap of faith and perform tasks which I always dream but never dare to. Well, I did a little breakthrough in 2013 when we participated in FFF week and it was fannnntastic! But after I got back to my daily routine, I kinda swayed back to my 'usual' This 2014, I promise myself to be different, to be creative and to just take a bigger step, and literally 'jump in and just swim' For you, I hope you will not just keep harping on the 'No time to do this or that' Be creative, find some time to do a weekly planner and start planning what you can do with the spare time you have.

3) BE FASHION FORWARD.
A while back, I actually read from a comment from a American who is not Asian and she mentioned that the lack of Asian FATshionista is making the rest of the plus size Asians depressed. The Asians give up on themselves on looking good and literally gave up on loving themselves. As much as I hate to agree, she is quite right to a certain extend on the comment.
Sad to say, I am not exactly a very fashionable person. I always pride myself as a classic strand of pearls than a thick rocker chain necjlace. This 2014, I will try to be as creative as possible, mix and match and give you girls tips on what you can possibly do with your outfits. Confidence is built from looking good and feeling good. This is something we kinda forget whenever we are late for work. But this 2014, let us try to make ourselves respected by dressing better and looking better! Dont give me the crap that this is not related to you. Nah~ I mean YOU need to rethink your wardrobe and give it a fresh pop! It is already 2014 and you are still hiding behind those jeans and baggy tshirts? NO WAY! Lets try to toss on a simple dress for a starter and a nice lipgloss on before you head out okay? Promise? Pinky Promise??

4) LET US NOT BE JUDGEMENTAL
In 2013, I can recount a few dramatic incidents which kinda upsetted me. One was a lady who was chided off for cutting her queue and was making sacarstic remarks. Te lady who made the remarks didnt realise she was deaf on one of her ears. The other was when I was in a lift and as the door was closing a couple dashed in and the passenger behind me commented on how people should just take escalator and not waste others time. In the end, I realised that the couple was in a rush to somewhere. One more incident was that when I hurt myself foot 3 months back, I removed my brace because I was really feeling uncomfortable. The leg still hurt but I rather remove it and walk a little slower. But guess what? I was being 'accused' of blocking the road and not walking faster.
There must be a reason for everything that has happened in your life. Take some time off and learn to understand the situation and calm your nerves. There is seriously no need to fret and fuss over small stuff. When you realise to take things a little easier and be more understanding, you will realise how beautiful your life is and not filled with angst.

5) WHEN PEOPLE COMPLIMENTS YOU, PLEASE BELIEVE
Very often I realise that plus size girls will NEVER want to hear nice compliments. It is like a horrible curse they have just heard whenever someone praised that cute dress you wore or that nice haircut you had. They ill treat themselves by thinking that compliment was fake and full of sacarsm. It is sad to say that when people genuinely compliment you, you just deny that fact. This 2014, when anyone praise me for looking good, I will remind myself to smile and thank them for being so honest with me. :)

and lastly...

6) LOVE YOURSELF. DO NOT BASH YOURSELF UP ALL THE TIME
Lets face it, you are a plus size girl and even if you want to lose wieght, take note that you will NOT LOSE WEIGHT in just 1 day. It is a slow progress and while you are at it please be patient with yourself. For those who are unable to lose weight due to health reason, please do not punish yourself. REMEMBER it is already a miracle that you are still alive and that you have that ability to see and live this beautiful world. Be thankful that you have a family and that you are not alone, that you have a shelter above you too. I have been stressing this message for the past 6 years and STILL will continue to remind every single one of you to GENUINELY LOVE YOURSELF, LOVE YOUR BODY. Should you hate that body of yours, get your butt up the couch and start exercising! No one will love you if you do not love yourself!

These are the 6 MUST DO in 2014 that I myself will adhere to. Of course there will be days I will sway to the 'dark side' but it is perfectly OKAY! Because I am human and I make mistakes. But I promise myself to be a better person and to return the love to people surrounding me and give myself a chance to be a happy person. Remember that you are one of a kind and there is ONLY one of you in this world. This means you are extremely precious and that you ought to take care of yourself.

Alrighty enough said! Lets move on towards a great 2014 shall we!

XOXO
K

KAYLENE: Sneaks!

Here are the sneak peaks for this upcoming week. The stocks are all arriving in our shop almost every other 2 or 3 days. Photoshoot will be done asap once we settle down on all the goods. These are items are selling fast before we can even post them online! Hence do pop by to shop asap before they are gone!

Reflections.... 2013

Everytime this year, I will take some time off and rethink and reflect what had happened during the past 365 days. It is a usual habit that I did for the past 5 years as KAYLENE and naturally I would like to input my 6th entry too! Phew~~~ While sitting down in front of my desk and sipping my hot ginseng tea (gift from a friend) in my uber cute tea cup set (gift from my sissy) I got all emotional, mostly in a good way... I will recap a few important events that happened in KAYLENE and will also update the upcoming plans for KAYLENE in later posts...

in 2013...

KAYLENE did extremely well during the festive season and many customers really loved our designs with improved materials used and workmanship. It was really comforting when customers kept sending me text of encouragements and even deliberately popped by to shop JUST TO TELL US how much they appreciate us. Seriously love, we are very grateful. Its really nice to have encouraging comments and we will treasure every single one of them!

In JUNE, we took a serious plunge and went to NEW YORK for FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2013. It was a very risky step we took as this project costed quite a wee bit and that to venture all the way to the 'unknown' and introduced KAYLENE to the Americans. We were so fortunate and had very warm welcome from them and we were praised from various media and magazines, bloggers from various countries like France, Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, London and many many more. Their feature cover about KAYLENE was really overwhelmiing. Very thankful indeed!

We were also featured in various media forms like Straits Times (Urban), Channel News Asia (OHMYGAWD!), Her World online, The New Paper and a couple more..... Really, what more can KAYLENE ask for?

We also met some SERIOUSLY famous bloggers in USA namely Gabi Fresh, Marie Denee ad Nikki Paterson. We also met the cover girl for EVANs too! So blessed

 Of course, KAYLENE would not shine so BRIGHTLY if there was no fabulous team from my frenmily. They consisted of really fabulous people who are extremely important in my life. They made me realise that I can move forward and push myself and reach out for the impossible. It was them who made me realise that I can do anything as long as I know its the right thing. They also made me realise that true love comes from all forms.. So blessed indeed. 

 I love you all, my frenmily. You have been a fantastic bunch of peepos and really extremely iimportant to me. Thank you for making my dreams come true for bringing KAYLENE known to USA. *hugs*

Once we settled back into Singapore, we got really busy and before you know it, we met Whitney Thompson from America's Next Top Model Season 10 winner!

Read the article: 

http://kaydeiskaylene.blogspot.sg/2013/09/americas-next-top-model-season-10-plus.html

Oh btw, I have been following her via Instagram and found out that she is ENGAGED!!! so happy for her! Congratulations love!

In October, we received and email on requesting to film KAYLENE with Michelle TAY aka YIDALI for an upcoming program in Channel U. I nearly fainted! It was my dream come true for KAYLENE! I always wanted to be featured KAYLENE in a show in a primetime slot either on DA TEEVEEE! So blessed to receive the call and of course we say 'Sure!'

In December, KAYLENE turned 6 and to all the regulars customers and followers, KAYLENE has not forgotten about the charity drive we did in November. We just didnt had time to update you girls! So there, now I can update you on the charity drive as well as giving back to the society.

EVERY YEAR, we give back to the society in DECEMBER. It is an extremely meaningful one this year because we have split up the proceeds into 2 portions. One was to still proceed donation drive for LEE AH MOOI home for the Aged (we will do this in Jan 2014) For this drive, we are so happy to include my friends to participate in this wonderful cause. With friends help, we are able to chalk up more funds and get better and more food for the oldies in the home! So excited!

Now some of you girls will ask me 'So, you only mention half of the proceeds. Where did the rest go?' Well. SIMPLE. We did something really interesting on YOUR BEHALF! :) With portion of the sales money from you, we approached WORLD VISION and adopted 2 kiddos from LAOS! We just got info about them and we will be writing to them and tell them more about you as well as KAYLENE. Of course, we will send them stickers and some other items in which we believe they will like. ALL on your behalf! It is because of the wonderful support from you girls and 2 kids we adopted has a chance to have a better living because of US. *thumbs up, so proud of you girls!*

Once we settle down and are ready to mail them parcels filled with love, we will also include that you had been part of the donation scheme to give them a better life! We will for sure update you girls should they reply back to us! :)




PHEW! A handful of information! So yes, it has been a consistent or if not a good year for KAYLENE. We are so grateful for all the love and support showered on us. Thank you all for the love and we will work hard to return all the love showered upon us.

HAPPY 2014! In my next post, I will write about what I would like YOU TO DO in 2014. So stay tuned!

Love
K