What do you make? What got you guys started doing what you do?
We create awesomeness by recycling banners. In detail, we give new lives to used/unwanted banners by making them into laptop sleeves, wallets, journals, storage bins, planters, coasters, etc. It all started when Huey decided to hand-stitch herself a wallet using banners from her day job (ouch!) because she couldn’t find the perfect one out there.

Tell us a little about your studio.
We moved into this studio earlier this year. It’s nearby so half of the time we cycle over. We painted the walls ourselves with our favorite green and white. We spent about 2 months filling it up with DIY-ed tables and racks, thrift-shop-treasures, etc. In fact, it’s an ongoing project for us and we still find ourselves constantly making and moving things around for this place. For instance, we’re still not entirely done with the corner we use for photo shooting. Also, we’ve been thinking of having some wall decals or chalkboards around. Oh, and our studio isn’t air-conditioned because we prefer fresh air.

What separates you from the rest?
Each and every one of our products are literally one-of-a-kind. There are rarely any duplicates of any items due to the nature of our material. We spend a great amount of time working and designing the structures before we launch a new item. We like to believe that just like our creations, each and everyone of us is unique and full of character – you know, like what all moms would tell their kids.

What are the kind of challenges you face doing what you do in Malaysia?
First of all, recycled/upcycled or handmade items are generally still not too well-accepted and appreciated in Malaysia. While some have started to understand the value and appreciate the process and hard work we go through to create, it’s not surprise to receive responses like ‘isn’t this rubbish?’. And in our case, although there is absolutely nothing wrong with being alike under the culture of mass-production, we like to believe that each and everyone of us is unique. That’s the core of our creations. Sourcing and working with banners really does involve a lot of hard work.

What are your future plans for NottyPooch?
We do have plans for the brand but we’d like to remain flexible and welcome all opportunities and possibilities. But one thing is fore sure: we will never stop increasing the level of awesomeness.

What do you carry with you all the time?
Wah never goes out without his journal. He’s been using a prototype of our current journal+cover. It’s how most, if not all, of NottyPooch’s ideas begin and develop. He constantly records his sketches, notes, etc in it. Huey is some sort of a communication freak, so as you can imagine, she has to have her iPhone and laptop all the time.

Visit NottyPooch.com for a look at all their products and check out our store for some limited edition goodness.