Tengku Chanela Jamidah is known for her style and beauty. While she could easily pass off as a supermodel and is a bonafide social media star with over 114,000 followers, she’s much more than just a face. Based in Kuala Lumpur, the down-to-earth royal is also known for her ability to juggle many businesses at the same time and is a successful entrepreneur, founding fashion label Thavia in 2016 and a co-founder of Dida For Women cosmetics and The Events store (MY). Jamidah is also a mother to two kids: nine-year-old Thalia and three-year-old Bryan.
Mummyfique chats with this go-getting mama to find out more about what drives her, her personal style and what’s next on her plate.
Mummyfique: Wow with three businesses on your plate, you must be really busy. Can you share what a typical day in the life of Tengku Chanela Jamidah is like?
Tengku Chanela Jamidah: I’m usually in either the Thavia or Dida office in the morning to take care of business-related matters, and to plan and strategise for our next campaign or collection.
When I’m off work, I usually work out. It’s either a run at the gym, a hot yoga session or playing with my kids at the park. My favourite time of the day is coming home to my kids.
I usually cook dinner for the family and it’s after the kids go to bed that I start on work again. I spend time going through social media to keep up with the trends, as well as do some research and reading.
Is there any motto you live by?
Contribute positively to society, but do it by doing something you love. We all have a special skill or talent, so find it and it will guide you.
How would you describe your style and who are some of your style icons?
Effortless, chic and versatile – these are the words that I think best describe my style. For inspiration, I look to Victoria Beckham as she is always so elegant and chic, and Christine Centenera for her rebellious, yet effortless look.
Can you share how you became a businesswoman?
It started with my first fashion venture ‘We are Ultra’, which was made up of a collective of designers, thinkers and makers. Together we launched Ultra Woman that won an award at a competition judged by Vogue fashion editors
I moved into marketing and PR for Malaysian designer Jonathan Liang, and was part of a team that was behind his first show in Kuala Lumpur.
I started a luxury handbag and accessory store, as well as a multi-brand store, but I realised that my first love was still fashion. Hence, I decided to start my own brand Thavia.
How do you try and stand out from the competition and what plans do you have?
You have to be relevant, engaging and ahead of the game. I’m definitely looking at expanding our market reach and penetrating newer and bigger markets, as well as doing more creative collaborations.
What are the challenges of being a mum and entrepreneur at the same time?
Missing out on important occasions such as sports days and other special events. However, I don’t think that it’s fair to say that I’m neglecting my children by being a working mum. Rather, I’m being a good example to them.
What moments during motherhood journey do you cherish the most?
I love to hear my children’s laughter and see them smile. Whenever that happens, I feel that my heart is full. My life has also become more meaningful and fulfilled since I became a mum as I now have someone that I am working to achieve something for.
