A Stitch In Time Changed Lives

In 12 years of living in Malaysia, Amy Blair not only embraced the country’s unique culture and language. She set up a social enterprise that has made a difference in many lives

- Lorraine Chai

Amy, who hails from the United States, found batik both unique and beautiful, so she wanted the rest of the world to enjoy this local cultural heritage, too, by starting Batik Boutique, a social enterprise that offers sustainable and ethical batik clothing and gifts. Here, Amy shares why she has chosen to call Malaysia home.

What made you decide to live abroad?

I’ve always loved to travel since my father first took me to work at a medical clinic in Guatemala when I was a teenager. I spent my university days saving money from working at a local restaurant to travel during the summer holidays. When my husband and I first met, we agreed we would spend the first few years of our marriage somewhere abroad.

What was the primary reason for you to reside in Malaysia?

When the offer came to move to Penang as newlyweds, how could anyone say no?! We fell in love with the people, the landscape, and of course, the food, and we decided to start our family here. I had no plans to stay this long (it’s been 12 years this August) but then our story with Batik Boutique started, and I can think of no other way I would like to spend my days than to help others provide for their families, too.

What drove you to start Batik Boutique?