Stepping into the heart of Commenhers' studio in Ubi, one is immediately struck by the vibrant chaos that fills the space. Scraps of fabric, recycled plastic, and heaps of paper create a unique tapestry, with sewing kits and shopping bags from various brands adding to the eclectic mix. The floor, barely visible, is a testament to the creative process, showcasing fabric flowers, bags, and pouches crafted from diverse materials. Despite the lack of air conditioning, the atmosphere is alive with the hum of two industrial fans, providing a unique backdrop to the story of Commenhers.
At the center of this creative whirlwind is Nuryanee Anisah Mohamed Noor, co-founder and CEO of Commenhers. Her calm demeanor amidst the chaos is a testament to her passion and dedication. Nuryanee explains that the mess is a "necessary evil," a temporary state of affairs as the team prepares for upcoming upcycling workshops. These workshops aim to educate participants on the art of upcycling, transforming waste into something new, and equipping them with basic stitching skills.
"This mess is part of our journey," Nuryanee shares. "It's an eyesore, but it's a necessary step in our process. Our small team has to prioritize, and sometimes that means embracing the chaos."
The name Commenhers, a clever amalgamation of "commoners," "men," and "hers," reflects the company's commitment to inclusivity. Commenhers acts as a bridge, connecting corporate waste reduction with the creation of livelihoods for women. By collaborating with businesses, Commenhers transforms unused textiles and discarded materials into upcycled products, from bags to small pieces of furniture. This process empowers women from vulnerable backgrounds, including the elderly, single mothers, and stay-at-home moms from low-income families, providing them with an opportunity to hone their sewing and crafting skills.
"We believe in tactile, hands-on experiences," Nuryanee emphasizes. "The clutter is not just a mess; it's a breeding ground for creativity. It's where ideas take shape."
Nuryanee's inspiration for Commenhers stems from her family's deep-rooted connection to sustainability. "Upcycling and sustainability may sound new, but for many Asians, it's a way of life that has been passed down through generations," she explains. "I grew up seeing my parents repurpose old clothes into rags and reuse bottles and containers."
Nuryanee's late paternal grandfather, a karung guni or rag-and-bone man, played a significant role in her inspiration. "He collected cardboard, newspapers, and other materials, not just to earn a living but also to save and repurpose scraps. He was the original upcycler," she adds with a smile.
This legacy inspired Nuryanee and her team to start Commenhers as a school project in 2019. The initial idea was to make upcycling "cool and easy to do." By reaching out to corporations like PSA Singapore, they sourced unused textiles, such as old uniforms or fabrics with defects. Nuryanee's vision quickly evolved from a school project into a meaningful venture.
"Upcycling is tangible and hands-on," she explains. "In a digital age, it can feel slow, but the results are so rewarding. I wanted to share this feeling with others. Working on Commenhers is a way to honor the values I was raised with."
Since its inception, Commenhers has grown beyond a school project. Nuryanee and her co-founder, Ye Htut Linn, have expanded their reach, collaborating with over 30 businesses with surplus textiles. They've created upcycled products for sale and as corporate gifts, with old batik fabric from Singapore Airlines transformed into cutlery pouches and fabric flowers.
Commenhers has also set up sewing spaces in Jurong East and Kallang, providing a comfortable work environment for their makers closer to their homes. Their ongoing collaboration with Decathlon has resulted in a range of upcycled products, including duffel bags made from old kayak bags and tents, and chalk bags from torn air mattresses.
Nuryanee's dedication to Commenhers has not gone unnoticed. She has received several accolades, including a spot on the Sustainability Leadership Youth A-List and the NEA EcoFriend Award in 2024. However, her journey has not been without challenges. Burnout has been a real concern.
"Being an entrepreneur is not all glamour," she admits. "I've had nights where I slept only two to three hours. I've questioned my impact and my productivity."
But Nuryanee has found a way to navigate these challenges. "I remind myself of the values my family instilled in me. I need to slow down, just like my late grandfather did. He worked hard, but he also lived by the principle of slow living. I need to remind myself that I can and should take breaks."
Nuryanee's passion for Commenhers runs deep. "I feel a connection to this work because sustainability can be a jaded topic. People roll their eyes sometimes. With climate change and corporate environmental damage, faith in sustainability has waned. But Commenhers shows that every action counts, no matter how small."
Commenhers continues to inspire and empower, proving that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.
