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I am always amazed by women who choose to pursue an idea and turn it into a business of their own. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of meeting some incredible women who chose to start their own SMEs in Singapore building upon a passion or unique idea. It’s no mean feat! Be it in the areas of women’s fashion, children’s education/toys, food or lifestyle, I feel incredibly lucky to have worked and collaborated with these ladies and their brands. As a "globalized Indian" having grown up and lived in four different countries, including Singapore, I strongly believe in building a sense of community around me and my family. Hence, a common thread that binds all my partnerships with these brands is the intent to build a sense of community in a globalized setting - it could be in the form of healthy foods that bring families together, support of local artisans and their trade in India, products that promote sustainable living and social enterprise, learning that connects families to their Indian culture and roots, or creating products that are truly made in Singapore. Thank you to these brands who chose to work with me time and again. In turn, I believe in their products and brand ethos because I know that I and/or my family would use it in real life, not just “reel life".

So in the spirit of women supporting women, I decided to put together this post to spotlight some of the women-owned businesses in Singapore that I've had the pleasure of working with. Thank you to these partners for graciously offering exclusive discounts to my dear readers (all are one-time use per customer).

Maisha Concept
Through its contemporary designs, Maisha's designs pay homage to the culture, heritage and skill of local artisans and textile manufacturers across the globe. Their most recent collection features modern designs which incorporate block printing done by Jaipur artisans. The brand ships internationally as well.
Review here.
Use UMAISHA for 10% off any item (valid until Sept 12, 2019).

Feroza Designs
Light and airy hand-printed cotton dresses, fully lined and with pockets. I have worn these dresses in the heat of Singapore, sight-seeing in Burma, walking around in Mumbai, and street shopping in Bangkok and find them easy breezy chic.
Reviews and lookbooks here.
Use URBANMANTRA for 10% off the dress collection. For both local and international orders, discount only applies to retail item, not shipping.

Linen n More
This store features a collection of linen and cotton dresses, tunics, and kaftans. The brand sources high-quality linen and cotton material from India to create a everyday wearable collection of clothes with beautiful colors and embroidery.
Reviews and lookbooks here.
Use UMLINEN10 for 10% off in-store purchase.

Ellybean Designs
Personalized items for children, from name crayons, doodle sketch books, and light-up canvas frames. These make for great gifts and party favors. 
Review here.
Use URBANELLY for 10% off entire order (valid until Sept 12, 2019).

Fusspot & Foodie
As a meal kit and catering setup designed specifically for kids, Fusspot & Foodie provides healthy, wholesome, kid-friendly meals and snack options. The food items are planned and cooked using fresh ingredients here in Singapore.
Review here.
Use URBANMANTRA for 10% off any item.
A sustainable stationary and lifestyle brand which makes products from eco-friendly, organic, recycled materials (all made in India). Every item purchased from Left-Handesign is recyclable and/or made from sustainable materials, down to the packaging of the product. 100% eco-friendly.
Review here.
Use UMGREEN for 10% discount on minimum order of $20 (valid until Sept 12, 2019).
Lustre specialises in fine, hand-crafted jewellery using natural gemstones which are vibrant and eye-catching. The collection features a mix of statement pieces or ones that you can layer over pieces you already own. 
Review here.
Use URBAN20 for 20% off all full priced items (valid until September 12, 2019).

Just Gaya’s
A multi-label boutique, Just Gaya's features a unique collection of bags, earrings, and clothes. I'm a huge fan of their tiered tassel earrings and their clutch which uses Ikat silk from Uzbekistan. You can shop online or from stockists such as The WYLD Shop, The Cinnamon Room, and The Social Space. 
Reviews and lookbooks here.
Use URBANMANTRA2019 for 10% off entire order (valid until Aug 26, 2019).

Power Pops
Inspired to create healthy snacks for her kids, the mom behind Power Pops came up with a simple yet delicious solution - frozen yogurt-based popsicle sticks which are made with all-natural ingredients. 
Review here.
Use URBANPOP for 15% off order of 12 popsicles (delivery charges apply or self-pick up available at Dover; valid until Sept 10, 2019).

Photophactory
This brand takes real photos of iconic places around Singapore (think colorful shophouses, facades, and other cool landscapes) and then transforms them into a collection of home decor pieces and fashion accessories. These make for a great addition to your home or souvenirs to gift to visiting friends. Products can be purchased online or in-store locations such as Jewel Changi, Design Orchard, and others. 
Review here.
Use URBAN15 for 15% off on all products (valid until Sept 12, 2019).

T4tales
Indian language-focused children's books that include nursery rhymes and stories of the Ramayana in Hindi script and English. Beautiful illustrations and pull tabs make these boardbooks interactive and visually appealing.
Review here.
Use UMT4KP6VI for 10% off books from Amazon India and code or 10UM for Amazon US (valid until Aug 20, 2019).

Another month, another lookbook! Let’s get to it…

A summer dress that can double as a beach cover-up…or a beach cover-up that can double as a summer dress? Either way, it works! I got this cute, tasseled dress from Edit Lifestyle, a store in Singapore which has an amazing collection of summery, beach outfits and resortwear. The straw bag is from the store too. The items in Edit Lifestyle are on the pricier side but if you really like something, it may be worth a splurge. Or better yet, wait for their sales or check out their in-store sales rack!

Edit Lifestyle Dress & Straw bag 
Yet another SheIn dress that's a winner in my book. This bright mustard yellow dress (only $17!) is great for dressing up with heels or down with flat sandals. I paired it with this embroidered clutch purchased from Ammos Accessories, an Australian-based online store which has a great collection of boho chic accessories.

SheIn Ruffled Hem Dress | Clutch from Ammos Accessories (this one is no longer available online but similar here) | Zara necklace (an old purchase) | Charles & Keith heels
I talked about this Kate Spade dress when I shared this photo on Instagram. I loved the dress when I saw it on a trip to Hong Kong but it was too expensive to buy. So instead, I waited out for a sale and bought it on eBay for a much lower price. I guess the dress has a gypsy, boho vibe to it. But the flowy, feminine look of the dress makes me feel great!

Kate Spade Marigold dress | Purse from Mumbai street shopping | Charles & Keith heels
Bimba Y Lola is a store I equate with bright colors and a mod, funky design aesthetic. Found on sale, I really liked this blouse for its colors and keyhole slit in the front. You can wear almost any color bottom with it because the top itself has many colors to play against. I usually like wearing it to work with black pants or with casual denims for a weekend outing.

Bimba Y Lola blouse (no longer available) | Zara denim jeans | YSL purse | Charles & Keith shoes
Make your closet work for you with styling the same piece in different ways. The top I’m wearing here is actually a dress (an old summer dress that I purchased online from Lulu's. Side note/FYI: this store has cute stuff and they do free international shipping for orders over $150 USD, otherwise $15 for economy shipping). I just wore a black midi skirt with it and threw on some pink heels to complete this look, which I work to work the day this picture was taken. The key to wearing dresses as tops is that the dress itself should not be too thick so as to avoid adding bulk to your look.
BB Dakota Pauline Black Shift Dress from Lulu's | Mango black midi skirt | 
Charles & Keith shoes | Michael Kors purse
FashMob is a nice online site for shopping for affordable, on-trend apparel. I was drawn to this magenta dress right away. The sash detail is really unique (you can tie it in the front as a bow or in the back – your choice) and the cut is very flattering. It makes for a great cocktail dress or for any dressy event. The tassle earrings and ikat cluth (made with Uzbekistan silk material) is from Just Gaya’s, another online store based in Singapore with an amazing collection of accessories. 

FashMob Akira Sash Dress | Just Gaya's clutch and tier tassel earrings |
Charles & Keith cuff and heels