In August 2025, NatureLoop had the opportunity to participate as a vendor at the Dinkchela Pickleball Festival held at Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur. This six-day celebration brought together players, enthusiasts, and curious passersby under one roof. For us, it was more than just an event—it was a chance to connect with people, share our story, and prove that sustainable products can carry both purpose and creativity.
The first day began with a rush, as our team scrambled to prepare the booth on time. It was not the smoothest start, but sometimes challenges make the victories feel even sweeter. Once everything was in place, the festival's energy quickly took over. Visitors stopped by, drawn in by our eco-friendly pickleball keychains and accessories, and to our delight, sales were strong right from the beginning. That momentum carried us forward, reminding us that even a hectic start can lead to meaningful success.
As the days unfolded, we met a broad mix of people—returning customers who brought along friends, influencers curious about our designs, international visitors who loved the story behind our recycled materials, and even professional players who lent their presence to the festival. One of the highlights was our live laser engraving service, where customers could personalise their pickleball paddles and keychains. Watching the smiles on their faces as they received something uniquely theirs was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: to create products that carry stories, not just functions.
Of course, not every moment was smooth sailing. There were quieter days when sales moved slowly and times when stock shortages or packaging limitations forced us to adapt quickly. Running out of our popular pickleball ball charms, for instance, was bittersweet—it showed the demand but also reminded us of the importance of preparation. Yet, these challenges became part of the story, too, teaching us resilience and flexibility.
The atmosphere of the festival itself made the experience unforgettable. On some evenings, the crowds grew lively with music and performances, adding an energy that lifted everyone’s spirits. Customers lingered at our booth, asking questions, sharing their experiences with pickleball, and appreciating the creativity behind our products. For us, every interaction—whether it ended in a purchase or simply a meaningful conversation—was a small but valuable step toward spreading the message of sustainability.
By the final day, the festival felt like a marathon and a celebration. Despite being tired from long hours of setting up, selling, engraving, and clearing up late at night, our team felt proud of what we had accomplished together. Beyond the numbers, the teamwork, the connections, and the lessons learned stood out the most. We left not just with successful sales, but with renewed inspiration to keep pushing our mission forward: to transform recycled plastic into creative, practical, and impactful products.
Looking back, the Dinkchela Pickleball Festival was more than just six days of business—six days of growth. It allowed us to see how our work could touch people, be transparent about the highs and the challenges, and remind ourselves why we started NatureLoop in the first place. We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth, supported us, and believed in what we are building. This is the beginning of our journey, and we can’t wait to share what comes next.
