BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Open For Business  >  Machino: From RM100K & Family Ties to Budding 8-Figure Biz

Machino: From RM100K & Family Ties to Budding 8-Figure Biz

Esther Tai, Co-founder, Machino | Amy Tai, Co-founder, Machino

25-Aug-25 10:00

Machino: From RM100K & Family Ties to Budding 8-Figure Biz

Launched in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, Malaysian footwear brand Machino is on a mission to prove you don't have to sacrifice comfort for style. Now a seven-figure business with ambitions to hit eight figures this year, what's the story behind these two sisters and their shoe brand?

Co-founders Esther and Amy Tai join us to share their journey of building a D2C brand from scratch. They discuss their "comfort-first" R&D process, their modern omnichannel strategy powered by TikTok Shop, and how their signature "Hana flower" design has become a valuable piece of intellectual property.

We discuss:

  • The journey of building a 7-figure D2C footwear brand.

  • Their "comfort-first" R&D process using unique foam insoles.

  • How they leverage their "Hana flower" IP for branding and major collaborations.

  • Their omnichannel strategy, including the surprising power of TikTok Shop.

  • Their plans for new product categories and international expansion.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan, Carol Wong

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  Women in BusinessCorporatesmanagingfashionentrepreneurs

Tags:  D2CDirect-to-Consumerfashione commercebrand buildingtiktok shop





Play / Pause

Listen now : Bar None: (REPEAT) We look ahead to the upcoming SEA Games and...

Today’s Shows



11:00 AM

Best of Enterprise

(REPEAT) We discuss how AI is shaping information, engagement, and credibility in the digital age with Kiron Kesav, Chief Strategy Officer, PHD APAC at OMG Malaysia.

12:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

(REPEAT) We review Zootopia 2 and then ask: What (or who) are your favourite on-screen animal characters?

1:00 PM

Cruise Control

(REPEAT) We talk about Perodua's new EV, the QV-E and the conversations surrounding it. Daniel also shares his thoughts on the recently launched luxury sedan from JAC, the Maestro S800.

2:00 PM

Matt-Splained

(REPEAT) We look at the benefits of pressure washing your brain, Matt’s morbid curiosity and Richard’s misconceptions about horror fans.

3:00 PM

Earth Matters

(REPEAT) We speak to Meenakshi Raman about what COP30 in Belém achieved, what fell short, and what the outcomes mean for global climate action.

4:00 PM

Bar None

(REPEAT) We look ahead to the upcoming SEA Games and Malaysia's chances in the tournament.

5:00 PM

BBC World Service

What kinds of food and drink help people keep warm while living in extreme cold? The Food Chain explores.