A Stitch In Time Changed Lives
The Malaysian Women's Weekly|August - September 2019

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
A Stitch In Time Changed Lives

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?

Denne historien er fra August - September 2019-utgaven av The Malaysian Women's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August - September 2019-utgaven av The Malaysian Women's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE MALAYSIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLYSe alt
25 Life-Changing Budget Hacks
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

25 Life-Changing Budget Hacks

Follow these money tips to become the savviest you yet

time-read
5 mins  |
December - January 2019
Why Women Devour Erotic Fiction
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

Why Women Devour Erotic Fiction

Women who read erotic fiction have better sex lives than women who don’t. We look at why turning pages can also help turn you on and discover why women are so aroused by erotic literature in all its forms

time-read
6 mins  |
February/March 2020
Can Superstition Enhance Your Life?
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

Can Superstition Enhance Your Life?

The power of positive thinking and a belief in lucky charms might be all it takes to turn your fortunes around

time-read
4 mins  |
February/March 2020
Know Your Children's Friends
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

Know Your Children's Friends

Want to know what makes your child tick? Take a look at their circle of friends – they can offer a surprising insight into your child’s behaviour

time-read
6 mins  |
February/March 2020
Can Sleeping Apart Mend Your Marriage?
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

Can Sleeping Apart Mend Your Marriage?

More and more couples choose to sleep in separate beds, but this growing trend doesn’t mean the end of a loving relationship

time-read
8 mins  |
February/March 2020
It's Time For South Africa
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

It's Time For South Africa

A country once mired in decades of violent social struggle brought about by racial segregation policies and laws, it has gone through a rebirth and is flourishing like never before

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2020
Shiny, Happy Sheila
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

Shiny, Happy Sheila

Cover girl Sheila Sim knows a thing or two about living life to the fullest. The star shares her get-happy formula with us

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2020
Adventure With A Cause
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

Adventure With A Cause

Some of us may know her as the lady behind one of the most successful premium laser treatment centres in town, but away from work, Erin Sandral thrives on adventure and seeks to improve the lives of underprivileged women

time-read
4 mins  |
February/March 2020
We Wish You A Pleasant Flight
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

We Wish You A Pleasant Flight

Other than tense muscles, dehydration and sleeplessness, air travel can affect our bodies in many other ways – here’s what you need to know

time-read
3 mins  |
December - January 2019
Prosperous Delights
The Malaysian Women's Weekly

Prosperous Delights

Tasty treats during Chinese New Year is all part of the festivities to spread joy and good luck. We asked Assistant Pastry Chef Yap Wai Keong from One World Hotel Petaling Jaya to share with us a few auspicious recipes that will bring happiness to your loved ones.

time-read
3 mins  |
December - January 2019