Designing with purpose

From public service to design, Cassandra, the founder of Eden Living shares her inspiring journey of building a brand centred on the philosophy of restful living.

Drawing inspiration from everyday life and her father's entrepreneurial spirit, she's created a design studio that blends purpose with aesthetics, offering more than just home décor-it's a pathway to a well-lived life. We speak with Cassandra to find out how Eden Living's thoughtful creations bring calm and beauty into homes and what sets this brand apart in a competitive market.

Tell us about yourself.

My journey began in public service, where I believed that good policy and governance are the foundations of a flourishing society. While working at a community centre in the heartlands, I was immersed in the everyday routines of people from all walks of life, observing how they interacted within their social and physical environments. On the ground, there are always needs to be met, whether physical or psychological, recognized or unknown. The key is to meet people where they are — it is through genuine human connection that we can truly understand what someone needs.

This experience fundamentally shaped my worldview as a designer and sparked my interest in designing for everyday living. Through Eden Living, I believe that good design has the potential to empower people like you and me to make a meaningful impact on society in deeply personal and fulfilling ways.

What inspired you to start Eden Living, and how did the brand come to life?

My greatest inspiration for entrepreneurship is my dad, affectionately known as Uncle Ray. Self-taught in resin art and woodworking through YouTube, he founded Hands Design in 2020 during the pandemic, and we encouraged him to sell his work online. This experience was my first foray into entrepreneurship and led me to reconsider my values in work and life. I decided to reset my career while working full-time with my dad, a challenging but necessary move. Without a career title, I struggled to define my social value and find rest — but from what, exactly?