<figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/IMG_3905_e46aa85ee2.jpg"></figure>Esther Tai is the co-founder of <a href="https://machino.com.my/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Machino</a>, a fast-rising Malaysian footwear label built on one clear promise: style that never sacrifices comfort. Launched in 2020 with her sister, Amy, Machino took root during the pandemic and has since grown from a home operation into a beloved, community-driven brand. The name itself nods to Malaysia’s diversity, MAlay, CHinese, INdian, and Others, signalling the duo’s intent to celebrate local culture with every pair.&nbsp;Raised around a mumpreneur and guided by an uncle who runs a decades-old shoe factory, Esther turned a lifelong love of heels into a business with purpose. When jobs were scarce, she leaned on her marketing training and family know-how to learn shoemaking from the ground up, backed by a RM100,000 loan from her parents to get the brand off the ground.&nbsp;<a href="https://machino.com.my/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Machino</a>’s point of view is simple: beauty shouldn’t be pain. Each pair is handcrafted by local shoemakers and built for all-day wear with thick, firm sponge insoles, part of a slow-fashion approach that favors quality, made-to-order runs over mass production. Their signature Hana collection, recognisable by its six-petal flower, became a breakout hit by pairing playful design with walk-all-day comfort.&nbsp;Culture sits at the heart of the brand. <a href="https://machino.com.my/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Machino </a>regularly weaves Malaysian elements, batik, songket, Chinese brocade into modern silhouettes, and even shoots campaigns at local landmarks. It’s a love letter to home that also feels fresh on city streets.&nbsp;Growth has followed momentum. After early sell-outs around Raya and a move from their Puchong home base to a Petaling Jaya showroom, Machino opened a bigger flagship in SS18, Subang Jaya in 2025, designed for easier access and a more elevated in-store experience. Up next: a Kuala Lumpur mall presence and cross-border pop-ups, alongside new lines like Mini Machino and Machino Wellness.Through it all, Esther’s leadership feels grounded and hands-on, reviving local shoemaking while building a brand women can truly live in. Machino’s rise isn’t just a retail story; it’s a blueprint for how Malaysian heritage, thoughtful design, and real comfort can scale together.&nbsp;🎧 To watch or listen to the full episode, click the link below.📺 YouTube: [<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhNZh3IDpYs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Watch Here</a>] 🎧 Spotify: [<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5x7QmJrE0s24wfUx9gsOyb?si=e0b9facaf44547a5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Listen Here</a>]

Inside Machino with co-founder Esther Tai: comfort-first, culture-rich Malaysian shoes. Handcrafted, walk-all-day styles infused with local heritage.

Hello Mentor Podcast Episode 08: Esther Tai, Co-Founder & CEO of Machino