SGNSpotlight 🌟 Rukzana Begum 🌟

For Rukzana Begum, sharing Singapore’s culture is a way to stay connected to home while living in the United States. Through her business, Journey2Asia, she brings Asian heritage and craftsmanship into people’s homes and is introducing Singaporean art to a wider audience through Threads of Home. 

In this SGNSpotlight, she shares the story behind the collection, the challenge of bringing a Singaporean artist’s work to a new market, and how she keeps her children and community connected to Singapore. 
 

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you, and what inspired you to join our community? 

I'm a small business owner and sell handcrafted furniture and home decor inspired by Asian heritage and culture. I'm also an active committee member of the Singapore - DFW club based in Dallas, TX and excited to celebrate Singapore with fellow Singaporeans whenever I get a chance. 

“ Although I love travelling and discover new places and faces, Singapore will always be home and I hope to instill that identity in my children so they'll proudly call themselves Singaporeans no matter where they go.” 

At the same time, I want my American friends and neighbours to know a little something about Singapore and jump on an opportunity to make this possible - may it be through a school event or my business. My objective for Threads of Home: A Singapore Art Collection collaboration is just that, so everyone will get to know the little dot that shaped the person that I am today. 
 

Tell us about a project you’re passionate about, and why it holds a special place in your heart.

Through my brand - Journey2Asia, I'm building a business centered on heritage, craftsmanship, and the human stories behind every piece we bring to our customers. As the brand grows, I hope to weave Singapore into its blueprints wherever I can. 

Threads of Home is an exclusive collection of original digital artwork inspired by Singapore's iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and everyday moments. Singaporean artist, Zhu Hong uses his phone to create this digital artwork with each print released as a limited edition of just 50 prints worldwide, regardless of print size. I launched this collaboration in Aug in conjunction with Singapore's national day month. This project is especially close to my heart as it's a starting initiative to introduce Singapore to a wider audience. Furthermore, the artwork evokes simple memories of what it means to be a Singaporean.

What activities do you enjoy in your free time?  

I love mountaineering, gardening, baking and learning about new places and culture through travel. 

 
 
Share a memorable moment you’ve experienced within the SGN community! 

One of my most memorable experiences with the SGN community has been celebrating National Day together over the past two years. It’s been especially meaningful being far from Singapore, yet still having a little piece of home through these celebrations. I’ve also loved coming together for the many other major festivals throughout the year. We just celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival last weekend.

If you’re living abroad, what do you miss about home, and how do you stay connected?  

I definitely miss the nyonya kueh and the familiar places in Singapore — even the little everyday things that you don’t realize you’ll miss until you’re away. I try to make Singaporean food at home whenever I can, and staying connected through the SGN community, Singaporean friends, and celebrating our festivals here helps me feel a little closer to home.

 
Thank you to Rukzana for sharing how she celebrates Singaporean culture through her business and community in Dallas. If you’re interested in business or cultural collaborations, reach out to her here.

She’d love to connect with others who share her passion for heritage, art and bringing Singapore’s stories to new audiences. 

Every member has a story, a passion, or a journey worth sharing. Know someone who should be featured in SGNSpotlight, or have a story of your own? Share it with us, and you could be our next feature!