14/05/2026
Beyond first came to Ummi's door years ago, asking if her son wanted to join an art programme. He was in kindergarten then. Now, her son is currently serving National Service, and she finds fulfilment and happiness at the studio in Whampoa with her Sew Can We friends.
But she wasn't always like this.
Ummi lost her husband in 2020, during circuit breaker. He was the sole breadwinner and her son was in Secondary 2. She had to remain steady as the waves of grief washed over her and learn how to keep moving for both her son and herself.
The way she got through it was by keeping busy — volunteering, picking up skills, showing up. That's just who she is.
When she joined Sew Can We last year, she already knew the basics of sewing picked up from other programmes. Here, she found a trainer who values everyone's input, teammates she jokes around with, and a craft she's genuinely growing in.
It's not just about the income, though that helps. It's the sense that she's getting better — that they all are, together. When a product turns out nice, she feels
"The best part is when I complete an item and it turns out very nice. I feel a sense of pride."
She's sold her products at pasar malams (night markets) before but she says Sew Can We is different.
Selling at platforms like Boutiques Singapore, she finds that customers come back. They recognise the team. They remember the work. And sometimes, they come back excited to see what else they have in store this year.
"I didn't expect that people like us who are self taught would receive this kind of support. To know they will buy — it drives me to do better, nicer products."
Having graduated from Sew Can We, Ummi and her teammates are now part of Project Enterprise. Come see their handmade products at Boutiques Singapore this week.
📅 15–17 May 2026
📍 F1 Pit Building
🎟️ Tickets 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/BSSxBoutiquesMay2026
🫶🏻 Level 3, Hall C, Booth 303
