Our first blog guest is the amazing, Maylene Seah. Maylene is a brand strategist, design expert and founder of Poppetry – a beloved lifestyle brand inspiring the love of Islam in little ones. She helps high-reaching Muslim businesses get unstuck, level up and attract their dream customers, so they can get the recognition, sales and breakthrough results they deserve.
Maylene possesses an abundance of positive energy, insight and ideas that delivers brand clarity and a surge of newfound pride. Her clients and community love her because of her passion, persistence, and unshakeable commitment to helping Muslims in business recognize their own brilliance. And that’s why we love featuring her on the Sisters in Business Blog!
We asked Maylene a bunch of questions and her candid answers just made our day!
Enjoy the read…
Branding Expert!
With over 20 years of experience, Maylene brings so much depth to every conversation about brands and communication.
Let’s get to know Maylene...
Tell us something about yourself that’s not mentioned on your profile or bio?
I used to dream of being a food stylist and travel editor of my own Muslim version of FOOD + TRAVEL. The idea was that I wanted to travel and eat around the world while listening to the azhan in different masjids. It didn't happen, but I was close!
What is your business about and what inspired you to embark on this journey? What is your WHY?
I make it my big purpose in life to help visionary Muslim brand owners own their brilliance through having an intentional and compelling brand experience and visual identity (branding is a LOT more than just the logo). Branding can change perceptions (and a lot more), and I believe that as more and more Muslim brands can stand out and shine, we'll be inspiring future generations as well as changing the narrative of Islam.
My deepest WHY is to leave this world a better place for my children – I want them to be proud of their Muslim identity and feel safe amongst a strong ummah, and to feel compelled to make a positive impact as well.
How has your brand's mission evolved over time or is it the same as when you started your business?
It is the same and if anything, it's even stronger now as I find myself amongst many like-minded business owners with the same goals.
What is your passion aside from the work that you do and do you make time for it? Gardening, reading, painting, etc.
I love dancing – shaking it out with Bollywood moves really brings me back to good times working in Mumbai, and I used to perform with a little flamenco dance group in London! I don't make enough time for it now sadly – except for the silly dances I do with the kids. I also love listening to personal growth podcasts – while I'm on the school run, cooking or, laundry. Anytime I can squeeze it in to learn something new is time well spent.
What’s your greatest life lesson that you have learned in your journey so far?
You are the sum of your decisions, so make good ones!
What does ’SUCCESS’ mean to you? Building a bigger team, reaching a more global audience or expanding your product line?
For me, success means having a business model that works so well, that I can have the financial freedom and time to be even more present for my family, while still being able to inspire and serve others through my business.
When you have too many people vying for your time and attention, how do you make space for yourself? What's one self care routine you would never give up?
Meditation. There are times I lock myself in my car after the school run to give myself that time, so that I won't be distracted by family members or the household chores needing to be done.
How do you frame setbacks or mistakes that happen in your business or professional work? How do you get past them?
Since my agency days, I've ingrained it in my mind that there's no point wasting energy mulling over mistakes and instead focus on finding the solutions. I also believe mistakes are necessary to lead us to greater things. The worst thing you can do is let a mistake stop you from fulfilling your biggest potential.
As a Muslim female entrepreneur, what advice would you give to someone who is on the fence about starting a business?
Just. Do. It.
Do your market research, get clear on your why, who and how. And then just go for it. No one starts out perfect. You get better at it as you go along and learn from feedback.
As a muslim woman, how do you feel about muslim representation in your niche?
Can any amazing Muslim brand strategists or designers please step forwards? It's so refreshing and exciting when I find a fellow brand designer or strategist who is as passionate about their craft and their vision. We definitely need more.
A comment from you on Collaboration over Competition?
Oh, 200% on Collaboration over Competition any time. From my experience, so much more goodness can come out of collaborations and it benefits everyone inshaAllah. While a little healthy competition is good, life's too fleeting for any form of negative competition.
Enjoyed the blog?
We hope you enjoyed reading about Maylene’s journey in her own words. We are so grateful for her honesty and we hope that you benefit from all her insights about life and dreaming big. Do share this blog post with friends and family! And stay tuned for more inspiring features coming your way!