Afternoons in Singapore aren’t always the most pleasant. For a change, though, it was a refreshing one, after my meeting with Bernadine Reddy, founder of Glambue.
Bernadine’s cool and collected personality reflects in her products. Her recently launched brand Glambue is about tastefully designed bamboo homeware, and strives to be a welcome addition to the regular crockery we use at home. Her range currently consists of functional bowls and trays, but she hopes to cast a wider net, as sales pick up.
Like many startups, this too was an idea born out of her travels. A trip to Vietnam, made her fall in love with lovely bamboo bowls, which she decided to bring home to Singapore. Her main focus right now is sourcing homeware in designs and colours she likes. Coming up with her own designs will perhaps be a step in the future.
The Pop collection, as the name suggests is available in bright hues like red, blue and orange. The collection does tossers and trays are apparently a big hit with the local community, she says. My favourite, however, is the chic black and white collection, which Bernadine has named Luxe. These lovely homewares with mosaic-like designs are oh-so-fashionable and can be used as decorative pieces or double up as serve ware.
Bernadine is taking things a step at a time. As a startup, her first goal is to build brand appeal and get the word out. She is leveraging her experience in media and advertising sales to get publicity. From creating the website to crafting press releases for the media, she strives to do it all by herself.
There is more on her plate. Bernadine also runs a business called Happy Bold Italic, which assists companies like City Nomads, The Honeycombers in advertising sales. Her third venture is Big Ohm Theory, an annual event that showcases wellness companies in the region.
Glambue will stick to retailing in niche stores like Mondays Off. Mainstream retail is not on Bernadine’s mind right now. She hopes online sales will pick up slowly, and the word will go around through pop-up fairs. With the burgeoning expat community, and locals becoming more receptive to local designers, Bernadine hopes to see her products find a place in Singapore homes.
Some tips: Given that its bamboo, the product needs extra care. It can’t be used in microwaves and dishwashers. Steer away from serving turmeric-laden curries in these bowls, as they might leave a stain. However, if you are looking at something fashionable to serve a salad or an occasional snack, these bowls are sure to complement the standard fare.
To check out these matte-finish bamboo homewares, check out www.glambue.com and stay updated through her Facebook page.
Bernadine has offered to giveaway a beautiful bowl to one lucky winner. To win, please email us what other colours appeal to you the most.
{Photos by Glambue}
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