I recently took a much-needed break from work. It was after a peak season of work and various commitments. But instead of a beach holiday to Phuket or to Japan to snowboard, I embarked on something unconventional. It’s a project that I’ve always wanted to do as one of my self-actualisation goals this year: to start my own fashion brand.

While I take much pride in my day job as a financial planner—a job that I’ve been engaged in for the last nine years—I’ve always also been interested in business and creating things that are fun and meaningful. I’ve had experience (and sometimes hard lessons aside from the successes) in building and investing in various industries. These range from F&B franchising to tourism and hospitality. But I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of building a physical product from scratch. And then weaving in the rest of the facets of a business like the financing, supply chain management, distribution, e-commerce and so on.

I have also always adored nice prints. If I’m not in my daily workwear of business casual and suits, I’ve always appreciated the fine designs of Indonesian batik. The word “batik” is thought to be derived from the

Javanese words “amba” (to write) and “titik” (dot), emphasising the meticulous process of creating intricate patterns through wax and dye. What adds meaning is how the intricate designs and motifs are intertwined with the cultural, social, and religious aspects of the different regions in Indonesia. Inspired by the rich history and timeless beauty of Batik, the idea to create a modern interpretation that resonates with contemporary sensibilities took root in my mind.

This time around, my “break off work” wasn’t so much a “brain break” but, rather, an intentional “discovery and inspiration break”. Don’t get me wrong—I still appreciate the occasional actual holiday. But a trip with a sense of purpose held a special air of excitement from the moment I stepped into the airport.

I made a trip to Java with an Indonesian-speaking intern that I hired to communicate with the locals. We held initial discussions with potential suppliers while taking in the sights of an unfamiliar town. The lush vibrant colours of the semi-rural cafe where we met a supplier, created a sensory backdrop for our business endeavours. Visiting another at their factory allowed for a deeper understanding of their processes and values. Beyond the business meetings, exploring the town with my intern created a shared experience that went beyond the transactional nature of business.

A journey to Jakarta, on the other hand, was a voyage into the past and present simultaneously. I reconnected with long-lost acquaintances and asked for introductions to new friends and quickly gained valuable insights into the developments of the local business landscape. I explored the city’s dynamic cafe scene. It was a reflection of the city’s pulse that encapsulated the energy of its inhabitants and provided a social nexus where people converged. Coffee was the social lubricant to have these meaningful conversations over. New perspectives were gained; these could never be gleaned from a conference call or email exchange. These experiences opened up new avenues of understanding and growth.

Like threads on a loom, the venture started to take shape. The idea of building a modern batik brand isn’t just about the batik, or simply about the business—it’s an adventure in personal growth. The process of weaving my own adventure is akin to mastering the intricate dance of wax and dye. No doubt there will be challenges emerging like knots in thread, demanding patience and resilience. From sourcing materials to navigating the complexities of the market, each obstacle was an opportunity to learn and grow.

This is by no means a success story of any sort. It is simply a snapshot; a journal entry of a point in my life where I had an itch I’ve always wanted to scratch. It’s only the beginning, but I’m glad I’ve embarked on it. I’ve met amazing people along the way and found that when you approach the world with enthusiasm, more often than not, the world responds positively too.

Deep down, I think we all have this yen for creative fulfilment—in whatever form it takes. Sometimes the most meaningful trips happen when we intentionally veer off the beaten path. This is the narrative that I chose to weave for myself recently. What’s yours?

Tay's Pakar Batik is now available