The Batik Boutique with Pocos jewelry too- a fun photo shoot in the park!

When my friend Amy, Creative Director of The Batik Boutique, and all around amazingly talented, funny, generous, kind, and beautiful woman, approached me to be her “model” for some new items to her line as well as some fan favorites, I was skeptical. I mean really, lets be honest. I am in no way shape or form (literally), a model, nor have I ever known how to “pose” properly for the camera, even in silly selfies and such. And no, I’m not “fishing” for compliments, truly. I’m simply uncomfortable in front of the camera, always have been and probably always will be. But, in the name of friendship and fashion, how could I say no?! I’ve always been a huge supporter of her work and I just love all her products so when she showed me her newest collection, I was in heaven and couldn’t resist helping out! She told me she would coach me through it and that it would be a fun & relaxed morning in the park with my favorite little; my sweet miss Ava. So off we went on a grand adventure I ended up thoroughly enjoying!! It didn’t hurt that Amy was right beside me, encouraging me, making me laugh, and giving me pointers. Plus her photographer Rochelle from Crossing Borders Media, was outstanding at capturing the perfect shot!

I’m not sure I’ve talked about The Batik Boutique before, at least not formally on my blog. Ask the majority of my family and friends back home though and they would know who I am talking about- I think I have given a TBB item every time I’ve gone home, as well as sent them in the mail for holidays, not to mention owning a load of it myself. I’m slightly obsessed. And it’s not just the products I’m drawn to, its also the premiss and the story behind Amy’s vision.

I hope I don’t butcher the story too much Amy but I want to get the gist across. Amy and her husband moved here to Malaysia from the USA over 7 year ago now, starting first up north in Penang. They have since started a family and have 2 beautiful boys and now live and work in Kuala Lumpur. Like most expats, Amy would make the trek home to the states annually to visit friends and family and, like many expats, always wanted to bring back little gifts from Malaysia for everyone. The problem she kept running into was this: many things that may have “looked malaysian”, were actually made in China, or India, or Thailand, or wherever…you get my point right? It was either that or the quality was not good at all, or seriously pricey (like a piece from Royal Selangor, where you get something for a special occasion, not a “so great seeing you” little gift).

So Amy asked her then helper/maid, if she could sew and if so, could she help her make some aprons and napkins and such for her to take home if she found the batik fabric for her. And that my friends, is how it all started. From that first time bringing her gifts to the states, her family and friends went crazy wanting more and Amy realized a seed had taken  root and that she had something here.

Amy sources all her batik fabric here in Malaysia, mainly on the east coast, and the only people who sew her products are low income and single/divorced/widowed women wanting and needing to make a living for themselves and their families. Amy has single-handedly given so many women here in Malaysia with lots of talent at the sewing machine a life to be proud of. How inspiring right? Not only that, but she gives 20% of all proceeds made in her sales (WOW!!!) back to the community through various local charities & in various forms. For instance, she was able to gift a sonogram machine to Klinik Kecheerian in Subang Jaya. A sonogram machine people!! Recently, they’ve also partnered with an NGO in Kota Damansara to help them start a community center that provides free English tutoring to kids at the flats. Additionally, they are also raising money ($10,000 to go towards equipment) to start their own sewing center to give a central place for a few of their seamstresses to sew, which will increase production and quality control, and ultimately lead to more profit back to the community.

Isn’t this an amazing story? Makes you want to purchase something to help out doesn’t it?! Currently you can purchase her items via the following way: through her Facebook Page- The Batik Boutique, via her Instagram account- @batikamy, locally in KL at the pop up shops in Jaya One, or by emailing her directly at amy@thebatikboutique.com. You may also purchase her items at various bazaars around town throughout the year as well. If you are interested in supporting her cause monetarily, she has created a non-profit in the US or someone can do a bank transfer if here in KL. Simply contact her directly for further details.

Now, on to the products- this specific photo shoot I helped out with had the purpose of introducing her newest venture- hand-painted batik kaftans & clutches made with silk crepe. Seriously they are unique one-of-a-kind pieces and let me tell you, they are all simply stunning! I want/need every single item I wore. You will notice Ava in a few shots too- she was helping to model some toddler dresses as well as baby bibs. Some of Amy’s other products not pictured include table runners, placemats & napkins, aprons, bracelets, crayon rolls, passport holders, key fobs, scarves, baby slings, nursing covers, diaper bags, journals, eye soothing masks, laptop cases, snack bags, toiletry bags, seasonal items….you get the picture right? So many amazing products to choose from and all support an amazing cause! The price points are perfect as well….especially with these new hand-painted silk kaftans and clutches, they are pricier than her other items but deservedly so!

Amy also has begun selling Pocos Jewelry. These are individually designed pieces by a Venezuelan artist expat who used to live here in Malaysia abut has since moved on. Amy was the lucky one to be able to continue selling her stunning pieces. I love them!! The Pocos line is also available via the same channels as TBB.

On to the pics, enjoy browsing and do yourself a favor and buy some goods! Remember, they are all #madeinmalaysia but yes, Amy also #shipsworldwide! The sky is the limit with The Batik Boutique Amy, thank you for trusting me to help promote your brand!! Now how to “convince” my husband that I “need” more….. 😉

Love how these Pocos earrings match the design on this vibrant hand-painted silk tank.

Look at the back of these tanks- sexy sirens!! This tank is like a scarf that you can tie a billion ways- love all the options!

These colors!! <3<3<3

Such intricate detail on the Pocos line

OK, I’ve always been a huge fan of purple….this clutch fits the bill perfectly! It has a chain you can always take out and use too!

Perfect little date-night clutch!

Each piece is hand-painted!

Black & white- simple & modern.

Love this design too- can be used for years to come!

More shots of the Pocos Jewelry line and this stunning fold-over zip purse. I NEED this 🙂

This clutch reminds me of summer.

Love these roomy totes too- perfect for playdates 🙂

Big enough for all your kids’ loot or your beach towel and a book 🙂

It was a thousand degrees out the morning of the shoot but these lightweight silk crepe Kaftans were so comfortable and cool!

The black & white in a shorter length….stunning designs right?!

These colors are so rich, I could wear this Kaftan to a Christmas Party! I LOVE purple!!

Blue/teal & brown, such a vibrant contrast! Love it.

So comfy, like wearing pjs….but more acceptable in public, and MUCH more fashionable too. Pinks and oranges are the perfect tropical combo!

More shots of the Pocos line with this stunning green Kaftan!

I desire this kaftan so much- the colors & designs are just amazing!

Our little miss Ava staying cool in her cute little batik dress!

I could be biased but is she not the cutest darn thing you’ve ever seen?! Sorry, but do you blame me with that infectious smile?!?! <3<3

Loving her first bite of mommy’s famous morning muffins in her adorable batik bib! (check out my batik bracelet too!)

Until next time, think of a way YOU can make a difference~

Kimbra