Bazaar features wide variety of products by 114 vendors

Evelyn Marieta took her knowledge of food to create soaps in the shape of different food items.

The food science and technology degree holder is making a splash as she decided it was time to fill the market’s need for fun natural skincare called Wunderbath after experiencing dry skin and cold sores.

“There wasn’t any natural skincare that was fun.

“Food and skincare share similar ingredients so it was possible to formulate a skincare line,” she said when met at Markets at Jaya One where she was one of the vendors.

The 25-year-old said she started making body butter and lip stains before making soap that look like real food including toast with butter, local kuih and mooncakes.

Wong showing off the cute kimono rompers at her booth at Markets, Jaya One.

“I am into art. So I thought why not play around with the shapes of the soap? Then it was just a matter of matching the fragrances to the food,” she said.

Some scents of the soap exactly match real food.

The kuih talam pandan soap’s scent will wow you.

She said the soaps were made without any parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, petroleum, mineral oils, alcohol and animal byproducts.

Her range of skincare products can be found on Facebook by searching Wunderbath Co.

Another booth that stood out was Wong Sue Leen’s that sold kimono rompers for the little ones.

Eng showing her Woven collection.

Wong, 35, said she is one of three partners for their Haha no yume brand, which is Japanese for “Mother’s Dream”.

Wong, Marjorie Cheng, 36, and Fiona Ong, 31, took the leap of faith by leaving their careers to be with their children.

“Marjorie was working at a bank and so was Fiona. Both of them decided to quit their jobs to devote their time to their children.

“They decided that they wanted to do something creative.

“Marjorie came up with the idea of kimono rompers as she has never seen any for children.

“Later, I was roped in to join the business,” she said.

Wong said the response to their creation was good as many have never seen kimonos for children.

Evelyn with her husband Yong Jim with their range of soaps and lip stains. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON

“Some say it is pricey but many value quality as the kinomos are made of 100% soft cotton fabric handpicked from Japan,” she said.

Their kimono rompers, tops and dresses can be found online at www.hahanoyume.com.

A huge variety of accessories are also available at the bazaar.

One of the booths that stood out was Fiona Eng’s which displayed her brand Escape Artist Collective range of accessories.

One of the collection that was interesting was the molecule collection.

“We’ve chosen to transcribe the molecules of popular hormones and stimulants into elegant jewellery pieces, making jewellery more personal to the wearer,” said the 29-year-old.

Another highlight would be the woven collection. Eng said part of every culture was the art of its textiles that was something carried through generations and tells different stories along the way.

“Our mission is to revive this traditional art within a whole new context.

“By combining indigenous fabrics, which are sourced from various countries, with semi-precious metals, we’ve created a revolutionary collection of fabric-infused jewellery that is pretty unique,” she said.

She designs and works closely with craftsmen and silversmiths who are carrying on skills which have been passed down for generations.

“We produce them in our workshops in Nepal and Bali.

“We have been travelling through many countries for four years now, constantly exploring what secrets the society has to offer and looking for craftsmanship, techniques and art and products that are traditionally made by the locals,” she said.

The prices range from RM55 to RM145.

Her designs can be found at www.facebook.com/escartist.

Markets organiser from Jaya One Management Sdn Bhd Jane Tung Yin Ling said they have 114 vendors and it was their 16th Markets bazaar.

“We brought in more Malaysian vendors.

“We are in the midst of trying to find more homegrown brands,” she said.

Tung said an average of 5,000 to 8,000 visitors would usually walk over during the two days.

“The bazaar features preloved items, food trucks, clothes, shoes, craft, homemade organic items and children’s clothing,” she said.