With the brands at DORS @ Design Orchard, motherhood has inspired brands built with heart, weaving stories of love, sustainability, and self-care into every design.
Their journeys into parenthood sparked more than just businesses—they sparked movements, each aligned with the very soul of DORS: thoughtful design, meaningful connection, and a commitment to making every day a little more beautiful.
For Andrea Lai, founder of Happy Rei, motherhood was the catalyst for creation. Just three months after welcoming her first child, Hailey, Andrea channelled sleepless nights and joyful milestones into a brand that would make the early years of parenting softer, sweeter, and a little more magical.
Being part of the DORS community has been such a valuable experience for us. It’s given me a deeper understanding of what catches the eye of both tourists and locals, and which designs truly resonate… There’s a sense of credibility and trust that comes with being part of a curated space like that, and it’s helped position us as more than just another baby brand. It’s allowed us to stay relevant in the design world while continuing to celebrate thoughtful, homegrown creativity.– Andrea Lai
Each pillowcase and pajama set she designs is rooted in personal memory and storytelling—Singapore’s hawker treats, childhood nostalgia, and the simple joy of bedtime conversations. Through Happy Rei, Andrea reminds families that the little moments—the giggles, the stories whispered at night—are what truly build a home.
Across the way, Nimbu was born from a different but equally powerful realisation. Founder Kriti Gupta stood amid the clutter of her son's outgrown baby clothes, feeling the deep dissonance between her professional commitment to sustainability and the overwhelming waste of early parenthood. Nimbu became her answer: a brand that blends Singapore’s cultural vibrancy with sustainable, circular fashion for families.
Being part of the DORS ecosystem has been such a gift. It’s more than just a retail space — it’s a nurturing community of like-minded founders who believe in slow fashion, local design, and mindful entrepreneurship. Having Nimbu stocked at DORS gave us incredible exposure and helped us connect with customers who value thoughtful storytelling and craftsmanship. It’s also a place where I’ve found inspiration, collaboration, and the courage to keep dreaming bigger. – Kriti Gupta
And then there is Selenightco, co-founded by Nora Lim, where motherhood uncovered an even more intimate truth: that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity. In the chaos of new motherhood, Nora caught a glimpse of herself—exhausted, worn out, yet still determined to give her best. That moment sparked a commitment to create sleepwear and loungewear that nurture women the way they nurture everyone else.
Being part of the DORS community has been such a big part of my growth as a founder and creative. It’s given me the chance to connect with a wider audience, get real feedback, and learn alongside other amazing local brands. Being in a space that champions Singaporean creativity, innovation, and sustainability has really pushed me to keep evolving — and reminds me how meaningful it is to be part of a community that believes in building each other up. – Nora Lim
Selenightco’s pieces are an invitation: to rest well, to love gently, and to show up for life renewed. Their ‘Mummy and Me’ sets and cheeky eye masks capture both the humour and tenderness that motherhood demands every single day.
Though their paths differ, Andrea, Kriti, and Nora share a common heartbeat — one that beats for their families, their communities, and for a greater purpose. At DORS, their stories intertwine, creating a space that isn’t just about shopping, but about connecting. Every print, every garment, every thoughtful detail boldly brings the same message: You are seen. You are celebrated. You are loved.
In the end, DORS is not just a destination; it’s a reflection of the journeys that brought these women here — journeys marked by growth, vulnerability, courage, and boundless love. And it’s through their brands that they invite every family to celebrate the beauty of their own stories, one small, meaningful moment at a time.
