3 days ago
The business of better sleep: How siblings Ken and Vin Yap took Kapas Living from an online store into a thriving home essentials brand in the heart of Kuala Lumpur
But bedding down in brick-and-mortar doesn't mean they're fluffing the original formula.
'We've stayed true to our initial vision of providing luxury and quality bedding without the unnecessary markups,' the founders say. What's evolved? The devil in the delightful details—from extra garters on sheets and additional ties in duvet covers, Kapas Living's packaging is designed to feel like a gift. Their rule of thumb: if it's not 'shyiok' to sleep in, it doesn't make the cut.
'We did have a conversation recently about potentially bringing in a lower-tier product, but we quickly realised that if we don't think it's awesome and something we'd proudly use ourselves, then what's the point? We've always aimed to make products we're truly proud of,' adds Vin.
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Above Kapas Living co-founder Zer Ken Yap
Above Kapas Living co-founder Vin Li Yap
Throughout it all, the sibling dynamic has been both their secret weapon and their spice. Ken dreams up big ideas ('He sees possibilities where others see limitations,' his sister quips) while she keeps the operation grounded in reality and detail. 'I love the challenge of multitasking—whether it's coming up with new product ideas or managing the day-to-day operations, I enjoy tackling multiple things at once to keep the momentum going. It is all in the nitty-gritty!' Vin says.
Their advice to budding entrepreneurs? Prioritise storytelling. 'A strong 'why' will carry you through hard decisions,' they say—like the one they faced when tempted to introduce a budget line.
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'The toughest decision we've made was actually not about one particular product or business move, but about staying true to our values,' says Vin.
'When things started picking up, there were definitely moments where we thought about cutting corners or changing the way we worked to make things easier or cheaper. But we stuck to our guns and kept our focus on quality, honesty, and comfort—no matter what. That was definitely one of the hardest yet most rewarding decisions we made.'
With Kapas Living now a household name in Malaysia ahead of making its mark on Singapore, its founders' journey proves that consistency, conviction, and a sibling-sized dose of teamwork can make even the softest sheets stand out in a crowded market.
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