independent businesses

WHO’S BEHIND IT: This popular thrift store was opened by sisters Syaikyra Farakhan Aung and Fazila Farakhan Aung, aged 19 and 21 respectively, last August and originally occupied a different unit within Orchard Plaza. Two months ago, it relocated to its current – and bigger – unit in the same building, as more space was needed.

Vessels was founded by the 27‑year‑old multidisciplinary designer and educator Jariel Ann, who’s always behind one cool project or another. Before launching Vessels three months ago, she co‑founded the now‑defunct virtual marketplace W8RLD, which stocked some of the most directional Southeast Asian labels, including Malaysia’s raver favourite Ghostboy, the quirky Seremban‑based “wearable sculptures” practitioner Money Wang, and more.