WTF Studios, crystal cafe with therapeutic workshops in Penang

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Co-founded by Heng Cher Gee (CG) and Joshua Levi Rasen (Josh), WTF Studios, a crystal jewelry model with a restaurant, is greater than only a enterprise—it’s a testomony to resilience, ardour, and the serendipitous methods life unfolds.

CG and Josh each hailing from the hospitality business carry a wealth of expertise from their time as hoteliers, the place they honed their abilities in construction, service, and techniques whereas mastering empathy, teamwork, and management.

Their transition from hospitality to the crystal enterprise may appear sudden, however as they put it, “Life has a humorous method of connecting the dots.”

“We’ve tried and failed a number of companies; reminiscent of direct promoting, occasions, coaching, YouTubing, writing books, growing an ecommerce market, and so on. Nevertheless, every thing we’ve touched, even within the slightest of how, has added worth, layers, and texture to what we do right now,” stated Josh.

The duo’s journey into the world of crystals started unexpectedly. In 2013, they began as a personalized accent enterprise, crafting vogue jewelry and equipment. Regardless of their ardour, one thing felt lacking.

Struggling to make ends meet, they had been dealing with imminent chapter.

“Although we had been enthusiastic about designs and artistry, it was not sufficient to maintain us alive. We discovered ourselves lower than 60 days away from chapter and shedding every thing we’ve ever constructed however fortunately we turned it round in time,” he stated.

It was throughout this difficult time {that a} collection of occasions led them to find the transformative energy of crystals.

An opportunity encounter with crystals

As they had been grappling with monetary difficulties, Josh had a profound second of readability. After a heartfelt prayer for steering, he felt inexplicably drawn to a close-by crystal store.

Though initially sceptical, Josh purchased a bracelet and a pocket stone, which dramatically modified their lives inside two weeks. They realised that the crystals had enhanced their focus, readability, and instinct, setting them on a brand new path. From that second, CG and Josh embraced their newfound ardour.

Every month, they purchased strands of crystals to create bracelets, which offered virtually instantly, usually being the costliest gadgets of their store.

This marked the start of WTF Studios, the place they adopted what was thriving of their lives, turning a easy concept right into a full-fledged enterprise.

“We absolutely transitioned the enterprise in 2015 to the purpose it grew to become a crystal-focused enterprise,” he stated.

A sanctuary for therapeutic and connection

As we speak, WTF Studios is greater than only a retail area. It’s a holistic sanctuary the place prospects can expertise crystal therapeutic in a singular, serene surroundings with an F&B area.

Guests can take pleasure in crystal-energised water and tea from their cafe, take part in DIY workshops, and attend intimate therapeutic occasions.

“As we speak, nothing ever leaves our bar or kitchen, with out being ‘energetically related’ to our menus and crystals,” shared Josh.

Their “Journey Again To You” workshops provide a complete expertise, together with crystal tea periods, therapeutic and manifesting actions, jewelry making, and personal readings.

WTF Studios is supported by a devoted crew, together with Shu Han and Elise at Gurney Plaza, who’re the principle designers and readers for that outlet, and Indran, the caretaker of their studio.

However the couple’s imaginative and prescient extends past their store at Gurney Plaza, Penang. They purpose to create an area the place individuals can discover peace, readability, and connection.

Philanthropy can also be a core worth for CG and Josh. Earlier than the pandemic, they devoted 10% of their earnings to societal contributions. They’re dedicated to resuming these actions as soon as they obtain monetary stability.

Overcoming adversity

Like many companies, WTF Studios confronted vital challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

They opened their doorways on December 24, 2020, solely to close down once more on March 1, 2021, attributable to lockdowns.

For practically three years, they stored the dream alive, visiting their studio often to keep up the area, regardless of monetary strains.

“We relied closely on WTF Bracelet to maintain the dream alive, burning away the cash wanted for lease and utilities within the hopes that we are able to by some means carry it again to life sometime,” stated the founder.

Their persistence paid off. Since reopening on January 1, 2024, they’ve seen a mixture of native and vacationer guests, slowly rebuilding their following.

Whereas their crystal jewelry stays the first income driver, they proceed to innovate and increase their choices.

Peering down the street

Seeking to the longer term, CG and Josh have formidable plans. They purpose to increase their market by providing self-awareness talks to corporations and academic establishments.

They’ve additionally launched free mini crystal studying periods to draw extra guests.

Their long-term imaginative and prescient consists of creating a non-public therapeutic area, a crystal studying lounge, and lodging for travellers. In addition they aspire to increase their model globally, beginning with Kuala Lumpur.

CG and Josh’s story is a reminder that each battle, each setback, and each sudden flip can result in one thing stunning and significant. As they proceed to serve and heal others, their journey is much from over. And of their phrases, “The universe doesn’t make errors. Nothing simply occurs.”