: BEHIND THE BRAND : BENGKEL 7

Leather had been discovered by man, thousands of years ago. It had been used as clothings and protections for one’s body. In this new age, leather goods are rather related to fashion. Handbags, shoes, watch straps and so on. Having an artisanal hand-made leather goods rather felt more worthy compared to industrial manufactured products.

Probably 2 years ago, while strolling down the much missed ‘Geylang Serai Bazaar‘, I came across a booth filled with hand-made leather products. I was browsing through and they made me feel welcome with good vibes and service. I wanted a ‘Clarks Wallabee‘ to be custom for my wedding day. That is how i met Joelle. I pitch in the idea of ‘Mocassins/Visvim‘ inspired concept and she nailed it well.

Hello Joelle, how have you been during this ‘Circuit Breaker’?

Hi Guys! I’ve been well hope you guys are too. To be honest, the ‘Circuit Breaker’ has stalled and slowed down a lot of things for us. But, I see that as an opportunity. A chance to breathe, think and taking a step back. On normal operating days, we cannot afford to do these as things are going at a very fast pace. Ironically for me, my mental health has improved and I am calmer than before.

How is business doing with this situation still on going?

Business is definitely affected with events cancelled and orders put on hold and some even been cancelled too. As an entrepreneur we must actively have multiple plans ready to apply in times of crisis. Be it changing of direction, products or strategy. We have diverted into making reusable masks during this period and that had been our bread and butter for 3 months now. Safe to say, about 70% of our sales is from the masks. But this don’t justify the sales we made before the crisis. We are selling the mask at $8.00 each compared to our usual custom service which cost on an average of $49.00 per project.

Tell us more about how you started Bengkel 7?

Bengkel 7 was founded in 2018. It was a decision made after years of having a nightmare partnership with a previously founded company. It was a bad experience and I thought I could do this on my own to continue the burning passion I have for leather crafting and start again on a clean slate full of love and positivity.

How long have you been in leather crafting?

Since 2012

What is your vision for the brand?

We want to be an essential service in the future. We want to promote the idea of waste minimisation, repair-works, upcycling and also appreciation of pre-loved leather goods. As much as we love to make new things from scratch, we also gave our clients the experience on our work process at the early stage of sketching the ideas and concepts of how they visualise their desired end product will be like. We practise the idea of giving life to pre-used or spoilt goods. We are not aiming to build an empire, we just want to be here for a good reason and be sustainable for long at the same time.

Did it take a lot of money to setup this business and having a studio in Singapore?

To be honest, it took us 200 days from the date when we registered with ACRA to finally getting our own studio in Emily Hill. We are one of the lucky ones who chanced upon good people who accepted our situation, terms and negotiation. To be honest, I started Bengkel 7 with $54.09 in my bank account. I was left with minimum materials, tools, zero clients contacts and database from the previous company. I had received donation in near sum of $1000 in total from family members and the closest people around me whom saw me being vulnerable and figure out that I needed that money in order to continue my craft. There are good people in this world. I am always thankful. I received so much love and kindness , I always want to do more for the community besides just making “limited edition” products and marking up prices to profit more.

Do you have any inspiring individual that you look up to?

I look up to Skohabibi, TTFGA and Gary. V

If it is not leather crafting, what would you be?

I would have been an Art Teacher or a Barista.

Have you ever fail in this business?

Yes I have.

If social media doesn’t exist, do you think there is other way of branding yourself?

Yes, I am old school like that and have always done things in a ‘garang‘ (fierce) old school method. I would open up a shop in a neighbourhood area and be the leather ‘mama shop‘ (local bodega shop). It is always good to educate, it is a good long term investment. Like planting a seed, patiently watching it grow beautifully or just die horribly on you.