Thanks to his late grandfather, Victor Lee developed an interest in nature and plants as a child. He was also attracted to dioramas and miniature models of buildings and landscapes, as well as the concept of zen gardens and Japanese handiwork.
“I find them very intricate and detailed. I am even more amazed at how they can make and cramp building models, plants and figurines into small containers. Ever since then, I have been obsessed with terrariums, miniature landscapes and dioramas, ” says Lee, 32.
The smallest terrarium made by Lee so far is the size of a 50 sen coin. It comprises a mini grass field with a hill, a human figure and a cow.
For him, there is always room for improvement and optimisation when it comes to terrarium building and design. With multiple elements to consider – soil composition, humidity, container and plants – there is always something new to experiment with.
“You may be surprised that until today I am still discovering new plants that I can stuff into a glass container. The sky’s the limit!” Lee enthuses.
In 2013, it struck Lee to convert his hobby into a hobby-cum-business to showcase his work and continue to improve his art. That was how Little Green Spheres, run by Lee and his mum Mandy Wong, was formed a year later, offering a wide range of terrarium designs.
“The name ‘little’ is because I like everything miniature, ‘green’ for nature and ‘sphere’ representing a round container (or earth), ” explains Lee.
A terrarium is a self-sustainable mini ecosystem encased in a clear plastic or glass container. They are also known as mini greenhouses or miniature gardens. Lee and Wong do not have a brick-and-mortar store, relying instead on bazaars to reach out to the public.
When Lee left for Australia to further his studies in 2015, his mum was adamant that his idea did not fizzle out in his absence.
“She offered to help me run the business when I was away and I am so thankful for the level of support she has given me since then. “Throughout the years when I was in Australia, we often discussed business plans and new designs for upcoming bazaars. As the years passed, she became a terrarium expert and I am so proud of her!” he says.
Since Lee’s return to Malaysia, it has been all hands on deck. Both of them design the terrariums – Wong’s expertise lies in mini gardens and feng shui-inspired creations, while Lee focuses on the contemporary designs, forest-inspired terrariums and aqua terrariums.
“Thanks to her dedication, support and drive, mum will man the booth at bazaars while I am at work, and I will join her or man the booth myself during weekends and public holidays. We work wonderfully as a team and I am so grateful to have such a great mum, ” he says.
Before the pandemic, mother and son would make regular trips to the local nurseries on weekends to shop for plants for their terrarium creations. But once the movement control order (MCO) started, they had to make do with whatever they had on hand.
“I would say that it was a blessing in disguise as we overstocked right before the MCO was enforced in March. We also rely on international vendors for some of the materials we use and the shipment of these items were also delayed due to the pandemic, ” Lee recalls.
Sharing their passion
Lee and Wong’s main source of satisfaction comes from customers who enjoy and appreciate their designs.
“There are regular customers and fans who have been supporting us since 2014. We have had many happy and proud customers carrying their terrariums to our bazaars, showing us the success they had with them.
“We also have newbies visiting us who are often very energetic and curious about terrariums, and we are greatly amused to see them get really excited over their new ‘pet’, ” says Lee.
“Their positive feedback keeps me and my mum going and motivates us to create even more terrariums. I am also very humbled and grateful to gain wisdom from visiting veteran terrarium enthusiasts who have 10 to 20 years’ experience (in the craft), ” adds Lee.
Before the pandemic, Lee and Wong used to participate in at least one bazaar a month. But with the ongoing conditional MCO in the Klang Valley, many events – bazaars included – have been postponed or cancelled.
And small businesses like Little Green Spheres are evidently hard hit.
“We survived on just bazaars throughout these past years, so we are a bit concerned about what will happen in the next few months. Moreover, Christmas is just around the corner and it is often the best time for us, as our terrariums are a hit as corporate gift exchanges or presents for family and friends, ” says Lee.
“We do expect bazaars in the coming months to be affected, directly or indirectly. We understand that the measures in place are for the benefit of all, so during the last few months we spent some time coming up with new ideas and designs which may interest a larger crowd of customers.
“During this trying period, one must persevere and stay positive. It is easier said than done, of course, but if you do not motivate yourself to go on, who else will?” Lee adds.
While many businesses are attempting to adapt by going online, being in the terrarium business means that it isn’t as feasible an option to simply pop one of these beauties into a box and ship it to an eager buyer.
“Plants and terrariums are more challenging to be transported through postal services. Also, terrarium customers usually prefer to inspect the terrarium in person before purchasing as no two terrariums are the same.
“Because of cancelled events and the social distancing practice, we couldn’t reach customers to show them the products and they did not have the option to choose the design best suited to their liking, ” he shares.
In the last few months, several regular customers had also contacted them wanting to replant or redesign their terrariums – Lee and Wong provide this after-sales support – or had containers they wanted to transform into terrariums.
“However, due to the restrictions, that proved to be challenging as well. We also advise our customers to stay safe at home and follow the government’s SOPs, as we can always assist them with their needs when the situation improves, ” he adds.
Still, he is pragmatic about the situation and notes that if more bazaars are cancelled, they will have to find an alternative to stay afloat and stay relevant.
“We have relied more on Facebook of late, and have received many ad hoc requests. We also communicate with our regulars through WhatsApp and conduct virtual calls to show them the designs that we have, ” says Lee, adding that they are also exploring other digital marketing platforms and delivery services that can safely send out the terrariums in the near future.
The current challenges faced by Lee may be trying, but fortunately, he has a day job in the pharmaceutical industry.
And like many other people, he is currently working from home. His usual working hours apply, but the advantage of the current arrangement is that time is not wasted being stuck in KL’s horrific traffic jams, giving him more time to work on new creations in his mini workshop at home.
“At least now after work, I do not feel exhausted and I have the drive to make more terrariums, ” he concludes.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
