Jalan Besar with Mike Tay

Mike Tay is the self-taught designer behind Onlewo, a line of whimsical patterned fabrics used in furniture, wallpaper and other soft furnishings. The designs are inspired by his own Peranakan heritage and love for old neighbourhoods - so it's no surprise that his shophouse studio is located in Jalan Besar, a bohemian enclave of like-minded creative types and traditional craftsmen, with arts schools and museums nearby.

The shophouse sits between Hindoo and Veerasamy Road and is also home to Flaneur Gallery, which he opened with artist Vincent Chow in late 2014. He launched Onlewo in April 2015.

He likes the area for its convenience - "Jalan Besar is the perfect place for makers and designers as it is famous for hardware supplies. It is easier for us to get materials we need."