What is your strongest memory of a lesson that has shaped the way you are now?
There are so many lessons, even now, that continue to shape who I am. I suppose a more distant one would be in 2002 when my late grandmother, Diana Eu, had an orchid named after – Aeridovanda Diana Eu. She was given this honour because of the work she did and it made me so proud. I remember thinking, “Wow. What an incredible woman she must be.” It stuck with me, long after she passed on, because it reminded me of the line of strong women I come from. I didn’t learn much about her non-profit work until much later but people continue to come up to me and tell me how much my grandmother did for their community. I am immensely proud to be her granddaughter. I hope that she will be proud of me too.

What was the best decision you made that you would like to share with young entrepreneurs?
My best decision was choosing to attend LASALLE School of the Arts Singapore and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Media and Industries. It helped me understand the world of fashion and how I could connect brilliant messaging with sustainability through Mei’s Own. Mei’s Own was a work in progress for me throughout my university life and I was heavily influenced by the amazing talent I was able to witness within my cohort, my lecturers and people in the industry who shared their passion and process with us.

Have you rewritten any rules to break any stereotype on young entrepreneurs?
I think there’s this perception that young entrepreneurs overwork themselves and everyone around them, they don’t understand management and care too deeply for things that have nothing to do with their business. I feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to start a small business. I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. I am a woman in Asia after all. This is unchartered waters for most of us. Unfortunately, I do overwork myself sometimes but I do so with passion. I also set aside time to rest and read when I can. I never truly feel like this is work. Ultimately, the only stereotype I’ve been trying to break is that we don’t care enough about people. I care deeply for the community and I would label myself as a social worker before an entrepreneur.