With more and more vegan and vegetarian options being favoured by many people nowadays for that healthier lifestyle, some of our GIS Alumni are now revolutionising the food industry with new and innovative ventures across Malaysia. Recently we met one of these Alumni, who is emerging as a very successful businesswoman in the food industry and has recently been featured in the TATLER Magazine showcasing her passion for food and her new business ventures.
The Hungry Tapir is a product of ‘the love of a family business’ – with GIS Alumni Makissa Smeeton (Class of 2012), her brother Tristan Smeeton, (Class of 2014), and their mother, Cynthia Rodrigo (who jumped in head first despite having no prior F&B experience). Their Chinatown outlet is now a favourite spot among the locals looking for plant-based staples, ranging from nasi lemak to brunch classics like the Dragon Bowl ‘T’ and many more, satisfying your food cravings for vegan and vegetarian delicacies.
Makissa, please share your journey after GIS?
I went to art school in London specialising in Graphic & Media Design at Central Saint Martins and London College of Communication (UAL). And in London is where I started my vegan journey in 2015. I was intrigued with studying sustainability in branding and while researching for a project, I found myself loving the chance of creating and finding delicious dishes to eat whilst substituting animal products out.
How did ‘The Hungry Tapir’ (THT) start? And you looking to explore new business ventures after ‘The Hungry Tapir’?
The Hungry Tapir came about almost as a passion project that my family and I have always wanted to try, but never could due to having full time jobs and not knowing anything about owning a restaurant! It was challenging at the beginning as we were new to the industry and run by the ethos of: having a place that was unique to KL, a heritage building in Chinatown KL, circular and reclaimed furniture, being a vegan and vegetarian restaurant and a cocktail bar. Since opening at the end of January 2020 (and survived the lockdowns most importantly!). We are so proud and excited to share that we are opening Tapir’s cousin, LaGula – which is a fully vegan breakfast and brunch bar and bakery! LaGula will be located on the same road as Tapir on Jalan Petaling, Chinatown and should be open in May this year. Keep your eyes peeled!
Who or what inspired you to venture into the food business?
We always felt there was a gap in the market. We are so lucky to have many delicious Buddhist vegetarian or Indian vegetarian restaurants, but none had that nighttime ambience or a bar. My only experience was working at a pub through my university days in London (which taught me alot about customer service and the rush of peak hours, which I loved!). Also previously to opening THT I was heading the design and marketing of a coffee and tech startup, where I learned more of the back operational aspects to running an eatery. With this experience, plus my mum’s background in interior designs and events and my brother’s is music production, DJing and curation – we combined all of our fields; then through the love of plant-based food, The Hungry Tapir was born! It was a big risk and a monumental learning curve as we soft-launched without a full kitchen team or menu, but grew this as we developed.
What are the skills that you have developed at GIS, and did it help you in your life after GIS? If so, how did it help?
I remember GIS as being the backbone of my education, forming amazing friendships and being exposed to incredible trips involving sports and culture. I was a very athletic kid growing up and GIS supported my love for swimming and my external martial arts. Being in an international school I always found it so unique to meet and create friendships with people from all over the world. This definitely helps me currently as a professional and entrepreneur in my 20’s. I carry the ethos that different cultures, stories and backgrounds add to everyone’s experience – and I am forever intrigued by this.
If you were to sum up your time as a student in GIS in 3 words, what would that be?
Colourful, Cultural, Exposing.
If you would like to thank a few people, who would that be?
My family – especially my mother and my brother – for not only being there every step of the way for our business and venture together, but for having the same creative output and drive to bring our visions to life! Also my dog Elly Tempeh (a rescue doggo!) as she’s just a ball of love that puts a smile on everyone’s faces. She’s a BIG part of our entire family and businesses!
Your message to our current student who would like to take the same pathway as yours?
Don’t be afraid if things don’t turn out as planned – as that’s the beauty and the adventure of it all! Food is the source and we are so lucky to be in vibrant KL to have some of the best in the world. Stay intrigued and inspired!
Thank you Makissa for taking the time and sharing your experiences and journey with us. We at GIS Alumni Office would like to wish you all the best and many more successes in future.
If you would like to feature as part of our ‘GIS Alumni Success Stories’, just get in touch with us on alumni@gardenschool.edu.my, because every story matters. Connect with us on social media via Facebook and LinkedIn or if you would like to read another article via the Global Alumni Website. If you are yet a GIS Alumni registered member yet, please do so via this link.