PASAR BESTIES Bazaar: The Butterfly Project’s Initiative Promoting the First Step to Happiness

Joining forces with brands and partners to promote Mental Health Awareness Month in May, inspiring your first step towards better wellbeing

Not many people will understand or recognize the importance of caring for their mental health; some may not even realize they are experiencing mental health issues. Mental health issues can affect anyone, irrespective of age, race, or economic and social status or whether you live in rural or urban area. Due to cultural norms and stigma, mental health issues are often ignored and not openly discussed, leading many to avoid seeking help.

Ironically, seeking assistance and knowing that you are not alone is typically the initial step in addressing mental health and enhancing overall well-being. This is precisely why the PASAR BESTIES Bazaar, organized by The Butterfly Project, a community platform, aims to foster conversations, offer a safe platform for addressing mental health, and raise awareness by collaborating with brands and partners. The bazaar is scheduled for 18 and 19 May 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm, at the The School by Jaya One. It will showcase 13 participating brands, offer 6 specially curated workshops that are complimentary to participate, and feature over 30 vendors selling pre-loved and handmade items.

The National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2019 reported that half a million Malaysians were found to be experiencing symptoms of depression; with the highest prevalence found in: Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Sabah and Melaka. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) survey in 2022 revealed that one in four adolescents suffered from depression, compared to one in five in 2019.

Not only that, the World Health Organization classified burnout as a clinical syndrome brought on by chronic workplace stress in May 2019, signaling that this may be fully recognized as an occupational and work-related disease.

Taking care of your mental health offers numerous benefits. It helps in building emotional resilience, fostering healthy relationships, enhancing focus and concentration, and achieving goals. It also brings more joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction to daily life, fostering a sense of purpose and meaning. Additionally, prioritizing mental health can reduce the risk of developing disorders like depression and anxiety.

Tammy Lim, the founder of The Butterfly Project, Malaysia’s leading beauty and lifestyle KOL community, believes that her platform and its members can play a pivotal role in raising awareness for mental health. "It’s okay not to be okay. The first step is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace happiness. When you're feeling down, who do you turn to? Your best friend. Don't have one? Make one! This is the theme of our event; you do not have to be alone. This event is not only about fun; it's also an opportunity to destress and practice self-care with a variety of self-care brands on board for this two-day event. It's a place for people to connect, make new friends, or spend time with their besties."

Tammy Lim, Founder of Butterfly Project Malaysia

She further emphasized, "It's a win-win situation for both the local community and businesses. Our event also promotes thrifting and reduces waste. The vendors offering pre-loved items are members of our community, empowering them to become entrepreneurs. Additionally, this event spreads happiness through fun, cheerful, and vibrant local brands. I also believe in our community of KOLs to raise awareness and advocate for mental health by lending our voices and reaching out to our followers. I hope you can join us at this bazaar, be happy and find ways to improve your mental health – most importantly, know that you are not alone in this battle."

Here is what you can expect from the event:

· The Golden Duck Supermart Fest! You can join the snack launch and games to win BIG, bring home exciting prizes!

· Mental Health Workshops by Minc. Care and Emotion Pod X Becky Kux

· Self-care and Essential Oils 101 Workshops by Roots Malaysia

· D.I.Y Friendship Bracelet Workhops by Kerlip KL

· How To Use Menstrual Cup Workshop by Breeze For You

· Honey Tasting Workshop by Thousand O’Bee

· Destress with 10 minutes shoulder massage for RM5 by Pressurini Spa

· Complimentary relaxing L'erbolario Hand Massage

· Contests to win Jurlique Treatments Giveaway and Organic Lab's Beauty Bags; and

· Interesting self-care booths to visit such as D.I.Y your own flower bouquet by AvantGarde Blooms and make your own inhaler by Roots Malaysia!

The participating brands in this bazaar are The Golden Duck, Fourteen Studio, Roots Malaysia, AvantGarde Blooms, Organic Lab, Sheeness, Minc.Care, Royal Bath & Co, Breeze For You, Kerlip, Kedai Mom, Absolute Yana, imsycraft and Pressurini.

Mark your calendar for 18-19 May and bring your besties to this bazaar, participate in the free workshops and shop till your heart content, as we raise awareness on mental health this May. For more information about this bazaar and its programme, participating brands and details, visit The Butterfly Project’s Instagram at www.instagram.com/butterflyproject.my and www.butterflyproject.my. Register yourself for the free workshops from www.instagram.com/butterflyproject.my.

Side Note: We highly recommend consulting your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms; depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced concentration, lowered self-esteem, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and disturbed sleep and appetite. Your doctor can provide proper guidance and support tailored to your individual needs.

About Butterfly Project Malaysia

The Butterfly Project beauty & lifestyle community has been fostering collaborations with over 300 brands internationally and locally in Malaysia since 2013. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have remained committed to our mission of providing a platform for reviewers to connect, create content, and empower one another.

Media Contact:

Tammy Lim, Founder of Butterfly Project Malaysia
tammylci@gmail.co