
From fashion to art, Audrey Chong tells us about her journey towards launching The Tack Shop.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Audrey Chong, the founder of The Tack Shop Singapore, gets it done like a boss.

What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I met my first pony at a classmate’s 6th birthday party and never stopped thinking or talking about horses since. My first lesson was on a grey pony named Bugs (he was more Malone than Bunny), and that was it for me!
As a rider, I found it hard to purchase apparel and equipment in the region. So, when the opportunity presented itself to open a store, I took it. Equestrian sports are growing and it made perfect sense that a store staffed and stocked by a rider could address a gap in the riding community. It would give the community a go-to space for specialised advice and specific equipment, something that isn’t easily available in the region.
The Tack Shop started as a side gig in November 2020 with three brands: Effol for horsecare, Effax for Leathercare, and Samshield for helmets and riding apparel. Today, it’s my full-time job. We have over 50 brands for both horses and riders – and we’re still growing.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Space and rent have been my biggest challenges in Singapore. We maximise the utility of our space by keeping inventory lean and turnover high. Being a niche retailer means that our team are specialists and recruitment is limited to a selected pool. I’m very thankful to have grown from a one-woman show to a seven-woman team, and I’m grateful for the wonderful ladies who help me do what I do!

How do you stay motivated and energised?
Being passionate about horses and knowing that I’m addressing the specialised needs of a niche clientele.
Favourite place to work?
My store. I love interacting with my clients and understanding their needs as riders, as well as their horses’ needs.
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
“Happy horses and happy riders” is my mantra.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
Horses!

Your go-to self-care activity?
Riding, of course. But as both my horses are based in Germany, I attend a daily Pilates class in the morning and the occasional barre class or tennis lesson.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Stop overthinking it and just do it! Also, wear the heels; your knees will hurt later anyway.
Get in touch with Audrey Chong online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!