Amy Blair didn’t move to Malaysia with a business plan in hand.
At the time, she was sourcing batik fabric to help a single mother generate income. There was no grand ambition. No carefully mapped strategy. Just a willingness to help and see where it might lead.
But staying curious changed everything. What began as a small act of support eventually became Batik Boutique, the social enterprise she now leads.
The journey wasn’t instant. It was built through conversations, patience, and the steady work of earning trust in a country far from Texas, where she grew up. Building in Malaysia meant listening more than speaking. Understanding before acting. Learning how to lead without assuming.
Amy’s story is not about chasing scale. It’s about what happens when you choose to stay present long enough for something meaningful to take shape.
🌻 How do you set your vibe for the day?
I start my day slowly with a protein shake followed by coffee. I hug my 3 kids before they are off to school. I check my phone and my calendar to get aligned for the day. Then, I say a prayer and center my focus for the day.
🛋️ How do you relax?
Being at home with no agenda is a luxury to me with running a business and raising kids. I also like to be in nature and go for a long walk. And I build in self care like facials or massages as often as I can.
💼 How would you describe your work to someone outside of your field?
I built and run a business that puts people first. We use fashion and craft as tools to create stable income, confidence, and opportunity for vulnerable communities through retail outlets and corporate apparel/gifting.
🇲🇾 What was the moment you knew you wanted to build something in Malaysia?
When I met women whose talent was undeniable but whose opportunities were limited by circumstance. And I fell in love with Malaysia and though the whole work should know about this country. It became very clear to me that business could be part of the solution here.
🏠 Being far from home, how do you build a support system in a new country?
Slowly and intentionally. By saying yes to conversations, showing up consistently, and being honest when I need help. Community takes time and trust and I have a good mix of Malaysian and expat “family".
🧠 What does mindset change look like in the communities you work with?
It’s the shift from “I can’t” to “ I can try.” From focusing only on survival to being able to imagine a future. That change is powerful and very real.
🌎 How do you make connections with people from different backgrounds?
With curiosity and as a learner. I try to ask a lot of questions and not assume my experience is the default or best way.
🤝 Do you enjoy networking?
I enjoy meaningful conversations. Putting yourself out there is a good experience to intentionally connect with others. I try to make it a habit to not only think of what I want in a situation but also how I can help or connect others and that makes me happy.
🌐 Best encounter at a networking event?
Meeting someone who later became a long term collaborator and friend. The best connections often happen spontaneously and you never know what can happen if you don’t put yourself out there.
💖 What’s your favourite thing about Mole?
The heart behind it. It celebrates people in a way that feels genuine and thoughtful.
🎧 What are you listening to now?
I listen to podcasts about business, leadership, marketing and personal growth mainly. I’ve been known to have a good play list of pop or rap music to remind me of my younger days and give me energy. 🙂
🍧 Favourite snack or dessert?
Chocolate chip cookies and a coffee
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Amy’s journey shows that leadership doesn’t always begin with expertise. Sometimes it begins with proximity. With paying attention. With choosing to stay when things get complicated.
Today, she stands at the intersection of culture, commerce, and community. Not as an outsider looking in, but as someone who has done the work to understand before building.
If you’re exploring business with purpose, ethical production, or cross-cultural leadership, Amy is someone worth learning from.
Who should network with Amy:
- Founders building purpose-driven or impact-led ventures
- Corporate leaders exploring ethical sourcing or sustainable supply chains
- Creatives and entrepreneurs interested in heritage craft and community empowerment
The right conversations don’t just grow businesses. They shape perspective. And Amy is someone who builds both.
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