They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but these Malaysian power couples prove that a strong partnership in life can also mean a successful partnership at work. When love and ambition align, incredible things happen. These couples have not only built brands that are household names but have also nurtured their personal bonds despite the pressures of entrepreneurship.
Meet three inspiring power couples who built their empires together and thrived in both love and business.
1. Tealive
Long before Tealive became a household name, Bryan Loo and Sally Quah were just two high school students in Kangar, Perlis, who fell in love. Their love story started when Sally transferred to Bryan’s school, and they hit it off immediately. Fast forward to today, and they’ve not only built a life together but also a multimillion-dollar F&B empire under Loob Holding Sdn. Bhd., with Tealive as its crown jewel.
Bryan, the visionary CEO, is the driving force behind Tealive’s expansion across Malaysia and internationally, while Sally, as Loob’s financial controller, keeps the business running smoothly. Despite the pressures of running a fast-growing brand, their partnership thrives because they balance each other out. Bryan has often credited Sally as his source of strength, the one who grounds him amidst his big ambitions.
From Malaysia to Vietnam and China, Tealive continues to expand, boasting over 800 outlets across various countries. The brand’s commitment to innovation, like its Tealive+ series and plant-based milk alternatives, has kept it ahead in the competitive beverage industry. Bryan and Sally exemplify how love, when combined with business acumen, can truly go global.
2. Inside Scoop
For Edmund Tan and Lim Shiew Li, love is sweet, just like their artisanal ice creams. What started as a dream to make fresh, high-quality ice cream for Malaysians has now turned into a dessert powerhouse, with over 40 Inside Scoop outlets across the country.
The couple’s dynamic works because they complement each other perfectly. Shiew Li, the creative mastermind, crafts unique flavors and ensures customers get the best experience, while Edmund, the strategist, focuses on business growth and expansion. Though neither of them had formal culinary training, their passion for ice cream led them to experiment tirelessly in their home kitchen before launching their first store in 2013.
Running a business with a spouse isn’t always easy, but this power couple has developed a simple system: they trust each other’s strengths and make independent decisions in their respective areas. They do admit, though, that work conversations sometimes creep into their personal time. Still, their shared vision and ability to play to their strengths have made Inside Scoop a beloved brand in Malaysia’s F&B scene.
Inside Scoop’s ability to keep things fresh and exciting is a key factor in their success. They continuously introduce new flavors, such as their locally inspired cendol and durian series, which keep customers coming back for more. Their journey proves that when love and passion align, it doesn’t just result in delicious ice cream, it also creates a thriving business and a deeply rewarding marriage.
3. BookXcess
Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng’s love story is one for the books, literally. United by their passion for reading, the couple set out to make books more accessible to Malaysians. Their journey began in 2007 with the opening of BookXcess, a store that specialized in selling discounted books. But their real breakthrough came in 2009, when they launched the first-ever Big Bad Wolf book sale, featuring over 120,000 books at bargain prices.
Read their story:
How BookXcess Built a Book Empire, One Discounted Book at a Time
Despite initial skepticism, many believed Malaysians weren’t avid readers, but the power couple persisted. Their belief that affordable books could change reading habits paid off. Today, Big Bad Wolf is a global phenomenon, with sales held in countries like South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, and beyond, attracting over 3 million visitors annually.
Andrew, who grew up without easy access to books, was determined to create a future where no child had to face the same challenge. Jacqueline, inspired by her late introduction to reading, was equally committed to their mission. Together, they’ve built a thriving business that not only generates millions in revenue but also changes lives through literacy.
Now, with plans for an IPO in 2026, their empire is set to grow even bigger. BookXcess, meanwhile, has expanded its retail presence, opening flagship stores in iconic locations like REXKL and Tamarind Square. They’ve also embraced digital transformation with online book sales and partnerships with local and international publishers to make books even more accessible. Their journey proves that a love for books, and each other, can be a powerful force for change.
Love + Business = A Winning Formula
These three power couples prove that business and romance can mix—as long as there’s mutual respect, clear roles, and a shared vision. Whether it’s tea, ice cream, or books, they’ve shown that passion, when nurtured with the right partnership, can turn dreams into reality.
Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and couples alike, proving that when two hearts and minds come together, the possibilities are limitless. So, the next time someone says mixing love and business is a bad idea, just point them to these success stories, because, as these power couples prove, when done right, it can be the perfect recipe for success.
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