Last September in London, I found a little linen-bound book by Hermès called Straight from the Horse’s Mouth. It’s small, unassuming, but absolutely brilliant. Packed with insider stories, wit, and wild imagination, it’s the kind of book you keep returning to. My favourite chapter? The story of Annie Beaumel.

Annie started at Hermès in 1926 selling gloves. She ended up running their window displays, turning them into full-blown theatre. She built flower trains, borrowed wax figures from museums, and once pinned a butterfly to the Mona Lisa’s shoulder. “That livens her up a bit,” she said. The curator nearly fainted.

Her story reminded me of ours. Jesse, one of our best sales people, started as a baker. Our master tailor was once a dishwasher. I began as an illustrator. At nala, if you love what you do and enjoy the process, there’s no limit to where you can go. Passion, not position, is what shapes the journey.

I keep that little book on my desk.
It reminds me to stay curious.
To laugh.
To be bold.
And maybe… to pin a butterfly where no one expects it.

There are shops, and then there’s Mano Plus.

It’s not just a place to discover well-made objects, it’s a reflection of someone I’m lucky to call a friend.
Goh, the founder, has supported Nala from the very beginning, and I’ve always admired his generosity, good taste, and calm wisdom. We’ve shared ideas, long conversations, and a deep belief that living well means surrounding ourselves with things that are made with care.

Everything in Mano Plus feels considered, not curated for show, but chosen with heart. I love what he’s built. It’s genuine, timeless, and we need more places like this in KL.

You’ll find it in GMBB, a slightly awkward building in a slightly awkward spot. You’ll probably miss it the first time you drive past. But it’s worth turning around for.