When it’s time to declutter your wardrobe, what do you do with your old clothes? For many, they often end up in the trash. However, for 24-year-old Nuryanee Anisah (Yanee), the co-founder of Commenhers, discarded textiles present an opportunity to drive change.
Yanee’s venture started as a school project but has evolved to collaborate with major names like Decathlon and HSBC, transforming over 7.5 tonnes of textile waste into stylish apparel and accessories. Here’s how she’s making a difference.
The Beginnings of Commenhers
Yanee has always had an entrepreneurial drive, having been exposed to business from a young age through her father’s ventures. Her first business endeavor, "The Whatever Lah," a t-shirt reselling business during her first year at Singapore Polytechnic (SP), laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.
However, it was during her second year at SP, as part of her Diploma in Business Administration, that she discovered the issue of textile waste in thrift stores. This realization led her to launch Commenhers in 2021, alongside like-minded individuals from her cohort. The business was officially incorporated a year later, driven by growing community interest and increased sales.
Empowering Marginalized Communities
Initially, all of Commenhers’ products were handmade by Yanee and her team. However, after seeking advice from lecturers and participating in pitching competitions, Yanee realized the need to scale the business. This led to the inclusion of homemakers from marginalized communities, such as stay-at-home moms and the elderly, in the production process.
Today, Commenhers collaborates with over 80 beneficiaries and has established four community sewing spaces in Singapore. By offering employment opportunities to these communities, the business aims to foster a passion for sewing and upcycling.
Taking on Larger Projects
While Commenhers initially focused on direct-to-consumer (B2C) sales, the business has shifted its focus to business-to-business (B2B) collaborations with corporations in Singapore. By working with these companies, Commenhers can recycle their textile waste, reducing the environmental impact of large-scale production.
Notable collaborations include working with HSBC to recycle their old textiles, including PVC banners used for events. Commenhers has also partnered with Decathlon to repurpose rejected sports gear into new products sold in their stores.
The Future of Commenhers
Since its inception, Commenhers has seen significant growth, with over 7,300 products sold and a doubling of sales revenue. Yanee, now a student at NUS Business School, aims to position Commenhers as a key player in upcycling textile waste in Singapore. Moving forward, the business plans to expand its impact by recycling more textile waste and creating additional opportunities for local beneficiaries through employment.
To learn more about Commenhers and their initiatives, visit their website. Check out more articles on Singaporean startups to stay informed about local entrepreneurship.
Featured Image Credit: Commenhers
