James & Winnie on 2025

Looking Back, Moving Forward

As 2025 comes to a close, we pause to reflect on a year filled with craft, community, and perseverance. From unforgettable adventures to surprising milestones, James and Winnie, co-founders of Bynd Artisan, share the moments that made their hearts glow, the lessons that stayed with them, and the hopes they carry into the year ahead.

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James and Winnie, looking back at 2025, which moment made your heart truly glow?
Winnie Chan: The recent Christmas Atelier. Friends and our community gathered for our pop-up amid beautiful festive décor. It felt intimate and celebratory.

James Quan: The Eye Ball 2025, where I sang in English to help raise funds for a charity that supports the visually impaired.

If you could hit “replay” on one moment from the year, which would it be, and why?
WC: Driving through snowy roads in Hakone in February because James keyed in the wrong number into the local GPS. The scenery was breathtaking, we were excited and a little fearful. It was getting dark and we were going the wrong way, but that mix of awe and adventure made it unforgettable.

JQ: Picking up Pickleball earlier so I could be a better player than I am now. 

Out of all the launches this year, which one exceeded your expectations?
JQ: The Quilted Puffy series, which we expanded the product range this year. Experimenting with different materials opened up new possibilities.

WC: I agree, the same goes for our new Wabisabi collection which was very well received. I’m excited to explore more alternative materials in the new year. I also really enjoyed the Light Steps Journal collaboration with happiness scientist Sha-En Yeo, and I am excited for her Start 2026 Gently Workshop on 10 January 2026 from 3pm - 5pm.

When you reflect on Bynd Artisan in 2025, what are you most proud of, and what challenges or lessons stayed with you?
WC: I’m proud to share that since June, our retail business has transformed into a profitable cost centre, no longer relying on our corporate arm to sustain it. This shift did not come easily—it required difficult decisions, discipline, and a willingness to confront hard truths. Earlier this year, I was deeply saddened by the decision not to renew our tenancies at Chip Bee Gardens and ION Orchard. Changing consumer habits, increased travel, and declining retail footfall, coupled with rising rents, meant the numbers no longer added up. As much as my heart wanted to hold on, leadership required me to listen to what the numbers were telling us.

Letting go of our letterpress machine and saying goodbye to spaces filled with precious memories was especially hard. These were not just stores or equipment; they were chapters of our journey, places where stories were made and milestones celebrated.



JQ: I’m encouraged that our corporate gifting clients are trusting us to design and create beyond leather and paper, expanding the materials we work with and the possibilities of our craft.

What’s one small win, personal or professional, that brought you joy but might have gone unnoticed?
WC: My bone mineral density improved from osteopenic to normal! A year of Pilates and strength training paid off. I feel stronger, and even my beta cross-laps improved — a small but meaningful marker of bone health.

JQ: We’re on track for our best-performing year in corporate bespoke sales since our inception.

If you could give one piece of advice to your 2025 self, what would it be?
WC: Cherish your relationships, with family, friends, and colleagues. They are what make life meaningful and fulfilling.

JQ: Don’t stop dreaming; when you stop dreaming, you stop growing.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited to explore or try with Bynd Artisan in 2026?
WC: Being more intentional with my time and even more focused on bringing great experiences to our community.

JQ: I wish to explore a music festival of sorts with our clients, collaborators, colleagues, etc.

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