When two women with a shared passion for craftsmanship and a commitment to empowering communities come together, something extraordinary happens. Such is the story of Ranong Peru, founder of Ran & Nong Creations, and Olivia Ling, creator of Poppies Exclusive championing the Penan Women Project. Their friendship, forged at the BorneoCraft Global Expo & Conference 2024, has given rise to a collaboration that beautifully intertwines Sarawak’s heritage with modern design, producing exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story of resilience, artistry, and empowerment.

Ranong’s journey began in the remote village of Ba’kelalan, Sarawak, where she grew up watching elders craft intricate beaded designs. Inspired by the cultural heritage of her people, Ranong turned to handicrafts as a way to honor her roots. What started as a simple hobby evolved into a thriving business when her daughter created a blog in 2009 to showcase her creations. Initially featuring hand-knitted baby booties, gloves, and bead necklaces, Ranong’s offerings soon expanded to include 3D-beaded necklaces, earrings, brooches, and even crochet amigurumi.

At the convention, Olivia and Ranong found kindred spirits in each other. They bonded over their shared dedication to celebrating beauty and design while uplifting the women of Sarawak. Sharing booth space at the event, they envisioned a collaboration that would combine their skills to create something truly unique. Their first project - a bespoke clutch - was commissioned for Johor royalty, Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Kamariah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

This clutch, symbolic of their collaboration, is more than just an accessory. It represents the fusion of heritage craftsmanship with a modern flair. Through their work, Olivia and Ranong hope to expand the market for Sarawak’s traditional crafts, offering sustainable income for the artisans while preserving their cultural heritage.

Ran & Nong Creations is a testament to Ranong’s ingenuity and love for nature, travel, and her children, which inspire her designs. Over the years, her business has grown from local markets to an international audience drawn to her personal touch and dedication to quality.

Now, with this new collaboration, the possibilities are endless. Their first collection will feature intricately designed clutches, but both Olivia and Ranong are excited about what lies ahead. Together, they are crafting not just products but a legacy - one that empowers Sarawakian women, uplifts communities, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak.

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