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When one walks into Haermana’s cosy home in KL, they’d first be greeted by the aromatic scent of butter being melted on a pan before she carefully pours scoopfuls of batter and transforms it into a mouthwatering plate of pancakes.
But beyond the scent wafting through the kitchen also lies the story of how she rediscovered her purpose through the simple act of making and serving pancakes to guests.
Growing up with a ‘sweet tooth’
For as long as Haermana could remember, she and her entire family had a deep liking for enjoying and creating sugary treats.
“I grew up in a family that lived by the ‘live to eat’ principle, had a sweet tooth, and loved to cook and bake. As such, I was introduced to working in the kitchen at a very young age.
“I started baking when I was just eight or nine years old and sold cupcakes and muffins around the neighbourhood with a neighbour of mine,” she said.
As the internet wasn’t yet a hot commodity during her childhood, Haermana couldn’t rely on online resources to hone her cooking and baking skills, instead picking up most of them from her mother.
When Haermana entered her teenage and university years, she continued to bake mostly for friends and family but had to stop upon securing a full-time job.
Not fine in fintech
When asked why she chose to work in the fintech industry, Haermana admitted that it was something that she happened to “fall into” at the time.
“I was looking for a job that would allow me to work from home and I happened to stumble upon this fintech job. Truth is, my academic background is actually business marketing and I had zero idea or interest in fintech.”
She then summed up her five-year experience on the job in one word: Terrible.
Work was incredibly mundane and I had to deal with bosses who were very particular on every single thing and constantly micromanaged. Furthermore, I’m terrible with numbers, which is rather ironic,” she chuckled.
“It really wasn’t a conducive environment for a person like myself. But I stayed there for as long as I did as I don’t come from a privileged background and I needed the job to sustain myself and my family.”
Going back to her first love
In an unexpected turn, Haermana was given a way out from her unhappy situation in the form of retrenchment, causing her to have to look for another full-time job.
“While I was going to start working at another company, I decided to run a side job that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, and that is to start a supper club.
“Initially, the supper club was supposed to feature Indian fusion food, but it didn’t pan out as there were too many things to handle and I felt overwhelmed. In the end, I eventually settled for pancakes as my heart was always for desserts and I wanted to relive a childhood joy of mine.”
Thus, it was from this desire that Construct KL was born—where Haermana would whip up plates of freshly made pancakes topped with butter, syrup, and berry compote for guests right within her own home.
“I chose the word ‘construct’ as I was going through a lot in 2025 and was in the midst of reconstructing myself. The word somehow stuck with me and at the same time, I wanted to do something bigger than just pancakes.
“My main goal was to create a space where memories and relationships can be built, not just another place for people to eat pancakes and leave when they’re done,” she explained.
Starting small
After bidding farewell to her fintech job, Haermana invested her time and energy into promoting Construct KL, one which she described as a “steep learning curve”.
For one, she said she’s not exactly proficient when it comes to curating content that would turn eyeballs on social media.
I usually don’t record or take photos of my meals before I eat as it’s not in my nature. I didn’t even know how to post an Instagram reel!”
In spite of this, Haermana gave it a shot and began posting photos and posters she curated herself on social media. Over time, Construct KL began to attract public attention.
@ttbcatwoman Random pancake tingz at @Construct KL 🤤🤤🤤 #fyp #kualalumpur #pancakes #cafe ♬ original sound – Ainee Suhaidi
From there, things took off for Construct KL and Haermana now sees a steady stream of guests making bookings for a private pancake dining experience.
Feeling right at home
What makes Construct KL unique from the rest is that guests don’t enjoy their pancake treat at another fancy cafe or restaurant, but at a complete stranger’s humble abode.
And thanks to the fact that the view from Haermana’s balcony allows one to see a forest, guests can soak in the sounds of nature and lush greenery while tucking into their meal.
I asked Haermana why she chose her home to launch Construct KL instead of renting or purchasing a shop lot, and she told me that she wanted to create an atmosphere where guests can be at ease when conversing.
“For the next 75 minutes, you’re just looking at greenery and eating something that’s so nostalgic and delicious while in the company of your friends and family.
“Honestly, it’s nice have a little peace in the city, which is so rare to find these days. At first, I’d play some music in the background, but now I just really enjoy the silence and I feel other people are enjoying it as well.
“Most of the guests don’t even pick up their phones but spend time talking to each other, which is exactly what I want to achieve at Construct KL. I myself have also built friendships with those who walked through my home’s door,” she said.
As to whether she has experienced any safety risks by allowing total strangers to enter her home on a regular basis, Haermana said none has occurred throughout Construct KL’s six months of operations.
“I’ve yet to experience an encounter that made me go: ‘Oh my God, I’m scared for my safety.’ This is because those that come have the intention of eating pancakes and having a nice time, which is based on mutual trust and respect.
“Personally, it makes no sense for someone to make a booking, pay in advance, and then try to rob or hurt me as it’s quite counterproductive.
“Also, if you see me in person, you might find me to be quite intimidating. Often times, I look scarier than the person walking into my home,” she said with a laugh.
Following her heart
While most parents would flinch at the thought of their children walking away from a professional job to pursue something entirely different, Haermana’s family was largely supportive of her endeavours.
“My family has long known me to be a bit wacky and deeply opinionated. I’m not a conventional person by nature and I’ve always been given the freedom to figure myself out.
This gave me the ingrained confidence in knowing I can do whatever I wanted and that I’ll succeed. When you know you have the capability to do something well and are passionate about it, it will translate into success.
“Of course, many have asked why on earth would people simply come and talk about their lives with strangers over pancakes. But I’m just doing something that no one has ever done before.”
As to whether she wishes she could turn back time and return to her former way of life, Haermana has no such thought.
“There were days where I’d long for the reassurance of having a salary being deposited into my bank account or the ability to take an MC whenever it’s needed. But then, I’d remember these were the days where I was stressed out at my corporate job while putting money into someone else’s pocket.
“This isn’t to say that I don’t feel stressed while managing Construct KL, but I get a kind of fulfillment I couldn’t get from my corporate job. As such, I’d strongly encourage those at a similar situation to make a change in their lives that would make them happier and fulfilled if they have the chance.”
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