Andrea Wong – Founder, AWSM Platters KL

Andrea Wong – Founder, AWSM Platters

In this interview, Andrea Wong, founder of AWSM Platters, tells of how the business came about and some of her learnings over the pandemic.

What do you do, and how did you get into the industry?

I am a flight attendant by profession but have also spent some years in the television and media industry. I have so much gratitude and admiration for my company, especially during this pandemic when the aviation industry is not as strong. I still have my job that allows me to stay home and watch my son grow up while turning my passion into reality.   

I enjoy entertaining and hosting/attending dinner parties. Due to the nature of my job, I have always been able to buy the freshest ingredients and bring them back within 24 hours- literally air-flown from another country to my table. I never miss an opportunity to buy good cheese during my travels. Grocers and local markets are my favourite places to visit when travelling on work! Often, my friends and I would plan a get together after a flight from Australia, New Zealand or London, where I would come back with a suitcase full of the freshest groceries for our dinner party (pre-COVID, of course). Cheese platters were a staple, and it has also been a gift that I bring to parties or send to friends. 

I put my passion into action literally overnight, after a conversation with a good friend of mine who has been a faithful beneficiary and advocate of my cheese platters all these years. Her colleagues wanted to purchase it for their boss and asked if I could make one to sell. Without hesitation, I said yes. A few moments later, I worked out a menu and sent it to her. 

That is how AWSM Platters came about! 

Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes. 

The AWSM in AWSM Platters are actually the initials of my name! The A comes from my mom’s first name, while WSM is the initials of my dad’s name. Back then, acronyms were not a big thing, and they did not even realize how the combination of their names would be so meaningful today. When I recognized how my initials were so ‘cool’ back in school, I knew I wanted to do something with it. Both my brother and I share the same initials. How AWeSoMe is that?

What’s a food memory from your childhood or travels that stands out?

I think the best food memory for me during my travels was one with my brother. He works in the U.K., and we make it a point to spend some time there every year. We made a spontaneous weekend trip to London and just ate our way through the best places off a list, without reservations. We even had to talk our way into getting a seat at the two Michelin Stars A. Wong and meeting the owner just because our names were also A. Wong. The owner, Andrew, was so gracious to get in on a picture with us. I mean, we went there all the way, and who would want to miss the chance, right?

What’s the best/ worst part of your job?

The best part is definitely when receiving the kindest reviews and feedbacks from my customers! I also enjoy every bit of putting the platter together. When I share with my mom some of the reviews I received, she would say that it is because I’ve always had a passion for this. As a start-up, I treasure and remember every one of my early customers who supported me. I am humbled to have regular customers and repeated orders at such an early stage. On the other hand, I did find myself refreshing my order form just to see if there were any new orders or enquiries on my page, especially when I first started out. 

 What’s your favourite food and beverage pairing? 

Champagne with oysters.

Champagne with cheese.

Champagne with white truffle.

Andrea Wong’s perfect day would be…

Right now, to have my husband and brother magically appear in front of me so that we can all be together again. On another day, it would be flying first class on a spontaneous vacation with my loved ones! 

What do you do for fun?

Organizing parties and weddings! I love every bit of it. I even have an events company registered. I’ve been coordinating weddings for close friends for a few years now. 

What’s something you’d like guests to know about AWSM Platters?

AWSM Platters are all about taking into consideration the whims and fancies, likes and dislikes of our customers. Hence, our menu is customizable, where you can select your own cheese, accompaniments, meat and sauces, based on the size you pick. The most common feedback we receive would be how fresh our products are, the generous portion we give, and the uniqueness of sauces we provide that elevates the entire cheese experience. We have a Little Connoisseurs menu with more suitable cheese options for the little ones too!

Essentially, AWSM Platters wants nothing more than to be a part of your gifting and celebration, big or small – to bring people together, break the ice and build lasting friendships through a box of cheese! P.S. A dear customer told us that our cheese box was a hit while serving as a perfect conversation starter (how to pair your cheese) for a party of almost 30 people.

How has the pandemic changed you, your perspective or the way you operate?

I have always been a little bit OCD, more so after my son was born (before COVIE). I would not let anyone carry him without washing their hands or wearing clean clothes. There was a huge bottle of sanitiser in the hospital room and at our home for visitors to use when they came to see our baby. I might have offended some people, but when this pandemic happened, and the washing of hands and use of sanitisers became an essential routine, I was like, HALLELUJAH! I did not need to remind people to clean their hands. Or rather, remind them without offending them.

Starting AWSM Platters during COVID-19, I was inspired by another good friend who owns a home-based Yee Sang business. She wears a mask while preparing the Yee Sang at home. Often, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but I was so happy when I found out what she was doing even when nobody is watching. I made it a point to follow suit when I started AWSM Platters. I want my customers to have peace of mind, knowing that I would do the best I can in adhering to SOPs during these times.   

What’s something you’d like people to know about being a home business owner as a profession?

Cheese platters are not cheap to begin with. We don’t have a big kitchen or space to buy in bulk or to stock up. Hence, we don’t profit as much as people think we do. I am so grateful to do this out of passion, as a personal side business to my full-time job. Also, being a full-time stay home mom is not easy. AWSM Platters gives me an outlet to spend that little time with myself, mindfully curating beautiful cheese boxes for my customers. 

What’s your view on the food/drink scene in K.L.?

 I never knew how many cheese platter businesses were in K.L. until I started AWSM Platters. We are spoiled for choice! However, it is still a niche market in Malaysia. Those who appreciate them know the value and are willing to pay its worth, while others might see it as something too expensive. Personally, I have been paying for beautiful cakes and dessert tables for many occasions (no offence to cake makers because I still love it). I would like to see people opt for grazing tables as an alternative. It is beautiful, healthy, and a definite showstopper. 

How has the pandemic changed you as a person?

When the pandemic first hit, I was just going back to work after taking time off from my maternity leave. It never occurred that my leave would continue to go on as flights were becoming less frequent and that I would not be flying as much as I used to. Our industry took a huge hit. Many people are suffering in the aviation industry worldwide. On the one hand, it was a blessing in disguise as I was able (and still am) to watch my son grow up in his first years while having my husband at home to spend time together as a family.

On the other hand, it breaks my heart to see our industry, especially the company I am working with, suffer the consequences of this pandemic. I cannot stress how thankful I am that I still have my job and that they are doing the best to look after their employees while some airlines had to dismiss their staffs. I learned to appreciate the present and not take our past for granted. We need to comply with the present for our future. 

What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?

AWSM Platters runs seasonal boxes for celebrations and significant events such as Mother’s Day and Ramadan. Otherwise, our made-to-order boxes are what customers look forward to the most. 

Find more interviews similar to this one with Andrea Wong here. And, stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here.