While modelling and baking seem to be two different worlds altogether, it’s not the case for 26-year-old Alysia, who has seen these two passions intertwined to shape a unique journey.
Balancing her own online bakery, TinyPockets, alongside a growing modelling career, Alysia’s path has been far from ordinary, marked by moments of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and creative ambition.
A Sweet Start in the UK
Originally studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Bristol, Alysia followed a path shaped by family expectations but harboured a love for baking and hospitality.
Her parents, like many in Asia, preferred that she pursue traditional fields like medicine, law, or engineering.
While I knew I wasn’t into any of those, I picked something my parents wouldn’t hate and one I’d be able to finish without regrets like Accounting and Finance,” she explained.
It was during Alysia’s time in the UK that her love for baking and her learnings in the junior culinary camp since Form 1 resurfaced, driven by the culinary culture she experienced.
I remember just making desserts for friends who thought they were so good they pushed me to sell them. There was also a time when I made a dessert table for a friend’s 21st birthday. Some people wanted to partner with me to start a business there,” she said.
Interestingly, it was a friend’s breakup and Alysia’s efforts to distract her from it that turned out to be the driving force behind Alysia’s wanting to start something related to baking.
My friend takes really good pictures, and so I called several mutual friends who can manage the operations and possess an aesthetic sense in the design aspect to start a passion project named Butter Pockets. It was like a dream team.”
Even though the business only lasted for two weeks due to Covid lockdowns, they managed to not only break even but earn dozens of pounds sterling (GBP) each week.
“I will never forget how we woke up at 5 am to bake because the electric bill would be cheaper and using only a measuring spoon because I didn’t want to spend on a weighing machine,” recalled Alysia with a laugh.
Continuing her Baking Journey
The brief experience in the UK planted the seed for Alysia’s current business, TinyPockets, which she officially launched in December 2020.
Just like everyone else, Covid-19 swept throughout the globe and Alysia had to come back to Malaysia to continue her studies online.
During the lockdown, I didn’t have much to do so I started baking for my family using our 10-year-old oven. Sooner, I started selling desserts to friends, who would then post them online, bringing in a wave of interest.”
The festive season during the pandemic turned out to be perfect timing as Alysia began to see a steady stream of customers eagerly gifting her eight-piece dessert boxes to loved ones.
While sales boomed throughout December, there was a slowdown in January, which thankfully didn’t last long as sales began to climb again during Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Remarkably, TinyPockets broke even in its very first month and with her primary investment going into premium ingredients, Alysia is committed to maintaining quality, especially when it comes to her signature cream.
I use only the best cream,” she insisted. “And it bothers me if anyone tries to scrape it off!“
Given the fact that she’s a model too, Alysia’s very mindful of her health and ensures that her desserts are made bite-sized but still rich in flavour, relying on premium ingredients to ensure a satisfying taste that’s not overly indulgent.
TinyPockets grew steadily, gaining consistent traction by mid-2021, especially after a popular review on PopDaily and RED (小红书) users, which caused orders to skyrocket.
For the first time, I had orders on a daily basis and realised this could be more than just a side business,” she shares.
The demand even attracted customers and resellers from other states, pushing her to create a standardised menu rather than offer custom orders.
When business slowed down towards the end of 2022, Alysia adapted by setting up pop-up stores at bazaars and investing in her first display fridges.
“We then ventured into personalised gift boxes and dessert tables. Dessert tables have always been my thing, but I did not start doing it until I saw its potential after one of my customers asked if they could rent dessert stands from my friend who borrowed a dessert stand from me.”
Aside from the high quality of her goods, Alysia’s innovative and personalised gift boxes for brands like La Mer, Estee Lauder, Origins, Bobbi Brown, Coach and more, further elevated TinyPockets to greater success.
Each collaboration was uniquely crafted to reflect the brand’s image, with personalised touches like hand-written cards, a skill she developed just for her brand.
I practised calligraphy just to make sure all my orders are paired with a hand-written card because I really loved the joy of gift-giving since I was a kid,” she said.
Alysia’s eye for aesthetics with a deep-rooted passion for bringing people joy through food and gifts have also graced high-profile events and weddings.
Through the highs and lows, TinyPockets has become more than a business; it’s a reflection of Alysia’s passion, resilience, and creativity.
As her mother recently found a childhood note of hers aspiring to be a chef, Alysia couldn’t help but smile. She may not have taken the traditional culinary route, but she’s certainly made her dream a reality—one delicious treat at a time.
From Baker to Model
Around the same time, Alysia found herself navigating the world of modelling. Graduating during the pandemic left her uncertain about her future, and with job opportunities scarce, she turned to modeling as a way to explore her interests and make use of her natural height.
I thought modelling would just be a way to work on my posture as I have been facing some humpback issues since I was young due to my height. I never imagined I’d take it this far,” she laughs.
Thus, she took on the courses offered by the Amber Chia Academy when they were offering a 50% discount during the pandemic.
Alysia’s modelling career later took off in the form of her walking on the runways for notable brands and earning herself a Top 10 spot in ‘Face of Malaysia’ and prestigious fashion shows.
Despite her early success, Alysia has felt the weight of an industry that often celebrates traditional standards of beauty.
I don’t have the typical face or body that’s always favoured in the Malaysian modelling world. My body frame is too broad and rather ordinary-looking.
“At times, I do feel extremely self-conscious. However, I managed to find confidence in brands that embraced my individuality and secure partnerships with famed brands like Hermès Paris, Bonia, and Samsung.
“Everyone was shocked when Hermès Paris picked me, but it was because my body frame could fit in their softer shirt perfectly.
I was the only Chinese-looking face of that batch. It was at that point when I realised that modelling was about more than fitting a mould—it’s about bringing out the best in myself,” Alysia reflected.
Balancing the Sweet and Glamorous
With both her modelling and baking ventures taking off, Alysia has developed a unique rhythm to manage both pursuits. Despite the stress, her journey embodies resilience and a sense of joy.
My friends often laugh over it, asking me how I keep fit as a model while doing taste tests and staying up late for my F&B business,” she quipped.
“I frequently pull all-nighters for events, but these challenging moments have taught me valuable lessons in problem-solving, from tart mishaps to last-minute adjustments for dessert tables.
“There were even nights where I’d sleep maybe an hour or two at my baking studio. But honestly? It’s all worth it.”
It was a blast to see my parents changing from not supporting my career to introducing them to people around them now. I always believe determination is the key to success.”
This year, Alysia found an opportunity for both her careers to cross paths by setting up a dessert table for a fashion show, something which she called “a dream come true”.
While both industries come with their uncertainties, Alysia remains committed to growing her ‘baby’ TinyPockets and continuing her modelling journey.
Although there were times she briefly considered selling off the business, loyal customers and her passion for the craft have inspired her to keep going.
I sometimes think about what I would do without TinyPockets. But it’s my baby, something I nurtured from scratch and I’m just not ready to let it go,” she admits.
Her dream is for TinyPockets to become a “must-try” dessert experience in Kuala Lumpur as well as blend her love for baking with her growing network in the fashion industry.
Alysia’s story is a testament to her resilience and creative spirit, proving that one can build a fulfilling career—even when it’s not the traditional path expected.
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