NUS Co-op x Muji Community Market: Afterthoughts by our students
March happenings!
NUS Co-op SEM Students share their experiences and afterthoughts of boothing at Muji Singapore Plaza Singapura’s storefront from 23 March to 26 March 2023.
In March, 17 students and alumni from the NUS Co-op Student Entrepreneur's Market took part in the Muji x NUS Co-op Community Market over 4 days.
For our participants, it was indeed an exciting and novel experience for many of them. Muji Singapore provided our participants with a platform to showcase their talents to a bigger audience in the form of handcrafted goods and services, allowing them to gain immeasurable experience and exposure for their business.
We interviewed several students who shared their experiences and what they had learnt during the four days event at Muji Plaza Singapura.
Several NUS Sem Students have banded together for a quick pic! (Photo credits: Jessie @handydandysg on IG)
1. What is one word you will use to describe this boothing experience at Muji Plaza Singapura?
Jun Yuan (burntcandles.sg): Fruitful!
Ens (howpetalsfall): Lively.
Jessie (handydandysg): Fun!
Customers trying out a new scent by Ooctopus SG on the day of the Muji Marketplace.
2. Was this your first time selling and interacting with customers in such a retail outlet? Was this experience similar to what you had expected, why or why not?
Sharon (Ooctopus): That was my first time selling and interacting with customers in such retail. The experience was similar to what I expected. I had fun engaging with the customers, and building relationships with potential customers. The experience was challenging at the same time rewarding. Customers were excited and interested in seeing new items.
Caylee (strawberry_champagne_sparkles): Nope, I had boothed quite often last year. The experience had given me insight into who is and who is not my target audience for my business.
Ens (howpetalsfall): This was my first time selling in a retail outlet because I usually go to Art conventions and events. It was better than I expected because I got to meet people from all walks of life! There were curious office workers who frequent the Muji Cafe but did not usually see such a market happening, so they were quite excited too. I had fun talking to this lovely customer who showed me photos of Japan since she recognised that my pins were inspired by Japanese films.
Dora, founder of @craftsbydora (above) hosting a workshop on a beginner’s guide to decoden jewellery during the event.
3. What is your largest takeaway from this boothing experience?
Pei Shi (itsfoops): The experience itself, including co-managing a booth with another maker, as well as trying to juggle class schedules with the booths.
Meredith (thecrochetstop): (that it was important) to prepare early for the booth. I could not prepare an adequate number of items for the booth due to school and other commitments hence for the 3 days that I boothed at MUJI, I needed to rush to crochet every night after the booth. Thinking back, giving myself a bit more time to prepare for the booth is indeed important.
Jun Yuan (burntcandles.sg): To be able to meet other student entrepreneurs that are part of the NUS Co-op's SEM!
Angel (kireikoii): My largest takeaway is on how to appeal to different demographics. At my previous booths, most customers expect handmade items and understood the higher prices for these intricately designed items. However, at the Muji booth, it took some time for customers to understand how much work it takes for each and every single art piece to be completed. However, it was fun to chat about my items and have the customers go "Oh! I didn't know these were handmade!".
Amidst the hustle and bustle, our SEM participants tried their best to accommodate the large numbers at Muji Plaza Singapura during the event.
4. Last but not least, what is one piece of advice you will give your fellow students who might be interested in SEM (Student Entrepreneurial Market)?
Pei Shi (itsfoops): It is a great opportunity to explore your and your business' potential, and to interact with other like-minded creatives in the local maker's scene!
Meredith (thecrochetstop): Have an open mind! Don't be afraid to try! Most importantly, enjoy the process!
Jessie (handydandysg): Experience the fun and joy of making friends from this :)
Sharon (Ooctopus): My few pieces of advice to students who are interested in SEM. Start small, grow steadily and build relationships with other entrepreneurs.
Caylee (strawberry_champagne_sparkles): Just do it, friends! It's a great opportunity.
Though this might have been the first collaboration NUS Co-op has had with MUJI Singapore, it is far from the last. Stay tuned to more collaborations we might have in the future!
Interested in SEM? Do check out our FAQ here!