Michele Ong Yuk Mei’s journey into the world of jewellery has been anything but straightforward. After participating in the Miss Astro Chinese International Pageant in 2016, she faced significant challenges in her initial career in the entertainment industry. Her aspirations clashed with the harsh realities of a competitive market, leaving her grappling with a series of setbacks.
Originally from Penang, Ong found herself living in Kuala Lumpur under a strict one-year contract, attending events nearly every day. The financial burden was considerable. “Being a celebrity is expensive. It requires a lot of expenses to look good,” Ong reflected. She struggled to keep her finances afloat, often sacrificing her savings to cover the costs of clothing, beauty products, and the demands of her lifestyle while also managing her home and car loans, as well as providing for her parents.
A Spark of Inspiration from a Gift
Ong’s turning point came in an unexpected form. Her mother, a crystal enthusiast, gifted her a bracelet made from Brazilian crystals, intended to bring good luck. Initially skeptical of its supposed healing properties, Ong kept the bracelet close to remind her of her mother’s love. One day, during a moment of reflection, she experienced a profound vision: a thin streak of purple, silver, and red light while showering. “I did not understand what it meant but took it as a sign for me to do something about my life,” she shared.
This moment was pivotal. It prompted Ong to reassess her situation and recognize the importance of taking control of her destiny. Tired of waiting for opportunities to come to her, she resolved to carve out her own path in life.
The Birth of Yukimoto
After concluding her contract in Kuala Lumpur, Ong returned to her roots in George Town and founded Yukimoto, a unique online enterprise. The name Yukimoto is a blend of her middle name and the abbreviation OTO, which signifies the brand’s transition from e-commerce to physical retail. The company specializes in offering a diverse range of locally sourced crystals.
To promote her new venture, Ong utilized Facebook Live to showcase her products while keeping her identity under wraps. Her initial anonymity proved effective, as the interest in her brand grew, boosting her confidence to eventually reveal herself to her audience. “The number of viewers and buyers kept increasing by the day,” she noted, a testament to her resilience and the appeal of her products.
Redefining Crystal Jewellery
Despite the initial success of Yukimoto, Ong recognized that her offerings were too traditional and not appealing enough to a younger demographic. Determined to innovate, she integrated fashion elements into her designs and became increasingly involved in the creative process. This strategic pivot not only revitalized her brand but also expanded her customer base.
To ensure the highest quality, Ong sources materials from both local and international markets. She travels to countries like Japan and China several times a year, scouting for the finest stones, crystals, and pearls. Approximately 60% of Yukimoto’s creations are handcrafted in Penang, while the ready-to-wear collections are sourced from Japan.
Commitment to Quality and Craftsmanship
Quality control is paramount for Ong, and she prioritizes meticulous attention to detail in every piece. To maintain high standards, she collaborates closely with local goldsmiths, overseeing their work on customized jewellery. “I work with only a few craftsmen because I am particular about their ability to deliver the best. That’s why our custom-made items take longer to complete. One piece requires at least 10 days to finish. So, in a month, we can fulfil around three orders,” Ong explained.
Her partnership with a manufacturer in Japan helps keep inventory fresh and up-to-date, ensuring that Yukimoto’s offerings remain competitive in the ever-evolving jewellery market.
Learning the Art of Jewellery Making
Although Ong lacked formal training in jewellery-making before establishing Yukimoto, she was eager to learn. She dedicated herself to mastering the intricacies of the craft, from theory to practical skills, including sketching designs and selecting the right combinations of stones and metals to create visually appealing and cohesive pieces.
According to Ong, the value of gemstones is determined by four primary factors: size, clarity, cut, and color. “The more transparent the stone, the higher its clarity. The cut will influence its brilliance, and those with greater saturation will be more expensive,” she explained. While she acknowledges the importance of design, Ong places greater emphasis on the uniqueness of the stones themselves. “Design can just be anything, but the rarity comes from the stone itself. You will hardly encounter the same type twice,” she stated.
Yukimoto’s catalogue features a variety of gemstones, including tourmaline, ruby, morganite, sapphire, and emerald, with many pieces paired with 18-carat gold. Ong advocates for the use of 18-carat gold, emphasizing its durability and aesthetic appeal. “In Malaysia, not many see the beauty of 18-carat gold, but it is actually widely used by high-end companies as well. Besides being durable, it is my favourite hardware to play with because of its yellow shade that is not too strong, making it suitable for the Asian skin tone,” she shared.
A Flourishing Home-Grown Brand
Since its inception in early 2018, Yukimoto has blossomed into a thriving home-grown jewellery brand that caters to those intrigued by the healing powers of natural stones, as well as those seeking sophisticated and unique designs.
The brand’s flagship boutique is located in Menara BRDB in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. The physical space reflects Ong’s minimalist aesthetic, with display cabinets and comfortable lounges designed for client consultations. The showroom’s spacious layout offers an inviting atmosphere for customers to explore the collections.
Future Vision for Yukimoto
Ong’s vision for Yukimoto extends beyond mere sales; she aspires for her brand to be synonymous with quality and affordability. “I want people to think of Yukimoto when they think of quality jewellery with reasonable prices,” she stated confidently.
In September 2024, Yukimoto marked a significant milestone by opening a second outlet in a historic building on Lebuh Noordin in George Town, further solidifying Ong’s commitment to her roots and her passion for creating beautiful, meaningful jewellery. This expansion signifies not only the growth of her brand but also her journey from a struggling celebrity to a successful entrepreneur, demonstrating the power of resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to one’s heritage.
As Yukimoto continues to evolve, Michele Ong Yuk Mei stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion and determination in the world of fine craftsmanship and crystal healing.
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