She Lost Her Corporate Job… Then Built a Cat Brand Malaysians Are Falling in Love With
Getting fired could have been the end of the story.
For Michele, it became the turning point that changed everything.
After losing her corporate role during probation, Michele decided to stop chasing stability and start building something of her own, a pet nutrition brand called Gebu Gebu.
Today, the Malaysian startup is quietly gaining attention among modern cat parents looking for healthier and more thoughtful nutrition choices for their pets.
From Corporate Life to Cat Entrepreneurship
Before launching Gebu Gebu, Michele worked in the fast-paced world of e-commerce and startups, handling business development, operations, marketing, and HR.
But when one company stopped investing and her probation was not confirmed, she faced a difficult question:
Should she return to corporate life, or finally build something she truly believed in?
She chose the second option.
Driven by her love for animals, Michele entered the pet industry with no factory background, no major investors, and no guarantees of success. She spent months researching feline nutrition, studying pet health, and learning what cats genuinely need beyond flashy packaging and marketing claims.
That journey eventually led to the birth of Gebu Gebu.
The Meaning Behind “Gebu Gebu”
The brand name carries a meaningful mission.
“Gebu Gebu” represents soft, fluffy, and healthy fur a reflection of cats living happy and comfortable lives. For Michele, healthy coats are not just about appearance, but a sign that cats are receiving proper nutrition, care, hydration, and love.
The brand was built with the hope that every cat can live healthier and happier lives through better food choices.
A Story That Started With One Rescued Cat
One of the most emotional parts of Michele’s journey was the transformation of a rescued cat she personally cared for.
The cat became one of Gebu Gebu’s very first testimonials after being placed on a diet consisting mainly of Gebu Gebu dry food, alongside wet food and proper daily water intake.
Over time, the cat showed visible improvements in fur condition, health, and overall wellbeing reinforcing Michele’s belief that good nutrition can genuinely transform animals’ lives.
That experience became one of the strongest personal motivations behind the brand.
Personally Visiting Suppliers in China
To ensure product quality and safety, Michele and her team also personally visited suppliers in China to verify manufacturing standards and food quality processes.
The visits reflected the brand’s commitment to quality reassurance, transparency, and long-term trust with customers.
Photos from the trip also highlighted the teamwork and hands on effort involved in building the business from the ground up.
Building Slowly, But Building Honestly
Unlike many startup success stories online, Michele is honest that Gebu Gebu is still growing steadily.
She continues balancing work while building the brand part time, focusing on customer trust, product quality, and long-term sustainability instead of chasing overnight success.
And perhaps that is what makes the story relatable to many young Malaysians today.
Because sometimes, losing one opportunity becomes the beginning of something far more meaningful.
