By Annisha Elsa
Brother Besties: Gabriel & Samuel
What can brothers who are besties accomplish? Let me see. The Wright brothers decided to build and fly a plane, Duffers wrote and directed movies, the McDonald brothers created the McDonald’s food chain, and the Yasui brothers founded Brother Industries, a global brand of sewing machines.
As for our own brother besties, Gabriel Tan Chi Soon, 14, and Samuel Tan Chi Shing, 13, pioneered Sew with Joy, an organisation for tailor-made bags, handbags, tote bags, purses, wallets, water tumblers, passport holders and more for the people of Perak. The crafts are made to suit ladies with a taste for authentic, homemade hand-carries. I am talking about the ‘Devil Wears Prada-type’ of authenticity. Every piece of colourful fabric is cleverly zipped, knotted or tied into hand-carry bags.
Gabriel, diagnosed as autism and ADHD at the age of 2, and Samuel, diagnosed as moderately autistic at 18 months old, attend the Special Needs Government School here in Ipoh. The mother, Janice Phuan, 43, recalls her ordeal from shock to acceptance of her children. She decided to transform the goliath into gifts. Janice had a broad, welcoming smile as she explained the meticulous handwork of her boys, and her eyes flickered with pride as she narrated the busy schedule they have, from school to sewing with joy to church and hiking, too. A thorough routine was created from a young age. I suppose a mother is a verb and not just a noun.
One Stitch at a Time: Sew with Joy
Sew with Joy is a platform created by a group of 4 mothers and 5 gifted children who believe ‘one stitch at a time’ will empower their autistic children to lead a more meaningful and productive life. Hours spent choosing the right fabric, organising it to align, before sewing, show the dedication and resilience that culminate in guaranteed customer satisfaction. The boys learn the technicalities of tailoring and the soft skills needed to set up booths and do good sales.
The World on Your Back: Products
Each bag carries essentials and a story. The patterns; the geometrically arranged fabric, batik prints and motifs, the coloured stitches at the helm, the sling chain that carries the weight across the shoulder, have deep stories to share. The good news for fashionistas and soulful buyers, products can be customised, special editions for festive occasions are available, corporate gifts can be pre-ordered, CSR partnerships and product placement at your premises is possible.
After purchasing one with a printed Sakura flower metal-chained sling bag and another, a beige leaf nature-based big tote bag, Ed Sheeran’s song in ‘Sapphire’ echoed in my ears.
I know that you carry the world on your back
But look at you tonight
The lights, your face, your eyes exploding like fireworks in the sky.
Thought for today: Don’t just buy a bag, buy a bag that carries your story. May the Brothers Besties create a stitch at a time and spin the thread for others to follow.
(Ms. Janice Phuan can be reached at 012-533 4368/ 016-553 8900)
