The GRAZIA Game Changers initiative recognises the people who have been creating meaningful impact in Singapore and throughout Asia. This year, in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we invited the honorees from our inaugural edition to pass the torch to a new class of talented and spirited individuals. Meet Maya and Mili Kale, the sisters behind Moom Health, a wellness start-up that creates expert-backed supplements tailored for Asian women.
What does the term “game changer” mean to you?
Mili and Maya Kale (M&MK): To us, a game changer is someone dedicated to making moves, someone dedicated to changing things up, and someone dedicated to break from the status quo.
How did you discover your purpose in life?
M&MK: We realised what we were most passionate about: the health and wellbeing of those around us, whether it’s the people closest to us, or now, our amazing community of women at Moom Health. Taking time for yourself, adding rituals into your everyday, and prioritising your health and wellbeing matters a lot.
What are the qualities that you most value in people? How do you embody them yourself?
M&MK: Respect and hard work! These have been qualities that have been instilled in us by our mother since we were kids and will always be the two things we value in those around us. At Moom Health, we always say that there is no job too small or too big for anyone and make it a point to always make sure that everyone feels respected and part of the bigger picture! When it comes to hard work, this is something that leads right to respect and “earning it”. Work hard, work smart, and have fun—that’s how we operate and how we hope for our team to operate, always.
How would you say you’ve played your part to be a game changer in the industry you’re in?
M&MK: Women’s health is one of the most underserved and under-researched categories in the direct-to-consumer market. And research and products targeting Asian women’s health is almost non-existent. We are working to change that through products, education, access and actively conducting clinical research to ultimately change the landscape of women’s health.
What have been the highlights and major challenges of that journey? How did you overcome each hurdle?
M&MK: Some of our highlights are building our team, raising a seed round as two female founders in a male-dominated industry, launching in major retailers in Singapore and Malaysia, creating products that make tangible change and impact in the lives of our community members… the list truly goes on! As with any success story, there are always countless challenges. In our case, that includes supply chain delays and issues, customers expecting better service, hiring fast and smart, and more. But it truly is our team and our passion that get us through everything.
What are some changes you’d like to see in your industry and how would you see your role in influencing them?
M&MK: Education, more specifically expert-backed, clinically-studied education! There is so much information out there, especially on TikTok and Instagram. It’s so easy to get swayed by the latest trend or product. But truly understanding and knowing what you are taking or using—be it a supplement, skincare, or what you eat—is so important. We hope to make that change in our industry and region, and do so in a fun, transparent, and easy-to-understand way!
What keeps you motivated and passionate about what you do?
M&MK: Our community and our team! Seeing the real-life impact of Moom Health and interacting with our community in a very personal way, both online and offline, is what keeps us going.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or life lesson that you’ve learned?
M&MK: Trust your gut and keep your blinders up. If you believe in what you are doing and are doing strong work, there will always be “haters” and imitators. Someone can see what you’re building and want to create something similar, or put you down for not creating something “good enough”. Just remember it’s all in the execution and the magic that you bring!
What do you hope people take away from your journey as a game changer?
M&MK: We just hope to have made an impact in the lives of our community members regardless of how small or big. To us, that’s the ultimate game-changing move!
PHOTOGRAPHY ZANTZ HAN
STYLING KELLY HSU
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
PRODUCER BRYAN GOH
HAIR AND MAKEUP VICTORIA HWANG/THE SUBURBS STUDIO, USING NARS COSMETICS AND KEVIN.MURPHY (MILI KALE); SOPHIA SOH/THE SUBURBS STUDIO, USING ESTÉE LAUDER AND KEVIN.MURPHY (MAYA KALE)
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT YAM SIN YEAN
STYLING ASSISTANT CARLYN SOO