4 Inspiring Female Founders of Homegrown Brands

Celebrated on 8 March, International Women’s Day was first held over a century ago in 1911 and is a day dedicated to raise awareness for gender equality and recognise the achievements of women.

To commemorate this occasion, we are shining the spotlight on four of our very own local female entrepreneurs, as they share with us their inspirations and tips on overcoming challenges they face.

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My (women) inspiration is Eva Lim, an ex-client from my previous engagement as an advertising executive in DDB. I have been in contact with her over the years despite not working together. She is a mother of three, an entrepreneur and yet she still looks great at this age. She is also a very faithful believer of Christ and indirectly showed me that women can be a multi-tasker of great achievements, be it with your work, family and love for self.

My number one motivation is my family. Having two businesses, work is definitely crazy. But my two beautiful children are my motivation to leave work on time, so I can spend ample time with them. I also have a very strong support system - my husband, who always believes in me and gives me the space to do what I want.

Lessons learnt from managing my own business? Be objective and look at the bigger picture. You don’t have to win every battle to win the war.

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My (women) inspiration is my mom. She has taught me more about strength and loyalty than anyone I’ve ever known. As a child, I saw how hardworking my mom was and that instilled the character I have today and the determination in me. Her dedication to working is what motivates me to be like her and inspires me to always be true to myself.

My number one motivation is success as it encourages me to do a good job. Knowing the fact that my hard work and perseverance will help me achieve greater professional success is what keeps me going.  

Lessons learnt from managing my own business? Challenges arise daily which force me to keep up with the market, plan ahead and manage my business cashflow consistently. I also think effective leadership will help me make the most of the opportunities while creating sustainable growth for the future.

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My (women) inspiration is Oprah Winfrey. As a businesswoman, I get my inspiration and encouragement from her. She is not only inspiring, but also giving and empowering through her life story. While she didn’t have a good childhood, her persistence and resilience belief in her dreams brought her to where she is today. Not just a global media influencer or actress, she is also a philanthropist who is willing to pay it forward. One of my favourite quotes from her is, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never have enough.”

My number one motivation is to create thoughtfully designed kids apparel and making it accessible to all parents and caregivers. When they spend less time fumbling with dressing them, they will have more time to bond with their little ones.

Lessons learnt from managing my own business? To have passion in what you are doing would be half the battle won. The other half would be the opportunities that you work hard for. It is not easy finding an equilibrium between work and family, but it is possible to make that happen by consciously prioritising your focus on work when in work mode and family during family time.

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My (women) inspiration is an English novelist, Angela Carter. I enjoy her works on feminism, picaresque and satire. Her colourful world of surrealism has always found a way into my work as well.

My number one motivation is to never forget what sparked my passion in the first place.

Lessons learnt from managing my own business? To never stop learning and to always have hope — because the best is always before us and is yet to come!