When Jillian Tan first began designing a wedding invitation for a former colleague, she never imagined it would grow into a full-fledged creative studio. “KAMI began almost organically,” she reminisces. “It all started when we were helping to design a wedding invite for our ex-colleague. What began as a small passion project quickly turned into something much bigger.”
That project became the spark that led to KAMI, one of Malaysia’s most sought-after names in design-led celebrations. Founded under the Ideastellar Group, KAMI now spans three arms – KAMI Design, KAMI Weddings, and KAMI Events – each representing a different expression of the same philosophy: to create work that feels personal, beautiful, and deeply meaningful.
From a single invitation to a creative movement
“My journey started in the United States,” Jillian recalls, reflecting on her early years as a marketing associate at an event company that specialised in art auctions. “It was an inspiring experience that deepened my appreciation for creativity and storytelling through events.” After returning to Malaysia, she joined Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in advertising and branding – a stepping stone that would later fuel her entrepreneurial leap.
When naming the company, one word immediately stood out. “In Malay, KAMI means ‘us’,” she explains. “It relates very well to what we do. Our brand is about connection between people, ideas, and design. It reminds us that every creation is a shared effort, and that the best work happens when it’s made together.”
“Our brand is about connection between people, ideas, and design. The best work happens when it’s made together.”
In its early years, KAMI focused on design and craft, reflecting Jillian’s love for “creating beautiful things.” Through thoughtful art direction and attentive personalisation, they delivered tasteful yet functional stationery that’s loved by both sender and receiver. That same design philosophy now guides every part of the brand, from branding visuals to bespoke events.
“KAMI Design naturally became our foundation, where our love for thoughtful, timeless design shines through,” Jillian reveals. “Then came KAMI Weddings, born from our passion for telling stories through celebration. Eventually, that same energy inspired KAMI Events, where we bring our design-driven, detail-oriented approach to larger-scale brand experiences.”
Designing emotion, not just events
For Jillian and her team, beauty is never the end goal – emotion is. “At KAMI, we always start with meaning and purpose, ensuring that every design choice connects back to the story we’re telling,” she explains. “The visual beauty follows naturally when the emotion and intentions are real.”
That belief sets KAMI apart in an age where many events are designed for the camera. “We love creating beautiful visuals,” she says, “but what matters most to us is how an experience makes people feel. A truly memorable moment isn’t just picture-perfect — it’s heartfelt, immersive, and personal.”
This balance between aesthetics and experience is what defines KAMI’s signature approach. The team considers every touchpoint, from the first impression of the invitation to the last toast of the night. “We see each event as a story unfolding, where design and emotion work hand in hand to create something truly memorable,” Jillian muses.
“A truly memorable moment isn’t just picture-perfect – it’s heartfelt, immersive, and personal.”
Among the brand’s standout projects was the recent Clarins 10th Anniversary Celebration for its iconic Lip Oil – the perfect showcase of KAMI’s immersive storytelling style. “We wanted to create an experience that truly embodied the essence of the brand – bold, elegant, and timeless,” she recalls. “We transformed the entire venue into an immersive red lounge that reflected Clarins’ signature identity.”
Every detail – from the all-red interior and lighting to red-themed treats and interactive zones – was crafted to bring the brand’s story to life. “It wasn’t just an event,” Jillian enthuses, “it was a sensory journey that captured the spirit of Clarins while allowing guests to feel part of the brand’s story.”
Her creative process is intuitive yet intentional, guided by feeling as much as by form. “Normally, we find inspiration from design platforms or everyday moments that catch our eye,” she shares. “But no matter the source, we always come back to how it makes people feel.”
Leading and learning with a collaborative team
Behind KAMI’s meticulously curated celebrations is a team that Jillian has carefully built over the years – and she admits that people management has been both her biggest challenge and her greatest teacher. “Finding people who not only have the right skills but also share our values and creative vision is never easy,” she shares. “Beyond hiring, it’s about nurturing their growth, aligning them with the company’s direction, and creating an environment where they feel inspired to stay and evolve with us.”
Her approach to leadership mirrors KAMI’s creative spirit – open, collaborative, and grounded in trust. “I really believe that creativity thrives in an open and supportive environment,” Jillian says. “We encourage open discussions and idea-sharing as we think no idea is ever too small or too wild. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, as it’s always a collective effort that makes the end result so much richer.”
“Being dependable is what builds trust – and in the long run, trust is far more valuable than raw talent.”
Balancing artistry with business practicality is another challenge she’s learned to navigate with care. “I believe both can coexist with the right mindset,” she says. “It’s about understanding the client’s goals while staying true to our design values. Maintaining creative integrity doesn’t mean rejecting constraints; it’s about using them as a framework to innovate and push boundaries in new ways.”
Through years of leading teams and managing clients, Jillian’s biggest takeaway is that consistency matters more than flashes of brilliance. “Entrepreneurship has taught me that reliability outweighs brilliance,” she reflects. “Brilliant ideas are everywhere, but people who consistently deliver on their promises and act with integrity are rare. Being dependable is what builds trust – and in the long run, trust is far more valuable than raw talent.”
Leaving a lasting impression
Looking ahead, Jillian envisions KAMI Events expanding its influence into more large-scale activations and experiential marketing campaigns, bridging the gap between art, design, and storytelling. “Our goal is to craft events that not only look beautiful but also spark emotion, connection, and meaningful engagement,” she affirms. “In the next five years, I see KAMI growing into a brand known for creating truly impactful, immersive experiences – events that go beyond aesthetics and leave a lasting impression.”
Lately, she’s been inspired by the rise of monochromatic designs, where a single bold colour becomes the hero of the entire space. “It’s minimal in concept but powerful in execution,” she says. “It allows the client’s emotion to really shine through without distraction.”
As Malaysia steps into a season of weddings, soirées, and sparkling celebrations, KAMI’s philosophy feels especially relevant. In a world obsessed with aesthetics, Jillian’s work reminds us that true beauty looks like: “At the end of the day, it’s about connection. Design is just the tool. What matters most is how an experience makes people feel.”
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Photography: Imran Sulaiman
Shot on location at LEGO Botanical Glasshouse