
We chat with entrepreneurs who rewrote the script of their careers.
Sometimes, the road to success isn’t a straight line but a daring detour. That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on the trailblazers who took a leap of faith, embraced the unknown, and carved new paths in pursuit of passion, purpose, and impact. These entrepreneurs in Singapore went in a different career direction and lived to tell the tale about the power of change.
Entrepreneurs in Singapore and their career changes
From nightlife to social media
Adelphia Lim, 30, founder of For The Love of Socials

In 2014, while studying at university, I worked late nights as a supervisor at a bustling bar in Clarke Quay. Despite the gruelling hours until 4am, I thrived on the hospitality industry’s vibrant energy and the joy of meeting new people. But, I was feeling lost and unsure about my future steps.
My then-boss presented me with an opportunity that would unknowingly pivot my entire career path. She allowed me to experiment with social media to help drive more customers. This change opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me, igniting a passion for social media marketing that led to the founding of my agency eight years later. I’m so grateful for her belief in me back then – it allowed me to thrive, grow, and flourish in ways I never imagined!
From banking to coaching
Sophie Leung, 37, Somatic Trauma Informed Coach

I’ve always been drawn to helping people and sought purpose-driven work. I started in banking but transitioned to Somatic Trauma-Informed Coaching, inspired by my brother’s guidance and my mum’s struggles with anxiety.
A turning point came during an anxiety attack at a senior meeting, exposing the mask I wore to hide exhaustion and misalignment. Burnout and a breakup forced me to confront my well-being and reconnect with myself, leading to my passion for mental health and self-leadership. Now, I help high-achieving women overcome anxiety, stress, and self-sabotage to build fulfilling lives. While entrepreneurship is challenging, creating meaningful impact makes the journey deeply rewarding.
From marketing and tech to the wedding industry
Joy Q. Wang, 31, founder and creative director, Bone and Grey Bridal

I studied biomedical sciences following my parents’ dreams of having a doctor in the family. It was not what I wanted, and I’m glad I realised that early on in university. Though I still graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, I pivoted to taking business and computer science courses in my last year, which led me to start my career in marketing.
From then on, I combined my passion for marketing and tech into product manager roles in tech startups but I always knew I wanted to start something of my own. After taking a year off from my career, and through trials and errors, I settled on starting my online bridal boutique. It truly marries my love for design, fashion, business, and technology in an otherwise traditional industry!
From finance to jewellery design
Helena Gilmour, 42, founder, The Place

After 15 years in banking and finance, I made a bold career pivot to entrepreneurship and jewellery design. The change, driven by life with children and a looming, “if not now, when?” urgency (hello, midlife crisis!), has been nothing short of transformative.
The steep learning curve – technical and business alike – has been daunting, but I’ve loved leaning into my creative side, a part of me I never acknowledged before. Three years on, the journey is still unfolding, and I’m loving every step.
From business strategy to circular fashion
Kriti Gupta, 37, founder and CEO, Nimbu

After over a decade of championing sustainability at Singapore’s Economic Development Board, I took a bold leap of faith. Leaving behind a dream job in strategy and partnerships, I ventured into the unknown, thanks to my 1-year-old, and created Nimbu, Singapore’s first circular fashion brand for kids.
Becoming a mom changed everything. Standing in a guest room filled with barely-used baby items, I felt the weight of excess and knew I had to act. It was risky – starting a business while navigating motherhood – but I was deeply passionate about building a platform that blends beauty, culture, and sustainability. Looking back, the leap was worth every challenge.
If a career change is in the cards for you, take inspiration from these entrepreneurs in Singapore!