For Nur Liyana Bte Sa’ad, better known as Yana, creativity has always been more than a hobby. From spending her childhood drawing to becoming an art teacher, she has always found joy in creating with her hands and sharing that passion with others. What began as a simple handmade gift for a family member eventually became the inspiration behind N.L.B.S, a personalised gift brand founded in 2020.
Named after Yana’s full name, N.L.B.S reflects her personal journey as an artist and entrepreneur. While many people jokingly assume it refers to the National Library, the name actually represents her love for meaningful handmade creations that celebrate memories, relationships, and individuality.
Handmade Products Designed Around Every Customer’s Story.
Personalisation sits at the heart of N.L.B.S. Rather than charging customers based on how detailed or complex their requested artwork is, the brand prices products according to the item itself. This allows customers to freely express their imagination, whether that means creating playful illustrations of themselves in unusual settings or transforming beloved pets into whimsical characters.
Today, N.L.B.S offers custom keychains, bookmarks, pins, hats, shoes, and various personalised gifts alongside original illustrated collections that include sticker blind packs, bookmarks, and exclusive merchandise. Every design begins as a hand-drawn sketch before being digitally refined, printed, precisely cut using a Cricut machine, carefully inspected, and hand-packed, ensuring every order receives the same level of care and attention.
Building A Creative Business Through Trust And Community.
Like many small business owners, Yana faced challenges beyond product creation. Finding reliable suppliers, maintaining consistent quality, and building customer trust required patience and persistence. Perhaps the greatest obstacle, however, was overcoming doubts from people who questioned whether a creative business could become a sustainable career.
Despite those challenges, every satisfied customer and repeat order reinforced her belief in the brand’s purpose. Social media, particularly Instagram, has also played a significant role in N.L.B.S’s growth by helping customers discover the business and share their experiences with others. Whether through reviews, tagged photos, or recommendations, genuine customer support has helped strengthen the brand’s growing community.
Looking Ahead While Continuing To Create Meaningful Keepsakes
Beyond online sales, N.L.B.S has expanded into craft fairs and pop-up events where visitors can explore original collections while placing customised pre-orders. Preparation for each event begins months in advance, from designing new products to creating engaging booth experiences. Supported by her husband, who manages the financial and operational side of the business, Yana continues focusing on bringing new creative ideas to life.
Looking ahead, she hopes to establish N.L.B.S as a recognised destination for personalised gifts while also launching a new sister brand currently in development. Her long-term vision includes opening a physical store where customers can browse handmade collections, customise gifts in person, and create keepsakes that celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Through every product she creates, Yana remains committed to bringing joy, comfort, and lasting memories to those who receive them.
To read more start up stories visit- https://singaporebizjournal.com
