As a wardrobe curator and artist, Biek Speijk uses her decades of experience in the fashion industry to empower women on their self-discovery journey.
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 the founder of Biekaleidoscope, Biek Speijk, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
As a designer with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, it’s safe to say I love fashion. I’m passionate about deconstructing the conventional so it can be seen from a new perspective and highlight its true essence.
Fashion is a big part of my life. After working in clothing boutiques as a teenager, I saw how clothing can transform a woman’s perception of herself. Studying fashion for seven years at two art schools in the Netherlands, I developed an eye for collage-making. It helped me cut away the unnecessary and combine elements to create something new and better. I also started to question conventional design. How can a T-shirt get back its essence? How can I shed it in a new light so it works differently with the body, while still appreciating its design and workmanship?
Working for several years for a well-known denim brand, I learned the impact of small details and high-quality design. I moved to be a designer and fit specialist at a fast fashion brand in Beijing, China. That’s where I incorporated collage-making skills into my design process – piecing together different clothes to create something new and unique.
My years in the fashion industry have exposed me to every aspect. I realised that clothing can make us feel confident and empowered, so I started Biekaleidoscope. Instead of designing more clothes, I want to be part of the solution. I teach women how to make conscious wardrobe choices by decluttering and focusing on what makes them feel great. This develops a stronger relationship with clothes by not needing more but by making high-quality, sustainable choices through the art of fashion.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Finding balance in my roles as a partner, wife, mum and entrepreneur. In the fashion industry, you always work with hefty deadlines. Early on in my career, I went with it. But as I got more seasoned, I realised that living life is what it’s really about, so I try to avoid working overtime when possible.
I’m passionate about what I do, so it’s not always easy to set boundaries. But being rigid about not working on weekends and in the evenings creates headspace to be present for my family. Health and life are always at the forefront of work.
Another challenge is that I “just” want to help women feel confident in their clothes and make art. But as an entrepreneur, you need to wear so many different hats. Sometimes, that takes the joy out of the day-to-day things. When you’ve solved one issue, you get two back. That can sometimes feel overwhelming.
How do you keep stress levels low?
I’m lucky that my work doesn’t feel like work. However, I do feel stressed – there’s never enough time. I have practised listening to my body – and in times of stress, I do the opposite of what I think I should do. Instead of working harder or making more to-do lists, I take a walk in the neighbourhood, get a hot chocolate down the street (or ice cream… something with sugar!), or do a Netflix and chill. That is super counterintuitive, but it works to turn my brain off and do something for me.
After that, I gain clarity. I know what to do and how to prioritise (in the end, it’s always about finding the priority that makes an impact on my business now). Additionally, I make sure I’m dressed the way I want to feel for the day. Sometimes that means that I wear a nice dress even though I stay home for work all day. It really makes a difference. That’s why I’m so passionate about the relationship with your clothes.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
That’s a tricky one. I’ve learned to give my inner critic a name and a visual. His name is Gerard and he’s a mix between a goblin (Harry Potter) and Gollum (Lord of the Rings). That makes it easier to address him and recognise his nagging voice. This doesn’t always come easy, of course, but sometimes I can say out loud, “Not now, Gerard! Thanks, but I don’t need you!” It also makes me chuckle a bit.
As a creative, criticism always comes when a product is finished. When I’m creating it, I’m fully in the moment and follow my intuition. But when I think about “the big wide world”, my inner critic takes over. I always try to think that I make my art for myself, as an outlet – and if someone likes it, that’s amazing. The focus is more on the creation rather than the selling, and that keeps it closer to home, which also makes it easier to reign in those negative thoughts.
Favourite place(s) to work?
I really enjoy being at home. I have a wonderful light space in our home as a studio for my art – I can write content at the table in the yard. When I’m in my client’s closets to help them “bieklutter” as a first session for our 30-day trajectory, that’s also a really great dynamic workplace!
Favourite business tool?
I immediately think of Trello. It helps me take everything that’s lingering in my brain and put them into organised lists. It was really a game-changer for me. I’ve always been highly organised, but this is really great and it’s free!
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
Clothes! It’s part of my DNA and I love all the facets of it – how it’s created, the psychology behind it, high-quality design, and how to make it as sustainable as possible. But mostly, stop following certain “styling rules”, cut the crap, and do whatever feels good.
Your go-to self-care activity?
Swimming and nature. We live in a landed home without a pool, so I go to a country club and it’s so worth it. I also enjoy it as a family outing. But doing laps really refuels me. There’s also nothing like the beach and the sounds of the ocean. Nature is so amazing in Singapore and we have a lot of beautiful opportunities where we live in Bukit Timah. I also enjoy doing yoga – it feels as if everything falls back into place after a session.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Oof. Tough one! I think my whole life trajectory had brought me exactly to the space I’m in now, and I’ve definitely followed my inner compass and creativity. What I’ve been doing for a long time is “being tough”. So I’d say: It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to be or do everything by yourself.
Get in touch with Biek Speijk 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!