SHOPEE is championing a transformational cause, getting more women to get involved in the e-commerce sector.
Through its #ShopeeSapotLokal programme, the company has initiated a movement that highlights the achievements of women-led businesses and serves as an inspiration to others.
Mamami Shoppe chief executive officer and founder Felicia Tan is a good example of how women can drive businesses with purpose and succeed in e-commerce.
For Tan, Mamami Shoppe is not just a business. But it's also a tribute to her late mother's legacy of making healthy lifestyle accessible to all.
Originally a strictly offline family business based in Penang, Tan transitioned Mamami Shoppe to the online world when she took the helm.
Today, more than 50 per cent of Mamami Shoppe's employees are women, and it has also contributed to the livelihoods of about 30 locals and over 20 local vendors, each supporting up to three dependents in Selangor — a total of about 150 household dependents.
Mamami Shoppe's best-selling products, including Organic Wave Matcha Overnight Oats and Vegan Rendang Curry, cater to local preferences and are a testament to the company's commitment to providing Malaysians with healthier food options.
"Our commitment to our core values over the years has paved the way for remarkable growth, with a 20 per cent increase in business since 2008," said Mamami Shoppe business development director Patricia Vazquez.
"As Malaysia is a multiracial country, we wanted to ensure that everyone is able to commit to a healthy eating lifestyle with peace of mind. So, we spent three years obtaining halal certification from Jakim (Islamic Development Department Malaysia) as it is a commitment to our users," she said.
Making waves in a male-dominated field
Racing Passion Moto owner Karen Tee is also making waves in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Her business specialises in automotive accessories and riding gear, and Tee is not just creating a space for female diversity and inclusion, but also promoting a supportive work environment.
She hires women with no formal work experience or education in the sector, including housewives and mothers with grown children, and even allows an employee to bring her autistic child to work. These women work as packers for products and supported the community by donating essential goods during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Tee's journey from zero e-commerce experience to becoming a Shopee preferred seller within a year showcases her determination and drive. As a ShopeeXpert certified trainer, she shares her expertise with others, teaching 1,200 value-based sellers on delivering value to potential buyers.
"I coach sellers during Shopee Webinars as my way of giving back. My customers have been loyal to me for the last four years because of the personalised interactions between my store and the customer," said Tee.
Upskilling other sellers
BeNourish, solely distributed by Eelin Lim on Shopee's platform, shares a similar commitment to health and immunity across generations.
Lim, like Tee, is a ShopeeXpert and has not only grown her own business by more than 300 per cent since its inception, but has also upskilled other Shopee sellers on their journeys to success. BeNourish's product line, including Gummies Imuno with Elderberry Extract, caters to Malaysian kids with halal certification and no sugar additives.
"We decided to be the sole distributor of BeNourish health supplements to increase people's immunity during the MCO. My store supports the community in Selangor through our business. We hire 10 local staff, thus supporting an estimated 30 people," she said.
BeNourish, with its perfect 5.0 user rating, distributes health supplements that are locally made, natural, vegetarian-friendly and halal-certified in Malaysia.
For Lim, Shopee has been instrumental in her store's success, especially with features like Shopee Mall to strengthen branding and Affiliate Marketing Solutions to drive health awareness.
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