Support local and feel inspired at the same time: We tell you the stories behind these 3 homegrown brands and how they got started.
Don’t be too surprised; there are many amazing and diverse brands created right on our shores. With a whole load of passion and top-quality offerings, they’ve grown to become popular names in the local market and beyond. Here are three brands you may have thought were international labels, but they’re actually our #localpride! Read on for their stories…
Commune
Plush seatings for cosy nooks, shelving pieces for stylish displays, on-trend art pieces for the wall… the list of Commune’s much-loved products goes on. Since 2011, this lifestyle furniture brand has earned itself fans for its quality home products that last.
But, did you know that the brand is a homegrown name? We love how the brand’s products are designed with sustainability in mind. Think recycled materials, ethically-sourced wood, as well as lacquers and coatings with low lead content.
“The early years were slightly more challenging as nobody really knew what the ‘right’ way was to run a retail business,” says CEO Joshua Koh. After overcoming its growing pains with strategic partnerships, Commune has since become a name we know and love in the home furnishings space.
Snag the chic Sander lounge chair for a cosy seat in your living room, or upgrade your kitchen situation with the sleek Rover dining set with four chairs. Whichever items you’re snagging, the designs from Commune won’t disappoint!
Hysses
Turns out, this popular essential oils brand also sells skincare and makeup – think face masks, cleansing oils, BB creams and more. Even more surprisingly, we discovered that Hysses is a brand from Singapore, too!
With its name meaning ‘arts from the village’, the brand started in 2007, with the intention to share nature’s gifts through aromatherapy. The essential oils that you love? They’re proudly made in Singapore.
Through customers’ feedback, Hysses has expanded its range to include body care, skincare and other offerings. But its original philosophy remains: To seek out natural ingredients for products that will heal and nourish. No toxins, synthetic fragrances, parabens and other nasties here, and that’s what we love about it.
Reach for the brand’s natural remedies like the rosemary and sage essential oil for relieving mental fatigue, or try clarifying skincare creations such as the charcoal volcanic mask. For scenting your abode, we’re eyeing the reed diffuser in bergamot frankincense.
Kinohimitsu
Kinohimitsu may sound Japanese, but this well-known purveyor of collagen drinks has its roots in Singapore. There is a Japanese influence, though. The founders noticed the trend of collagen drinks in Japan and saw the potential to offer it to the local market. And thus, Kinohimitsu was formed in 1998.
The idea of a drinkable beauty supplement was new at the time, so the team had to grow the brand through word-of-mouth and marketing efforts. The brand won at the International Beverage Awards in 2012 (against names like Coca Cola and Meiji!) and is now the number one best selling functional beauty drink in Singapore – incredible achievements indeed.
Collagen drinks aside, the brand has also broadened its range to include detoxifying enzymes and drinks, superfood supplements, stem cell drinks and other consumables for health and beauty. You’ve probably seen its name many times on drugstore shelves and never realised the story behind it!
Kinohimitsu’s new innovations include the Collagen Nite drink, which boosts skin regeneration while improving the quality of your zzz’s. To combat the effects of UV exposure, start your day with the UV-Bright drink, created to protect you from UV rays for up to seven hours.
Fun fact: These brands are under Made with Passion, a new national initiative celebrating local brands. If you’re curious to find out more about these local brands, or want to get more inspiration to turn your passions into reality, visit Made With Passion to check out the full list of 48 Made With Passion brands and discover their multifaceted stories. Then, #supportlocal by visiting their stores to bag uniquely local products. Plus, spot the Made With Passion brand mark on some of our local brands while you shop! All about that stay-home life? Some of these brands are available online on Shopee, too.
This post is in partnership with Singapore Brand Office.