One local business that offers a variety of stunning scrunchies, headbands, claw clips, hair pins and bandannas, is dolce’s.

Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, dolce’s co-founder Cashyn Lim shared that the scrunchies are made from satin, velvet, cotton and batik.

“For the scrunchies, after sewing using a machine, we finish it by stitching with our hands. These stitches are not visible, and I believe it’s nicer that way,” explained the 23-year-old, adding that her sister assists her in making the products.

Lim, who studied fashion design, is fascinated by textiles, and enjoys choosing the most striking fabrics for the scrunchies. These fabrics, she added, are purchased locally and overseas.

If you’re a fan of “Gossip Girl” and particularly Blair Waldorf’s style and her penchant for headbands in the series, you can channel your inner Blair with dolce’s lovely selection.

The knitted headbands are particularly eye-catching. Made from soft yarn by the Lim sisters, these stylish headbands are bound to turn a few heads! Additionally, there are also faux leather and cotton headbands made in China.

When it comes to claw clips, you’ll probably end up buying more than you need as these come in a variety of sizes and designs such as flowers or butterflies. Aesthetics aside, Lim assured that these clips, made in China, are also durable.

Similarly, the dainty hair pins and chic bandannas, made by the Lim sisters themselves, are just what you need to elevate your hair game.

Lim said the business began during the pandemic while she was still studying. She had purchased a sewing machine then for her assignments and wishing to put her sewing machine to full use, she began sewing scrunchies, giving them away to family and friends.

Her scrunchies were an instant hit thanks to her neat workmanship and selection of eye-catching fabric.

She said this acceptance of her work gave her the confidence she needed to start an online business in August 2020 with her boyfriend, Zxavier Lim. They named it “dolce’s”, as it means “sweet” in Italian.

Soon they introduced claw clips, then headbands, hair pins and bandannas. As their product line grew, they roped in Lim’s sister to help.

In March this year, they opened their first brick and mortar store in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur and named it “by dolce’s”.

Besides being a space where customers can shop, there is also a café selling cakes, macarons, a variety of teas and kombucha. Additionally, they offer art workshops and sell products by other artisans such as candles, earrings and necklaces.

Now a graduate, Lim runs the business full-time and although she enjoys the flexibility that comes with being a business owner, she said there was a steep learning curve.

To that end, she appreciates the support of Persatuan Pembangunan Artisans, an NGO that helps local artisans widen their reach through its online platform, physical stores and pop-up events.

“They have helped me to increase my brand’s exposure and widen my reach, especially by displaying my products at their physical stores,” said Lim.

As for the future, she hopes to secure custom orders from corporations that support local businesses – and in doing so, help to spread the joy that her sweet products offer.

Shop for dolce’s products on its website, Shopee and Lazada. Learn more about dolce’s on Instagram.

By Dolce’s
34-1, Jalan 9/23A, Medan Makmur
53300 Setapak, Kuala Lumpur

Business hours:
12pm-7pm (Thursdays-Sundays; closed on public holidays)

Contact: 018-228 1164

Read more PPA stories and get to know its artisans here.