Seventeen Magazine: March 2010
Interviewed by Kittylo.com: Talked To... EuniqYou
Every day, we must design our own life. We put sugar in our coffee; we choose the roads we’ll take. This includes daily decisions about fashion. Charismatic people lead their own lives & create their own styles. Fashion tells people who you are and who you will become. Real beauty only emerges when you take action and decide which image you want people to see - Unknown.
Please tell us about EuniqYou
EuniqYou inaugural launch was in June this year. It is an eclectic myriad of oriental styles, vintage treasured finds, Swarovski gems and semi-precious stones crafted into art-to–wear adornments. From the popular traditional knots to feathered fascinators, flowers to birds, there is a piece for every whim. Whether you are in the mood for girly frippery or want to give a nod to the oriental side, EuniqYou is fashioned for all discerning individuals.
What were you doing before you started EuniqYou?
Prior to designing jewellery full time, I was working with an established medical group handling all their A&P activities. I was chasing my “passion” of money like everyone else’s. Then I realised it didn’t motivate me that much to call it a real passion, it was simply a race to keep up with. Yet I will not rule out the fact that I may go back to advertising/marketing one day. A girl can have many dreams right?
Why and when exactly did you start EuniqYou?
I had enough of the “I can create this myself too” thought every time I was out shopping. Honestly, I found myself putting back the item that I almost bought because after a second look, I reckoned I could do a better job than this factory-made item. One day over tea, my gf, Gloria kept urging me to fulfill my long-time dream and was telling me about her cousin who is in this line as well. And somehow that became the most productive tea session I ever had.
What kind of woman do you see wearing EuniqYou?
A woman who cares to define their style by experimenting with timeless, intricately designed jewellery. I love it when I see women styling up even for work. It should not be restricted for special occasions only. I feel that with a personal touch, you might define yourself better compared to your colleagues. It’s a reflection on your work as well.
What differentiates EuniqYou from its competitors?
By means of competitors, I would say it would be me against the other handmade designers; the non-generic and mass produced labels out there. I love mixing oriental-influenced elements with vintage treasures of ethereal beauty together, topped with hint of modern sophistication all rolled into one. It is this mix of oriental and vintage styles which make it special. I am also thrilled to head towards the ‘Green Jewellery’ concept by using reclaimed vintage and antique components.
What inspires you to build EuniqYou?
Since young, I had this ‘need’ to be different. In school, I always wanted the inimitable stationery, or schoolbag. I played the drums when people had the dogma of it being ‘a boy thing’. I guess to be outstanding; one has to be different from others. EuniqYou is dedicated to those who are like me – a need to be different.
Where do you see EuniqYou in 3 years time?
My plan is to expand the brand from sunny isle Singapore to across the globe beginning with the Asia Pacific regions as the years ensue.
What are your major challenges/stumbling blocks in running EuniqYou?
Finding a foothold in the market and designing with the customers in mind and not mine are the few major challenges I faced. The designs must not only look amazing on me but the customers must go ‘Wow that will look awesome with that blue dress I have…, that matches my eye colour…”.
I do admit the steep learning curve in order run this business. I had to be my own accountant, sales rep, model, photographer, writer, marketer, buyer, and web designer, all while designing the jewellery to keep the business going. However, the sense of achievement comes with the constant compliments and encouragement I receive from the customers.
Tell us how’s your average weekday and weekend is like.
Typically, I spend my weekdays creating my designs. I have to do everything, from sketching, to sourcing, to making the goods. Thereafter, I would spend time composing the angles for the shots. Weekends are a little tricky because that is when EuniqYou gets updated. So I would have to juggle my time between going out and work. Ahh, what the heck? I think I do work every day and at any hour, but what is there to complain, I can never be fired!
What are the pros and cons of working from home?
My take would be distractions, especially in this internet era. Not forgetting the little excuses I have for pardoning myself from work, “No work on my birthday week”, “I will sleep in a little more since it’s raining”, and the likes. Nonetheless I do get to jet off for trips whenever I wanted. Like the recent Vietnam trip and cruises! Honestly, I have more time on hand between family, relationships and work.
I recall those days when I was working, my friends could never meet up with me because shops and restaurants were closed by the time I knocked off. Weekends were non-existent too, time was literally stripped away from me. Now, savings roll in from the absence of having to drive to work, pay for petrol, income tax, even meals! I feel healthier with all the home cooked meals too! No complaints! J
What satisfy you most with running EuniqYou?
Oh, when my customers actually learn the fact that I wasn’t from any design school nor was I in the jewellery industry for years before I started Euniqyou. Somehow, they assume I did!
What are your friends and family’s stands on your route to entrepreneurship?
Many felt that I achieved more this year than those years I spent working, i.e. more me time. Be it exploring the world, taking time to appreciate life or thinking more for myself. Rather than waiting till you are retired to do what you want to do, why not start now when you are still young!
How do you find your daily motivation for running EuniqYou?
I would have to go with the encouragement I get from my customers! Cliché it may sound but it is true. My mind is always running around with design ideas and the satisfaction I get when the design turn out to be more than what I’ve expected. Though at times I do need to improvise, but it’s all part of experimenting!
What gives you inspiration for making your pretty products?
Inspirations come from everyday things – home decors, street decors, web, celebrities, television, pictures etc. I also tend to notice the styles and trends of what my target audience buys, carries and wears, and that is how I revolve and put in my own interpretations into the designs.
Tell me when do you think you will make your first $10,000 from EuniqYou?
Business secrets! Haha.
What word of advice do you have for young budding entrepreneurs?
Well, stop wondering about the outcome of your dreams, realise them! It is definitely okay to have a job without health benefits or insurance because when you succeed, the success is all yours.
What’s the most inspirational thing you’ve heard/read?
The Impossible is Always the Untried. Never say it is impossible until you have sunk both feet into the puddle.
Source: http://kittylo.com/2010/01/talked-to-euniqyou/
Please tell us about EuniqYou
EuniqYou inaugural launch was in June this year. It is an eclectic myriad of oriental styles, vintage treasured finds, Swarovski gems and semi-precious stones crafted into art-to–wear adornments. From the popular traditional knots to feathered fascinators, flowers to birds, there is a piece for every whim. Whether you are in the mood for girly frippery or want to give a nod to the oriental side, EuniqYou is fashioned for all discerning individuals.
What were you doing before you started EuniqYou?
Prior to designing jewellery full time, I was working with an established medical group handling all their A&P activities. I was chasing my “passion” of money like everyone else’s. Then I realised it didn’t motivate me that much to call it a real passion, it was simply a race to keep up with. Yet I will not rule out the fact that I may go back to advertising/marketing one day. A girl can have many dreams right?
Why and when exactly did you start EuniqYou?
I had enough of the “I can create this myself too” thought every time I was out shopping. Honestly, I found myself putting back the item that I almost bought because after a second look, I reckoned I could do a better job than this factory-made item. One day over tea, my gf, Gloria kept urging me to fulfill my long-time dream and was telling me about her cousin who is in this line as well. And somehow that became the most productive tea session I ever had.
What kind of woman do you see wearing EuniqYou?
A woman who cares to define their style by experimenting with timeless, intricately designed jewellery. I love it when I see women styling up even for work. It should not be restricted for special occasions only. I feel that with a personal touch, you might define yourself better compared to your colleagues. It’s a reflection on your work as well.
What differentiates EuniqYou from its competitors?
By means of competitors, I would say it would be me against the other handmade designers; the non-generic and mass produced labels out there. I love mixing oriental-influenced elements with vintage treasures of ethereal beauty together, topped with hint of modern sophistication all rolled into one. It is this mix of oriental and vintage styles which make it special. I am also thrilled to head towards the ‘Green Jewellery’ concept by using reclaimed vintage and antique components.
What inspires you to build EuniqYou?
Since young, I had this ‘need’ to be different. In school, I always wanted the inimitable stationery, or schoolbag. I played the drums when people had the dogma of it being ‘a boy thing’. I guess to be outstanding; one has to be different from others. EuniqYou is dedicated to those who are like me – a need to be different.
Where do you see EuniqYou in 3 years time?
My plan is to expand the brand from sunny isle Singapore to across the globe beginning with the Asia Pacific regions as the years ensue.
What are your major challenges/stumbling blocks in running EuniqYou?
Finding a foothold in the market and designing with the customers in mind and not mine are the few major challenges I faced. The designs must not only look amazing on me but the customers must go ‘Wow that will look awesome with that blue dress I have…, that matches my eye colour…”.
I do admit the steep learning curve in order run this business. I had to be my own accountant, sales rep, model, photographer, writer, marketer, buyer, and web designer, all while designing the jewellery to keep the business going. However, the sense of achievement comes with the constant compliments and encouragement I receive from the customers.
Tell us how’s your average weekday and weekend is like.
Typically, I spend my weekdays creating my designs. I have to do everything, from sketching, to sourcing, to making the goods. Thereafter, I would spend time composing the angles for the shots. Weekends are a little tricky because that is when EuniqYou gets updated. So I would have to juggle my time between going out and work. Ahh, what the heck? I think I do work every day and at any hour, but what is there to complain, I can never be fired!
What are the pros and cons of working from home?
My take would be distractions, especially in this internet era. Not forgetting the little excuses I have for pardoning myself from work, “No work on my birthday week”, “I will sleep in a little more since it’s raining”, and the likes. Nonetheless I do get to jet off for trips whenever I wanted. Like the recent Vietnam trip and cruises! Honestly, I have more time on hand between family, relationships and work.
I recall those days when I was working, my friends could never meet up with me because shops and restaurants were closed by the time I knocked off. Weekends were non-existent too, time was literally stripped away from me. Now, savings roll in from the absence of having to drive to work, pay for petrol, income tax, even meals! I feel healthier with all the home cooked meals too! No complaints! J
What satisfy you most with running EuniqYou?
Oh, when my customers actually learn the fact that I wasn’t from any design school nor was I in the jewellery industry for years before I started Euniqyou. Somehow, they assume I did!
What are your friends and family’s stands on your route to entrepreneurship?
Many felt that I achieved more this year than those years I spent working, i.e. more me time. Be it exploring the world, taking time to appreciate life or thinking more for myself. Rather than waiting till you are retired to do what you want to do, why not start now when you are still young!
How do you find your daily motivation for running EuniqYou?
I would have to go with the encouragement I get from my customers! Cliché it may sound but it is true. My mind is always running around with design ideas and the satisfaction I get when the design turn out to be more than what I’ve expected. Though at times I do need to improvise, but it’s all part of experimenting!
What gives you inspiration for making your pretty products?
Inspirations come from everyday things – home decors, street decors, web, celebrities, television, pictures etc. I also tend to notice the styles and trends of what my target audience buys, carries and wears, and that is how I revolve and put in my own interpretations into the designs.
Tell me when do you think you will make your first $10,000 from EuniqYou?
Business secrets! Haha.
What word of advice do you have for young budding entrepreneurs?
Well, stop wondering about the outcome of your dreams, realise them! It is definitely okay to have a job without health benefits or insurance because when you succeed, the success is all yours.
What’s the most inspirational thing you’ve heard/read?
The Impossible is Always the Untried. Never say it is impossible until you have sunk both feet into the puddle.
Source: http://kittylo.com/2010/01/talked-to-euniqyou/
