One cool space, many good things. Come for the great food, lovely homeware made by social enterprises, and a nail salon that empowers the disadvantaged.
A sustainable cafe with style
The Social Space
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
The Social Space supports socially-conscious businesses from all around Asia by carrying their products in their retail space. All items are chosen for their high quality, good design and social and environmental impact.
The owners also use the business as a platform to offer employment and training opportunities to people from marginalised backgrounds to help them develop self-sufficiency.
And it promotes a low-waste lifestyle with its refillery, where you can bring your own containers to buy package-free cleaning and personal care products.
Read our Weekend of Good Singapore guide for more travel tips and ideas!
Getting there
The Social Space's Kreta Ayer outlet is an easy walk from Chinatown MRT station on the North East Line, while the nearest station to the Marina One outlet is Downtown MRT station on the Downtown Line.
Amenities
Wifi
The Social Space is a social enterprise founded by couple Cheryl Ou and Daniel Yeow. Cheryl Ou also co-founded The Nail Social (on Haji Lane) in 2014, which provides vocational training for underprivileged women as manicurists.
Traveller's Notes
Bring your own containers/ bottles if you intend to purchase their beauty and cleaning products.
The retail space carries products carefully-sourced from social enterprises from all over Asia, and is a great place to buy souvenirs that support regional makers.
The Marine One space regularly hosts pop-ups by sustainable and socially-conscious makers. Both outlets also host workshops and events that promote a healthy and eco-conscious lifestyle. Check out their website and social media feeds for the latest updates.
Article contributors
Photographer
Joanne Yip
We tell stories of everyday people doing good in Asia, to inspire action. Through The Better Traveller, you can dive into our travel stories and share ideas on how to make a difference on the go.