In honour of International Women’s Day, the team at retail collective A Raft Of Otters shine the spotlight on their founder, DIANE HALL.
Diane’s vision was to create a one-stop shop for homewares, art, design, gifting, jewellery and fashion, all while championing female-led, small businesses in Singapore. Central to her philosophy is a commitment to ethical brands that demonstrate integrity, heart, originality and a charitable spirit.
One standout brand at A Raft Of Otters is Elephant Parade, a collection of hand-painted elephants crafted by artisans in Thailand. Proceeds from Elephant Parade sales support vital elephant conservation efforts, aligning perfectly with Diane’s passion for animal welfare. A Raft Of Otters proudly boasts one of Singapore’s largest and most diverse collections of these collectible elephants, with many featuring Singaporean and Asian-inspired designs. Larger elephants are limited editions and come with certificates of authenticity. There are also clever kits with everything you need to paint your own designs – an interactive and creative project for the whole family.
Beyond their beauty, the elephants make fantastic gifts for those leaving Singapore, a meaningful and artistic way to remember their time on the Little Red Dot. They’re complemented by a range of small yet thoughtful gifts, such as handpainted Christmas decorations, magnets, keyrings, and keepsakes that capture the charm of Singapore – perfect for packing into suitcases or sending abroad.
Diane’s dedication to purposeful products doesn’t stop there; the store’s charity tote bags support ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society), reinforcing her mission to give back to the community. A Raft Of Otters is carefully curated to ensure it makes a difference, from supporting conservation to celebrating artistry and championing small businesses.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate Diane Hall for her inspiring leadership and her dedication to creating a retail haven that not only promotes female entrepreneurship but also leaves a positive impact on the planet. From larger statement pieces to small, thoughtful gifts, A Raft Of Otters is where meaningful gifting meets style. Here’s to more women in business making waves, one elephant – and one heartfelt keepsake – at a time.
Visit A Raft of Otters at #03-102 Tanglin Mall and 420 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, or call 8125 5725. Follow Instagram @araftofotters.tm to stay updated on the latest collections.
This article on International Women’s Day and Diane Hall first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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