IN her elegant black polka dot dress, shiny six-inch heels, and impeccably styled shoulder-length hair framing her striking face, it's not hard to see just why Farah Putri Mulyani is the sort that turns heads with her presence.
From my vantage point in a cosy corner of one of my favourite cafes in leafy Damansara, I observe the tall and athletically built 37-year-old, noting with bemusement her frantic gaze sweeping the surroundings in search of … well… me.
As her eyes lock into mine, she beams in recognition. Her heels click clacking on the cement floor as she hastens her steps in my direction, we eventually find ourselves sharing a spirited embrace, momentarily indifferent to the curious glances of onlookers.
"I'm so sorry I'm late," Farah Putri — "just call me Farah" — apologises breathlessly as she pulls out a chair and makes herself comfortable for our brunch "date". It's okay, I reassure her, recalling her hectic morning routine of juggling the responsibilities of preparing her 7-year-old daughter, Caddy, for school and tending to her new healthy food venture, FarOats. "Let me get you coffee," I offer, before rising to tend to her order of a hot cup of latte.
In the bustling rhythm that is life, Farah, a freelance linguist, voice-over talent and now, businesswoman, dances to her own tune, a symphony composed of familial bonds, entrepreneurial zeal and an unwavering commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
UNKNOWN TERRITORY
Farah's journey began at the age of 16, when she stepped into the limelight as an actress and presenter, gracing the screens of local TV stations for years after completing her SPM. "I never got the chance to go to college to further my education because I was acting full time," she explains. However, her unwavering love for the creative industry was tempered by the harsh financial realities of the local entertainment scene.
Undeterred, she transitioned into the world of freelancing, evolving into a seasoned linguist and voice artist, crafting her career from the comfort of a home studio. A divorcee for the past six years, Farah seamlessly blends the roles of a dedicated mother and a woman forging her path in the professional realm.
Recently, in an entrepreneurial leap, she ventured into the arena of healthy food, introducing a line of overnight oats under her maiden brand, FarOats. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, freelance career, and a burgeoning business, Farah candidly acknowledges the delicate balancing act she performs daily.
"Striving for balance isn't always achievable. I've started a new business and there's a lot of new things I'm having to learn on the go," she remarks. With candour, she shares her experiences in navigating uncharted territory, developing and marketing her unique product.
"No one is doing it yet, so I'm in a new territory," confides Farah, adding: "I have to set the landscape myself. It's like you're trying to pioneer something, but at the same time, you're trying to learn from companies out there that also offer such things, albeit sold differently. I'm learning… and things I can grab, I just apply it to my business as a temporary guiding principle so I can move the business forward."
She sees a gap in the market and believes that it's one (gap) that she can fill. "I already have a habit of making oats for myself anyway, so it's something I'm familiar with. I hired a food scientist recently so I can work towards having the recipe improved to make it a signature recipe."
Elaborating, the enterprising KL-lite shares that the whole process has been one of invaluable learning. "I made many variations of the recipe at the beginning and sent out samples to people. I never told them what the items were. Based on those findings, I created what I have today."
Next is to broaden her reach. "My target? Hospitals, sports centres, gyms etc. The goal is to open a kitchen soon and create more. I've started putting my products out in vending machines and, at the same time, creating new recipes. I've also lined up other things, like healthy salads, latte and ready-to-go quinoa. But I can't push those yet until I've strengthened the FarOats line."
But Farah's vision extends beyond just her product line; it's about inspiring a shift in mindset, encouraging individuals to appreciate their bodies and make informed choices about what they consume. "If I can have a hand in moving the needle somewhere by putting this product out, I'd be proud," she asserts.
JUGGLING ACT
Farah's ambitions extend beyond the confines of business. Her days are a delicate balance — of motherhood, sports and business. Shares Farah, who keeps healthy by going to the gym and playing Pickleball, "Motherhood is routine; something that's a part of me. You have to show up. Every day I wake up at 6am, send my daughter to school, come back and start my day immediately."
Continuing, she reels off breathlessly: "By noon, I pick Caddy up and give her lunch. Sadly, because of this juggling act that I'm doing, I can't cook anymore. I actually love cooking. I champion work-life balance. But because of this new venture… when you add something to your table, it's only normal that something has to go. If I spread my 24 hours in a day, I have to look at it very realistically and say, ok, what would you be okay to sacrifice?"
Tone resolute, she continues: "I'm never going to sacrifice my time with my child, or the business — it's new so I have to give it more time. And I can't sacrifice what has been working for me for 13 years — my freelance gig. What can I do with the money I make that I can buy and feed my little family with? I buy good food outside, maybe dishes from vegetarian shops, mixed rice places etc."
Taking a sip of her latte, Farah proceeds to share that she's a huge advocate of conscious parenting. "Study your child's nature well and respect it," she advises, adding: "Then just dig it out and make it shine. Give her room. I don't have big rules for my child, but Caddy is known to be disciplined, lovable, playful and friendly with everybody. When I'm disciplining her, I don't hit her. I appeal to her intellect."
Truly in her element, Farah continues: "I always tell my daughter if she doesn't understand what I'm saying, just ask. A child will always have more complicated feelings. They can't verbalise it well so you need to get to their level. I allow her to express herself. I want my child to know why I tell her to do what I tell her to do. I take the time to explain to her. There's willingness then on her part because she fully understands. I end up with a very cooperative child."
FAMILY COMPASS
Born to parents who were entrepreneurs, Farah's upbringing bears the imprints of both tradition and warmth. One of four siblings, she's closest to her younger Pickleball-playing brother, Putra. "I grew up with very loving parents," she shares fondly.
From her father, a man of integrity and shrewd business acumen, she inherited traits of wit, discipline and a keen mind. "My dad was an upright person, full of integrity. He's a very clever, shrewd guy, witty and very disciplined and business-minded."
Conversely, her mother bestowed upon her the nurturing qualities that became a cornerstone for Farah's own parenting philosophy. "Mum was the person I approached to talk about the smaller details. Dad was the person you went to talk ideas, business, politics, etc. I could talk to both of them for hours."
The lessons she gleaned from her parents, both positive and negative, turned into a compass for her own journey. "I'm a critical thinker. It's good to look at your parents and realise... you don't want to repeat generational mistakes and stuff like that. I know for sure that my parents did their best, but some things don't work for me — anymore. Now I say, learn from that and apply."
Yet, amidst the intricacies of familial dynamics, her parents provided a nurturing environment, allowing her ambitions to unfurl. "They gave me space to do what I wanted. I was the kind of kid that who knew what she wanted from an early age," she reflects. This early encouragement fostered in her a sense of assuredness, a trait that became integral to her personality.
Chuckling, Farah shares that since the age of 14, she was already frequenting Kinokuniya (Kino) in KLCC and immersing herself in the wisdom of real-life stories. "I used to go to Kino when I was at school and spent hours sitting there. I started going there because I wanted to read Harry Potter books for free! But eventually, I discovered the self-help section and became curious. I picked one and started reading about business, self-development etc."
Adding enthusiastically, she shares: "I love Chicken Soup for the Soul books. They touch me deeply and make me cry! I think in a lot of ways they validate how I want to live my life as a human being."
The impact of these literary influences transcends nostalgia; it echoes in her daily life, where she embraces introspection and self-reflection. Every night, around 10pm, after putting Caddy to bed, Farah would allow herself meditative moments to process the day's events and project for the next.
Smiling, she confides: "I'm not the type who can fall asleep immediately. I'd switch off the lights, go back outside and sit down and reflect on the day. If there's something that's nagging me, it would just come to the surface during that quiet moment. I'd just process those stuff. I don't like for things to pile up in my mind."
In a world inundated with technology, Farah champions "tech-free" days and minimal social media use. She's the kind that prefers to embrace the tactile rather than the digital. "I'm so busy with work and my cup is full," she says, matter-of-factly.
Adding, Farah admits: "I don't have time for 'accessories'. I work in front of my computer all day so the last thing I want is something digital. I do have entertainment at home, like board games, PlayStation etc. I love gadgets. I'm a very tool person. I love DIY. I have a huge toolbox at home. Anyway, what CAN'T you learn from the Internet these days?"
ROLE MODEL AND LEGACY
A formidable woman herself, Farah admits to drawing inspiration from other influential women. "I love people like Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel and singing superstar Taylor Swift. But my admiration isn't rooted solely in their positions of power. Rather, it extends to women who wield their influence with grace and responsibility."
Continuing, Farah tells me that she prefers to steer clear of toxic feminism. "For me, the emphasis should be on mutual respect and coexistence between genders. Women who exemplify a balance of power and grace, and steer away from adversarial stances, opting instead for a collaborative, harmonious approach to leadership will get my vote."
A furtive glance at my watch and I realise that if I keep her any longer, this doting mother would be late for her daughter's pick-up from school. I lob a final question to the gregarious Libra.
How would she want people to remember her when she's gone? Tickled by the question, her guffaws slice through the calm of the cafe like a sudden roar of thunder.
"Okay, how about, 'Farah tried her best!' On my tombstone! Oh my God, that's so lame and humble!" she exclaims, unable to stop her chuckles. "I just love dry humour!" she adds, eyes twinkling.
Laughter subsiding, she pauses to reflect the question before replying: "My pride is my child and of course, my business. I've always been a trendsetter in my field. Let's say there's a brand out there. They'd always call me to set the tone and I'd set it with a high standard. And people would build on that. For me, that's good but most of the time, you don't get the credit. That's what I'm trying to build with my business — something I can take full credit for."
Adding, she says: "In terms of legacy, if I can inspire people to pay more attention to what they're putting into their body, to appreciate the vessel they have — what with all the health issues we have in the country — if I can have a hand in educating people, I'd be very proud."
In a world that often accentuates the frenetic pace of life, Farah is certainly a refreshing beacon of balance; a woman fuelled by familial values, personal conviction, and an unyielding commitment to inspiring positive change.