This International Women’s Day, we get a dose of inspiration thanks to these fab femme fatales who’ve made a mark in their industries.
International Women’s Day shouldn’t just be limited to 24 hours – these kickass lady bosses can attest to that. We chat with inspiring women from the food and beverage, arts, fashion and beauty industries on career advice, obstacles and how they overcame their hurdles. Who run the world, again?
International Women’s Day: Lady bosses share career advice
Who’s that girl: Hayley Durack
Photographer and founder of Hayley Durack Photography
What are some career challenges you personally encountered over the years?
I have certainly been through many moments of self-doubt and second guessing myself. It’s somewhere between wanting things to be perfect and of course knowing they just can’t be – and that is ok! I think in the creative industries, this can be somewhat hard because it is so subjective.
How did you overcome them?
I learnt that the only way for me to keep the energy in my job is that I have to stay true to what I love shooting. In turn, my clients get the best out of their session because of this. We both arrive feeling like we’re about to make some magic. It’s a little bit of them, a little bit of me, and a whole lot of “let’s just enjoy and give this a go”.
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
It’s ok to say no to jobs that you don’t want to take on. This can be so hard when starting out. I thought I had to say yes to every opportunity, especially when you want to build a client base. And I also wanted to please every request. But staying true to what you know and do really well will pay off. Clients will come to you because you create a look that you love showing. There are plenty of others who specialise in other looks and that’s ok. Your time and talent are worth it, so only take on what you know you’re going to really enjoy working on.
What are some misconceptions about women you’d like to change?
I don’t know about misconceptions but I do think we need to be less hard on ourselves as females. You’re going to make plenty of mistakes, but it’s the only way you can move forward. We have to try and feel less guilt – especially if you are trying to raise children while working too. And you don’t need to move forward at a neck-breaking pace. Every day is so busy and complex, it’s ok to change the pace and move a little slow and steady at times. Look after you first (you know, before putting on oxygen masks for others!).
Who’s that girl: Hayley Teo
Founder of skincare brand, Rooki Beauty
What do you love about being a woman?
First would be the natural exposure to the importance of skincare, something which I inherited from the women in my family. Growing up, looking at my mother take care of her skin instilled a passion in me to take care of my own. This eventually blossomed into my career. My grandmother is almost 90, and her skin still looks amazing for her age.
Second would be the ability to be empathetic. I’m not saying that men aren’t empathetic but women have this intuitive instinct to anticipate the needs of others before even a single word is exchanged. It’s not just attention to detail but sensitivity to detail, a valuable trait that has helped me in an industry that values the user experience.
Third would be the sense of solidarity that women have, because it is more socially acceptable for us to express our emotions. Emotional support is a really important part of entrepreneurship, because it can be a lonely journey at times.
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
You need to have patience and know how to pace yourself. Mistakes happen when you try to rush things. Inertia sets in when you’re too slow. But most important of all is to just start somewhere. I didn’t have any experience in beauty when I started but I told myself to pursue my passion because life is not a dress rehearsal. You have to make your time count.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
The biggest challenge for the next generation of women is understanding that “having it all” often comes at a cost. Women have more opportunities than ever before, but also more pressure than ever before. We’re going to have to make trade-offs that the generation before us did not even have to consider, on a personal and professional level. But the good thing about that is that we have a choice, and it’s really up to us to decide what kind of legacy we want to leave behind.
Who’s that girl: Caroline Tan
Co-Founder of Beats Bites & Cocktails (BBC) which is part of her F&B consulting company, Ladies and Gentlemen
What are some career challenges you personally encountered over the years? How did you overcome them?
A challenge I personally faced was having to constantly adapt to new environments. Whether it was moving to a new country or breaking into a new industry, it has certainly been a journey filled with uncertainty. However, I believe that it is important to always push yourself and open your world to new possibilities. With passion and perseverance, these challenges will definitely pay off.
Another difficulty is staying relevant in an industry where trends come and go. That is why I try to visit as many venues as possible while travelling and during my days off. But while it is important to expose yourself to these trends, you also need to figure out which of them complement your own personal style and philosophy.
Of course, being a woman in this industry has its difficulties as well. Women have long cooked and ran the kitchen in their households, but men tend to pursue it as a career and thus hold higher level positions in the industry. Holding your own in this male-dominated industry is really tough as you have to work harder and perform better than the rest, but it is incredibly rewarding when your efforts are recognised.
Tell us about some women who inspire you.
Nancy Silverton is someone who inspires me. She’s basically a living food legend, building an Italian empire with Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, and Chi Spacca as well as pioneering the artisanal bread movement with La Brea Bakery. She was awarded all the possible awards and was a key person in Wolfgang Puck’s Spago opening. I also greatly admire her use of ingredients – making amazing yet simple meals out of fresh and great produce.
I am also inspired by the aunties and amazing women who keep our traditions alive in the hawker centers. I hope Singapore keeps its hawker legacy and cultivates it for a new generation.
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
The industry is rather large with many different segments in hospitality ranging from cafes, dining establishments, lounge and cocktail bars to nightclubs and entertainment venues. You can start by figuring out where you want to explore and then actively visit such places. Ask the staff and managers questions about the business. A lot of times, they are happy to share their experiences and you can get a clearer picture of the industry. You can also ask to intern or work part time to help out to gain some experience. Sooner or later, someone will recognise your genuine passion and give you an opportunity.
Be open to advice and collaborations with others as they can become a support system for you to bounce new ideas and best practices with. Sometimes these relationships can offer long term value as you never know who your next investor or partner on future projects will be.
Who’s that girl: Jane Iyer
CEO and founder of travel and tourist business, Jane’s Singapore Tours
What do you love about being a woman?
At the risk of espousing a cliche, I think we’re more capable of multi-tasking and being creative, which allows us to think outside of the box more than men do. But that’s probably an oversimplification, or too much of a generalisation, because there are many exceptions – on both sides!
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry
It’s a fun but challenging industry. You just have to work super hard, not least as you’re dealing with people and their “foibles”!
What advice will you give your 13-year-old self?
Have confidence in yourself, don’t follow the pack, and above all be curious. Think about what you can contribute to the world in your life – which will zoom past in the twinkling of an eye. Be generous, positive, and kind. P.S. One of my fave expressions is “feel the fear and do it anyway”!
Who’s that girl: Charlene Sim
Founder of local skincare brand, Glowfully
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
In this modern society, we see a growing and greater emphasis on gender equality. We see many women stepping up to fill leadership roles. We are looking at more female-led organisations and even female government leaders around the world. Gone are the days where our grandmothers were taught to believe that hardship would befall women who are educated. Modern women believe that we can be strong, independent and have the ability to handle matters at work and family simultaneously.
The biggest challenge for future modern women would be to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It is not easy to fight for equal opportunity at work and going home with your children demanding your attention. As a woman, we would always be battling with mom guilt whenever we get too engrossed with work.
Tell us about some women who inspire you.
My mum inspired me the most. We grew up in an unfavourable environment but my brothers and I have tons of happy childhood memories. I often wondered how it was possible for my mum to bring home a meagre salary of $900 a month and yet we never felt inadequate. She was a typical example of a strong modern woman. Bringing home the bread and managing the welfare of her children was her conviction. Our childhood days were filled with outings, fast foods and occasional volunteer work. I guessed subconsciously Mom instilled her strength in me. I want to be like her. I want to be able to inspire my 2 daughters to be strong, to know our worth and spread kindness.
I am also very inspired by Michelle Obama. She is a high-achiever in a male-dominated industry. She proved that one could be as successful at work and at home being a supportive wife and a wonderful mum. I especially like the fact that she is determined to raise her girls the right way. I read an article that documented how the former First Lady wanted her daughters to see her at her best so her girls could aspire to greater heights.
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
Taking the first step. There are many people with great ideas but the probability of success only happens the moment you have the courage to execute your idea. Pace yourself as it can be a long journey and you do not want to get burned out. When I started Glowfully, I was juggling multiple roles and I was at the edge of throwing in the towel because that was not what I imagined would be. It was only when I convinced myself that achievement is just not measured by how fast I attained my goals, that I finally started to love my job. I often reminded myself that I might be taking baby steps but I am still ahead compared to when I started.
Who’s that girl: Alicia Tsi
Founder and designer of sustainable womenswear label, Esse
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
Be prepared to work (very) hard: the fashion industry looks glamorous but what goes on behind the scenes to get a pretty garment onto the shop floor (or e-commerce website) is a lot of hard work. Whether you’re a marketer, merchandiser, stylist or aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll need to be willing to put your back into it. I’ve spent countless hours folding and tagging garments, steaming clothes, getting on my knees during photoshoots or lugging boxes of hangers and clothes for pop-ups. It’s all part of the experience and you have to embrace it.
Be passionate (find your why): it’s easy to become disillusioned especially when you’re pulling long hours or when most of the work is so hands-on. The drive to champion for a cleaner and greener fashion industry is what keeps me going. I also have a deep love and appreciation for the art of creating a treasured garment and helping women to find self-expression, confidence and comfort in what they wear.
Tell us about some women who inspire you.
Aja Barber, a writer, stylist and consultant whose work deals with the intersections of sustainability and the fashion landscape. I admire her courage to speak her truth, highlighting inequality at the personal, societal and corporate level.
Kate Low, founder of Perk by Kate. Kate is a close friend and mentor. I’ve been very inspired by her journey, watching her grow Perk by Kate from strength to strength over the years. While she has great business and marketing acumen, I am always so inspired by her empathy, generosity and honesty, as she lifts the people around her up. The Perk by Kate community is a testament to her amazing strength and character.
What are some misconceptions about women you’d like to change?
I think that gender biases about women being less risk-averse or being more “risky investments” still exist in the business world. These perceptions put women who are entering the field of entrepreneurship at a disadvantage because they impact confidence and instill doubt. There is disproportionate funding for women-owned businesses, and when opportunities are unfairly limited for women, they do not have an equal chance to prove themselves. It is therefore a missed opportunity for revenue and great ideas.
Who’s that girl: May
Founder of Tessellate.Co, a jewellery store focusing on quality gemstones and materials
What are some misconceptions about women you’d like to change?
I find that women have the ability to accomplish anything they set their minds to, and take charge of their lives. They bring a more empathetic environment, a more balanced work life and family ratio, which should be seen as a strength rather than weakness in organisations.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 13-year-old self?
You’re doing great! Be more confident about your decisions, explore more interests and meet more people to broaden your perspectives.
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
Take the plunge and just go for it! It’s always better to try and make it happen, rather than to dream about it.
There’s gonna be competition, so know your unique selling point and make yourself and the brand stand out.
Success takes hard work, determination, some luck and most of all, perseverance.
Who’s that girl: Charmaine Ann Thio
Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin in Southeast Asia
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
If you’re holding back from giving it a go because someone somewhere at some point told you the spirits industry is a man’s world, then know that they are wrong and that there is a place in the industry for anyone with passion and drive.
In the course of your career you will meet people who will underestimate you just for being a woman. But always remember your worth and trust in that. Never let anyone diminish your light or make you feel inferior without your consent. Always remember that you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. Never settle for a toxic or unsafe work environment. The people you work with and for should be your allies. If you can’t change the culture then it’s time to move on to a more conducive environment for growth.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with positive people who will grow with you and support you in reaching your goals. And as you progress and climb higher, remember to pay it forward and help others on their journeys too.
Don’t be afraid to succeed and pay no heed to anyone who tells you you don’t deserve to be where you are. Finally, there is absolutely no shame in having ambition, you reach as high as your heart desires and you get to where you want to go!
What are some career challenges you personally encountered over the years? How did you overcome them?
One challenge was my lack of experience when I first started in the industry. I had internalised that I was pretty late to the game and needed to hustle to play catch up as everyone I was working with had way more experience in the industry than I did and some of them were also younger than I was. The gap in knowledge and basic technique was significant so in my free time I read plenty of books on spirits and cocktails, researched as many bottles on the back bar as possible, asked a lot of questions, asked for help and worked a lot of unpaid overtime just to make sure I could hold my own alongside my colleagues as quickly as possible.
The next big challenge was moving into a management role. The books on cocktails and spirits that I had read over the years did not prepare me for the demands of management, not even slightly. I very quickly learnt there is no place for pride and ego if you want to grow and be a successful manager. Once you realise that your life at work as a manager is less about you and more about the team you look after, things begin to fall into place a lot easier. I’m grateful that I had guidance from other leaders who taught me to be patient and to prioritise having empathy.
With every challenge I feel like my approach has always been the same – know what you don’t know and actively seek the knowledge you need. Be teachable and willing to learn, and if you know you’ve worked hard for it, always believe that you deserve to be where you are even if others tell you otherwise.
Who’s that girl: Divya Gugani
Co-founder of clean beauty brand, Wander Beauty
What are some career challenges you personally encountered?
In the early years of my career, I never felt like I never fit in. As a woman of color working in finance, I felt, looked, and acted differently than my co-workers. I eventually became a serial entrepreneur and created work environments where diversity was encouraged and celebrated.
As a CEO, I’m collaborative by nature which is why I seek counsel while making decisions. One of my challenges has been trusting my gut and overtly ignoring the counsel of others despite seeking their advice! I always view all sides of an issue or problem but ultimately make my own decisions, often based on intuition.
What do you love about being a woman?
Being strong. Women are strong and what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
Tell us your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
Be open to opportunities and take risks. Don’t judge your next career opportunity by its title or pay but rather by the learnings that will ensue and the experience it offers.
Who’s that girl: Charlotte Nors
Managing Director of Singapore Repertory Theatre
What are some career challenges you personally encountered over the years? How did you overcome them?
It would have been great to have an ‘old-boys network’ especially in my early days in Singapore. Being able to pull favours and leverage from a strong network would have given me a leg up, but now I have met so many interesting and accomplished women who inspire and support me. I have always taken one day at a time and never stopped believing in what we do at SRT. This is also what got me through 2020.
Share your career advice for women who want to succeed in your industry.
I don’t think our industry is different from any other field of work. Choose with your heart and work hard. For young women, who are looking at entering the arts professionally, I would suggest getting involved by volunteering, networking with people in the industry, and keeping an open mind to the windows of opportunity that might present themselves.
Who’s that girl: Huda Kattan
Founder of beauty and skincare brands, Huda Beauty and Wishful
Tell us your career advice for women who want to enter your industry.
Be passionate and have a purpose. With passion and purpose, anything is possible.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
Feeling confident in themselves and developing a strong sense of self. I hope that women will eventually learn to feel good in what they are and what they aspire to be without any judgment or comparison to unattainable standards set by society.
Thanks ladies, for all the career advice and inspiring stories!
