Marisa and Arina Provide Access to The Most Exclusive Handbag Library
What’s your story?
It all began with heartbreak, seeing a Birkin on a dirty floor. We love our luxury bags and expect them to last as they were made to. They need little TLC along the way, but sometimes need protection. So we designed LuxeArmour, a range of highly waterproof handbag protectors and totes – armouring the designer bag from rain, snow, dirty surfaces, and sticky fingers.
We believe in reusing, repurposing and slowing down fashion. So we offer customers a sustainable way into luxury by allowing them to buy a preloved bag or borrowing one. LuxeArmour keeps each bag in top condition whether you want to sell or lend your precious bag.
What excites you most about your industry?
That the stigma about buying vintage or preloved, particularly in Asia, is quickly wearing off. Luxury lovers are realising that new isn’t always best, that sharing and reusing is the sustainable and often financially sensible way forward.
What is your connection to Asia?
My sister and I are Malaysian but lived abroad in Australia/UK for more than half our lives. We are now happily settled in Singapore, close to our families in Malaysia and Australia.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore. We are both from finance backgrounds and have worked in a few countries. Nowhere is as business friendly as Singapore – from ease of setup, access to capital (financial and human), tax rates, transparency, and a great business support network.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
That to succeed in business you need very thick skin and fire in your belly.
Who inspires you?
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of Pepsico.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That in the fashion industry, every good that is reused, prevents the manufacture of one third of a new product being produced.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
We would have tried to enter the luxury goods industry sooner. It is what we are passionate about, and as they say, you do best at what interests you.
How do you unwind?
Marisa – Playing tennis, learning life skills (all the different Pokemon) from my kids, as well as kickboxing.
Arina – Baking bread and gluten free cakes, singing and recording with my band.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Koh Samui. Gorgeous beaches, amazing food, peace and quiet.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” by Sheryl Sandberg.
Shameless plug for your business:
If you want to buy, sell, share or protect luxury, come have a chat with us at The Luxe Library — www.theluxelibrary.com. We have a strict no snobbery policy, an open door to all questions, and friendly service.
How can people connect with you?
Drop us a line at [email protected].
Social Media Links?
Website – www.theluxelibrary.com
Instagram – @theluxelibrary
Carousell – @theluxelibrary
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
