By Abidgail Merta Ganggang
What began as a hobby becomes a passion that helps Kesya Fatin succeed in the fashion industry. She enjoys making beaded bags with skills passed down to her from her late grandfather and soon finds herself showcasing her creation at a number of fashion shows.
From passion to fashion
It all started with a handmade beaded handbag made as a birthday gift for a friend.
Little did Kesya Fatin know that her creation would be showcased at a number of fashion events, including the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW22).
Her sparkly bags were not only shipped within Malaysia, but also to Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The 28-year-old, who was born and raised in Kuching, draws inspiration from her late grandfather’s artistic talent and passion.
Beading began as a hobby for Kesya, but it quickly evolved into a passion that led her to success in the fashion industry.
Today, she focuses on the style of beaded handbags in a variety of designs that are appropriate for any occasion or casual wear.
“I love taking raw materials and transforming them into something completely different. It makes me happy to see all of my beaded pieces sparkle so beautifully,” the designer told New Sarawak Tribune.
Using skills passed down to her from her grandfather, she loved to create gifts for her family and friends and found real inspiration from them.
“In 2019, I remember running out of ideas for what to get my best friend, Pearl, for her birthday. Then, inspired by her name, I created my first pearl beaded bag,” she said, adding that her mending and beading skills begin with Pearl’s beaded bag.
“I officially started my business three years ago, during the pandemic, and it was a gradual process. I began making beaded bags for fun and had no intention of turning it into a career.
“I made an Instagram account for my bags and posted my art there until it caught people’s attention one day, and I guess that’s how it all started,” she said.
After many processes, trials, and errors, her confidence in the quality and design of her bags began to grow, and she took the bold step of starting her own business, Kesya Fatin, in 2020.
“Back then, I tried many different career paths and never imagined that this would be my life,” she said.
According to Kesya, the handcrafted handbag’s luxurious aspect is highlighted by its unique designs, attractive hues, and glittery beads in an array of sizes.
“Colour, pattern, and sparkle play a prominent role in our lives, so my bags add a spark of joy and excitement to my customers’ lives and wardrobes,” she said.
She said that the time required to complete one bag could take up to two days. The consistency of her detailed artwork is the key to her customers’ appraisal.
Kesya Fatin beaded bags are available in a variety of sizes and styles, with prices starting at RM150 depending on the patterns, designs, and functions.
“The same type of bag can also be purchased in different colours, such as my KF Saddle bag. RM460 for the same size, type, and colour choice of black and white pearl, cherry red, or clear white.
“My Sling/Crossbody bag costs between RM185 and RM480, and my backpack costs RM460. Customers can customise their own handbags, and I will make your beaded dream bags a reality,” she said.
She also said that ideas will be discussed as long as she is allowed to make changes based on her creative judgment.
“I will not, however, do a remake or recreate an original design by another creator — my artwork will lack purity and honesty, and I have a great deal of respect for all of the designers out there. I will always do my best to make you something in my own unique style,” she said.
Her customers can design, choose their own colours, and customise the functions of their handbags, tote bags, wristlet bags, purses, and many others.
“I love it when a customer requests a custom design and puts their complete trust in my creative process. It makes me happy when they are pleased with the outcome of their bag,” she said.
Her bags, particularly the Sarah Bag, Bowtiful Bag, and Heart Bag, wowed the majority of her followers and quickly became best-sellers for her business.
“Many people approached me about these bags because they are cute, chic, sassy, and vintage-looking. Sarah Bag costs RM350, while Bowtiful Bag costs RM360. Heart Bag comes in three sizes, and each size has a different price — a big Heart Bag costs RM350, a medium Heart Bag costs RM270, and a mini Heart Bag costs only RM150,” she said.
She added that aside from those, the Nadia Bag and Alice Bag are the top-selling bags on the site.
As much as she enjoys crafting, she finds that each bag has its own specialties and challenges; with Eve Bag being the most difficult to create due to the shape and specific skills required to work with glass pearls.
As anyone who has ever had a cuddly toy animal knows, giving a name to an inanimate object forces us to form an attachment to it.
Kesya labelled her products with the names of the people who had customised their orders with her.
“It reveals not only what image my bags reflect, but also what image I associate with those names. In addition, my customers contribute to the growth of my business and serve as the inspiration for my bags,” she said.
Kesya creates tops, card holders, pet collars, and pet leashes in addition to beadwork bags.
Her beadwork was recognised by local brand, Yacutha, owned by Sarawak fashion stylist, Yacub Taha, and she had her first collaboration in 2021.
The following year, her first collaborative fashion show with Style Series, called China Rouge, took place in Kuching in January 2022 and caught the attention of Alia Bastamam.
Alia Bastamam, a fashion mogul who is no stranger to the Malaysian fashion scene, offered to collaborate with Kesya in KLFW22, which featured an assortment of accessories by Kesya ranging from beadwork bags to stylish chokers and chic earrings.
“My most recent fashion show was the Sarawak Swag (SWAK) Fashion Show in Kuching in February, again with Style Series, and it was my first solo fashion show without collaboration with other brands,” Kesya said.
Being a mother of three children does not prevent her from pursuing her business.
“To be honest, we women are built differently. My schedule is tight, and I pick up my kids from school every day while also doing chores because I don’t have a helper. That’s what you do when you’re passionate about something.
“It is difficult to strike a balance between business and creative time. The exhaustion never ends, but that’s the beauty of it. There is no growth without a challenge, and there is no success without growth,” she said.
Today, Kesya still finds the experience of being a designer and business owner surreal.
She manifested her own space as well as a community of women who make their own money by beading and making pretty sparkly bags together.
Those interested in Kesya’s beadwork can contact her via her Instagram and TikTok accounts (@kesya_fatin) as well as her website https://kesyafatin.com/.
