The COVID-19 pandemic saw many of us going through lifestyle and job changes and one such person is Foong Wikhe, better known as ‘Miss Dainty Co.’ to her followers. A quick scroll through her page will have you ooh-ing and aah-ing at the adorable miniature accessories and keycaps of items she produces of items such as Super Ring, Shin Ramyun, and even capybaras (cue the annoying viral song).

The Penangite began crafting miniatures in 2015 as a side project while working full-time as a financial analyst. However, she decided to pause her business in 2017 as she felt overwhelmed by the demands of her day job (put your hands up if you can relate).

Speaking to Rojak Daily, the 32-year-old said, “In 2020, I took a leap of faith and left the corporate world to pursue my true passion full-time. The funniest thing was that I started Miss Dainty Co. three days before MCO, and at that time, we didn’t know how long the lockdown would last. I thought I made the wrong decision but thankfully the social media selling trend rose during MCO.”

She is now a master at making polymer clay pieces, a modelling clay that can be hardened when baked in the oven when armed with crafting tools. The dextrous entrepreneur can create almost anything for custom orders with only your imagination being the limit including earrings, pendants, bracelet charms, keychains, pet tags, and keycaps.

She said of her creative process, “I begin by conceptualising a design in my mind. Next, I mix colours and condition the clay before meticulously crafting it until I achieve my desired outcome. Afterwards, I place the piece in the oven to cure. Once cooled, I carefully sand off rough edges, rinse it, and affix it to an accessory such as earrings or a keychain. Finally, I package it thoughtfully. This entire process typically takes around 1-2 hours per pair.”

Besides selling through her Instagram page and website, her items are also available at all Kommune stores, a select store, in Georgetown and Penang Hill. As she ships worldwide, her customers are spread worldwide including the US, the UK, Hong Kong, and Australia, but she shared, “Many of my customers who order from overseas are Malaysians. They express joy in feeling connected to home by wearing their favourite Malaysian pieces, even when they are far away.”

A proud Malaysian, many of her creations will be familiar to locals such as wan tan mee, yee mee in a plastic package, Mamee, and durian. Wikhe shares that her most popular designs are “Mainly food designs like the Japanese ramen earrings and bakery set earrings. Once in a while, my customers will anticipate when I launch the limited one-and-only pair design like the ‘Dragon’ because there will be no remakes.”

A post shared by Miss Dainty Co. ?? (@missdaintyco)

She has also expanded to collaborating with brands such as Bo the Avocado (an avocado-based F&B chain), Myburgerlab, and Menya Shi Shi Do (a ramen chain) by making miniature accessories for their products. She helped Bo the Avocado create avocado merchandise, which was made available across their stores, while Myburgerlab customised their signature burgers into earrings for a giveaway.

The Struggles of A Female Entrepreneur

Now in her fourth year of producing the pieces full-time, Wikhe is a new mother who has to revolve her work schedule around her baby. She says, “Juggling a newborn baby and running a business can be extremely challenging. It requires good time management and a supportive system in place. I’m starting to get a hang of it now but my sleep is being sacrificed!”

She shares an encouraging message for other female entrepreneurs and working mothers who are hoping to start their own businesses: “Recognise that flexibility will be crucial in managing the demands of both your business and your family life. With determination, resilience, and perseverance, you can achieve success on your own terms.”

Miss Dainty Co. on Instagram or visit the official website.

We totally need to get our hands on one of these! Which is your favourite?

Featured Image Credit: Miss Dainty Co.