In their early days in law school, Meng and Ivor discovered that their true passions lay outside the legal field. Despite initially pursuing their studies for financial stability, the modest salaries offered to first-year lawyers in Penang prompted them to reassess their career paths.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic provided them with a unique opportunity to embark on a new venture that would redefine their professional journeys. Prior to the pandemic, Meng and Ivor faced numerous rejections from law firms, leaving them disillusioned after years of academic dedication. They made a decisive pivot towards a new direction, conceiving the idea for HYGR overnight in the confines of Meng’s parents’ vacant room.
During the challenging times of the Movement Control Order in May 2020, HYGR was born. Inspired by the Greek goddess of health, Hygeia, founders Meng and Ivor set out to create natural products ranging from natural deodorants and lip balms with eco-friendly packaging.
Leveraging their legal expertise, they swiftly secured a trademark for their brand and launched their products on the e-commerce platform, Shopee with an initial investment of RM1,500, taking advantage of commission-free sales for local vendors.
Despite facing financial difficulties, they relocated to Kuala Lumpur in July 2020 for full-time employment, keeping HYGR as a side project. However, a stroke of luck came when a spontaneous eight-second TikTok video by Ivor showcasing their lip balm went viral. Because of the video, their products sold out within hours and catapulted HYGR into prominence.
Their initial creations, a deodorant and lip balm crafted from natural elements, emphasised their commitment in producing ethical products. With humble beginnings, they later collaborated with a production facility to expand their reach to customers.
During an interview with an online publication, Ivor and Meg mentioned that they balanced multiple commitments while seamlessly integrated their legal expertise into entrepreneurship. At the same time, as Meng focused on corporate contracts, Ivor excelled in content creation, leveraging TikTok for sponsorships and a growing audience.
In 2023, HYGR inaugurated their first goods manufacturing practice (GMP) factory, marking a significant step towards enhancing product quality. By 2024, they achieved a major milestone, transitioning from a small room to their own expansive 10,000 sq ft factory.
This growth is mirrored in their team, which has expanded from just the co-founders to a staff of 15 and it still continues to expand to this day.
Looking forward, HYGR plans to extend its range of eco-friendly personal care products beyond Malaysia into Southeast Asia, driven by their team’s commitment and expanding customer base.
Their journey from legal professionals to successful entrepreneurs underscores their resilience and adaptability, proving that overcoming unexpected challenges can lead to remarkable advancement.
