Christy Ng, the visionary founder of the renowned Malaysian footwear brand, is an embodiment of determination and entrepreneurial spirit. What began as a humble venture in her living room has blossomed into a global brand with a loyal customer base and an international footprint. Today, Christy Ng is a name synonymous with stylish, quality footwear, and the brand’s success story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and resilience.
Christy Ng, the visionary founder of the renowned Malaysian footwear brand, is an embodiment of determination and entrepreneurial spirit. What began as a humble venture in her living room has blossomed into a global brand with a loyal customer base and an international footprint. Today, Christy Ng is a name synonymous with stylish, quality footwear, and the brand’s success story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and resilience.
“I started this business literally from my living room. Back then, it was just me, a laptop, and RM10,000 in savings,” Christy recalls. “I had no prior experience in manufacturing or business. I was working a comfortable corporate job with a steady income, but I decided to leave it all behind because I felt this calling—I was so passionate about creating beautiful shoes for women. Shoes, I believe, are something that can completely transform how a woman feels about herself.”
The early days were far from easy. “There were so many challenges. I had no formal business education and very limited resources. The experience of running a business is the best way to learn. I went through the baptism of fire, graduated from the so-called ‘university of society.’” Christy admits. Managing capital was one of the major hurdles she faced. With a small initial budget, every decision had to be made carefully, balancing creativity with financial sustainability.
“With the lack of capital, I had to start with e-commerce. It wasn’t an option; it was more of a ‘no choice’ decision,” Christy shares. “Even my aunt doubted that shoes could be sold online because it’s a product that requires fitting. E-commerce wasn’t what it is now. But after the pandemic hit, it supercharged our e-commerce business, growing it by 400–500%.”
To stay ahead, the brand launches new products weekly. “Researching trends is how we stay on top of the market. I’m very data-driven, being from a science background. Everything is based on data,” Christy notes. This analytical approach has been key to aligning new products with customer preferences and ensuring their relevance.
Christy also highlighted the importance of avoiding common pitfalls in business. “A lot of little things can accumulate and become detrimental. Poor inventory management, for example, can cause overstocking and wastage. Everything has a shelf life, and oversupply can lead to huge losses,” she explains.
In addition to financial constraints, understanding her customers’ preferences was crucial to building the brand. “I had to learn everything by making mistakes and figuring out how to do better the next time,” she shares. With the support of friends, family, and early customers who believed in the brand, Christy slowly began to build her dream.
Christy Ng grew exponentially, moving from a small home operation to a prominent player in the fashion industry. The brand now boasts 12 retail outlets across Malaysia and a strong online presence, serving customers in over 50 countries. “It’s been 13 years of hard work, trial and error, and constant learning,” Christy reflects.
The brand’s success can be attributed to its customer-centric approach. Christy’s background in science has also played a role in her analytical approach to product development. “I look at customer data—what colours, sizes, or styles are popular—and use that to guide our design process,” she says. This data-driven approach ensures that each new product is aligned with consumer preferences, offering great value and relevance.
What sets Christy Ng apart from its competitors is the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Christy’s business philosophy focuses on providing exceptional products without compromising on affordability. “We’re extremely customer focused. For us, every decision revolves around how we can provide the best possible experience and value to our customers,” she explains. This customer-first mentality has resulted in impressive customer loyalty, with a retention rate of around 40%, a rare feat in today’s competitive market.
Christy emphasises on the importance of collaboration in maintaining the brand’s uniqueness. One standout collaboration that Christy highlights the exclusive interview, was with international logistics company DHL, where Christy Ng designed a collection of women’s shoes and handbags that appealed to a global audience. “We did a unisex collection that catered to a wider audience, and the response was phenomenal,” she says. The collaboration helped the brand expand its reach beyond local markets and gain international recognition.
Global Expansion for Christy Ng
Looking ahead, Christy Ng is focused on further global expansion. With 12 stores all across Malaysia, the brand has established itself and gained the trust and a great customer base among the fellow Malaysians. The brand has already made significant strides in international markets, with plans to open a flagship store in Jakarta, Indonesia. “We’ve signed a lease for a flagship store in a prime area in Jakarta that will be opening before Ramadan, and we’re excited to expand further,” Christy reveals. This strategic move will help solidify the brand’s presence in key global markets.
Christy believes Malaysian brands have a unique opportunity to compete on the global stage, provided they strike the right balance between creativity and practicality. “We need to offer quality products at reasonable prices because today’s consumers have so many choices,” she says. She also stresses the importance of infusing cultural elements into designs to create something truly unique, relatable and a symbol to represent it as a Malaysian brand.
Christy’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is both practical and inspiring. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’ve had so many mentors and friends guide me along the way,” she shares. “Learn from your mistakes—every failure is an opportunity to grow.” Among those who have influenced her journey is Mr. Tan Thiam Hock, the founder of the Malaysian brand SilkyGirl. “He was someone I looked up to and who offered me invaluable advice when I needed it most.”
She also advises entrepreneurs to build their businesses around their customers, always focusing on how to add value and stay adaptable. Success is achieved by staying focused, adaptable, and resilient. “You can’t beat someone who refuses to give up,” she emphasises. “Moving from one setback to the next while maintaining enthusiasm is what truly matters,” she concludes.
By staying true to her values and prioritising customer satisfaction, she has built a footwear brand that resonates with women around the world. As she continues to expand globally, Christy Ng remains a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can turn a dream into a successful business empire.
