Trendy Confessions is one of Malaysia’s best online plus-size stores that offer stylish pieces for plus-sized women. From printed denim skinnies, to adorable prints, each new collection is bound to run low within a matter of minutes (and they have). This week, we spoke to the brains behind the Trendy Confessions , sisters Jiar Yi and Jiar Hwei to share their story behind the brand and where they intend to go in the future.
Q. So how did Trendy Confessions start? What brought it to the world?
JH: We were both plus sizes then (still am now!) and felt that there was a lack of fashionable plus size clothing that was also affordable here in Malaysia.
JY: Back then I was working and Jiar Hwei was still in college then. We get how tight our pockets can get sometimes and a girl shouldn’t have to break the bank to look fabulous!
Q. Would you consider TC a family business? If so, do you think it holds a strong advantage?
JY: It definitely is a a family business. Not only we sisters work together as business partners, our family (and friends!) are our greatest support system. When we first started out, neither of us could drive so our parents had to drive us (and all our stock) to bazaar events. Our mom would even pack us breakfast and lunch!
JH: It is a strong advantage to us as a team. Working as a family, we don’t feel like we’re obligated to sugarcoat anything. When we’re faced with tough decisions to make in terms of our business, we would always discuss it over the mandatory Sunday family dinner – so our parents, brother and even sister-in-law could give us their honest input.
Q. You both have day jobs of you own. How do you juggle it along with TC? You guys have a very strong online presence as TC.
JY: It takes a lot of efficient time management! My current job have quite flexible hours so it enables me to reply customers’ emails and make runs to the post office. Also, many of our customers have become dear friends – sometimes it just doesn’t feel like work!
JH: I’m thankful that Jiar Yi is handling the day-to-day correspondences and administrative tasks, because my work hours are often long or uncertain. But my weekends is dedicated to the biz – either we’re at an event or I’ll be editing our new arrivals, designing our next collection or jazzing up the site.
Q. What is the philosophy behind TC?
JY: Definitely affordable, fun and colourful fashion!
JH: Yes, we want to encourage all plus size women out there that we don’t need to resort to wearing only black or ill-fitting clothes. And we definitely don’t have to break the bank to look good!
Q. Where do you see TC in 5 years?
JY: I’ve always envisioned a cozy boutique where customers would feel like it’s their own walk-in closet. We would even have an in-house tailor to do necessary altering!
JH: Still doing what we do best: providing a wide election of current and quality pieces. We’ll branch out into more things – maybe swimwear, shoes, lingerie!
Q. Any updates on what your new collection will entail?
JH: We’re working on our Raya collection! It’ll be the first festive collection we’ve launched. I’m quite nervous but excited at the same time! For the past few years, Jiar Yi and I will get our Baju Raya tailored and we’ve gotten many compliments on them. This has encouraged us to develop this collection, so please wish us luck!
Don’t forget to shop at Trendy Confessions!
