Mothers Day market: Homegrown hustle

The Mothers Day market features a diverse mix of housewives, working mothers, small business owners and mother-daughter duos alongside brands offering thoughtful products and services for Mothers Day gifting. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

FOR many entrepreneurial mothers, business is not something that pulls them away from family – it is woven into the rhythm of everyday life.

Whether running a home-based venture or managing a small enterprise, they often find joy in working side by side with their children, partners and relatives. Laughter over packaging orders, late-night brainstorming at the kitchen table, and small victories celebrated together turn work into something more than a livelihood – it becomes a family bond in motion.

What makes these journeys remarkable is the support system behind them. Husbands step in to lend a hand, children learn resilience by watching “Mama build something new”, and extended family members cheer them on.

Instead of isolating mothers, entrepreneurship often draws families closer, creating spaces where business goals and family ties strengthen one another. Success isn’t just measured in profits, but in the closeness, fun and shared pride that grow when families build together.

There are more than a few mothers selling their wares at the four-day Mothers Day Market hosted by Makers & Co at The Campus in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur; featuring over 50 local vendors and creative brands, the market began on Thursday and closes today.

Several mothers at the market share their experiences of running businesses alongside their families. Among them is Kumitha Manivanan, 33, a mother of four – two boys aged 14 and six, and a pair of four-year-old twin girls.

Looking calm amid the festive atmosphere, Kumitha tells the Sunday Star about her venture, Tiny Twins, a brand that specialises in clothing for children aged four to eight.

Her journey began a few years ago, when she realised her children had sensitive skin and reacted to commonly used materials in clothing.

As there were limited alternatives, Kumitha decided to design and make clothes for them herself.

“I have been in the clothing business for 10 years now, but Tiny Twins is our latest venture. We started doing our research and development at the end of 2023, and launched the brand last year.”

She was not alone in the process. Her daughters Adhya and Abhii helped pick out the designs.

“I keep them involved and that’s why our prints are more fun and colourful rather than being super aesthetic, so it’s more of a clothing brand that kids love, not just the parents.”

After dealing with her children’s skin issues, Kumitha made a clothing line for children with sensitive skin.

Kumitha’s twins are also involved in the business, as eager models. — Photo courtesy of Kumitha Manivanan

And of course, the twins and their six-year-old brother, Ayaan, are the first to model the clothes – much to their delight.

“Yes, they love to be wearing the clothes and model them for photoshoots! There will always be laughter and joy during such sessions.”

“Our designs are made with kids in mind – every dress comes with matching pants. I added this feature after seeing how much our daughters love to run and play. It keeps them safe and comfortable, and parents appreciate the practicality too,” she says.

At another corner of the market, Siti Zaiton Abdul Hamid, 70, is busy arranging steamed fruitcakes with her granddaughter, Alysha Liyana Mohd Shamsurhardin, 15.

The former senior manager is passionate about baking – her eyes light up whenever she is asked about cakes. Today, Zaiton runs a home bakery called the Bakington Pantry.

“I was in the corporate sector for 33 years. Upon leaving my station there, I just decided to go into baking. I am the ‘ton’ in ‘Bakington’,” quips the enterprising matriarch.

When asked about her family’s involvement, Zaiton says her children are her “designated testers”.

“The baking is done solely by me, because I have the patience. And they would tell me whether it is good or otherwise.”

It’s a family thing: Zaiton (right) and her granddaughter Alysha at their Mothers Day Market stall where they sell the results of Zaiton’s passion, baking.

Zaiton (left) and Alysha doing a final check of the cakes on sale at the Mother’s Market.

Her family also plays a role in the business, helping with packaging and deliveries. Zaiton, however, is particular about quality.

“We deliver the cakes personally. I don’t want to use any other delivery services because I want the cakes to safely arrive to our customers.”

Reminiscing about their experiences, Zaiton says the family especially enjoys making deliveries together.

“It is like an adventure for us, going to new places. When we arrive at one, it is like a discovery for us. For example, we realised there are so many places in Ukay Heights [in Ampang] that we have not been to.”

According to Paramjit Kaur, founder of Makers & Co, the Mothers Day market at Ampang brought together a community of women and creators – each contributing her own story, craft and perspective.

Paramjit says that for many of the Makers & Co vendors, the event isn’t just a market, it’s a livelihood.

Featuring a diverse mix of housewives, working mothers, small business owners and mother-daughter duos alongside brands offering thoughtful products and services for Mothers Day gifting, the event reflects the continued growth of Malaysia’s small business and maker ecosystem. Within it, Makers & Co serves as a platform that connects emerging brands with consumers through offline retail experiences.

Experts believe that entrepreneurship – whether as a main career or side hustle – can help women attain financial independence. With this is mind, it was reported in March that the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry has set its sights on assisting up to 300,000 women entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurs Economic Fund (Dewi) Initiative, which offers financing ranging from RM1,000 to RM3mil.

Paramjit notes that for many of the vendors there, the Mothers Day Market is a vital business opportunity.

“For many of our vendors, this isn’t just a market, it’s a livelihood. And for some mothers, Mothers Day isn’t a day off, it’s another day of showing up, for their families and for something they’re building on their own.”