The Face Shop
When we see inspiring stories of women who have it all, we realise it is possible. With that extra grit and strength (women really have the tenacity within us- see how we queue relentlessly when there is a bargain), we will reach our destination.
The Face Shop is ubiquitous in Singapore and many Asian countries. How was it brought into Singapore from Korea?
Here is an interesting interview, with The Face Shop owners, Ms Doreen Kho Ching Kim & Peggy Kho Ching Ling when they first start up.
1. Please describe your business.
Our business is made up of a group of young enthusiastic people who wants to offer our customers excellent service and good quality Korean cosmetics to customers at affordable prices. We hope to encourage Singaporeans to be more adventurous with colours for the face and for Singaporeans to have a wider choice of skincare choices formulated from unique natural ingredients.
2. What made you embark on this venture choice?
Personally, I have always been vain at heart and I have a deep passion for cosmetics. I can spend hours at cosmetic counters and experimenting new products. In particular, Korea's cosmetics have caught my attention as they have one of the best technology for skincare development. The ingredients used are also very unique and since Korea has just opened their markets, it is a good opportunity for Singaporeans to finally discover their secret to great skin.
3. How does your business work?
We import our products from Korea and retail them in our outlets located at Bugis Junction and Plaza Singapura. Currently all our shops are self owned as we are apprehensive about franchising too soon.
4. Did you have the capital to start the business or did you have to borrow from someone to get started?
Our partnership includes me, my sister Peggy, my husband Leslie and 2 sleeping partners. Together, we have enough capital to invest into this venture.
5. Do your parents have their own businesses too? Have they inspired you in one way or another?
No, my parents do not own businesses. My mother passed away when my sister and I were young and my father passed away recently, both from illness. Yes, they have inspired us but in a different kind of way. Both our parents fought their illnesses, patiently and silently. When they are in pain, they hide in their rooms to weep and would never let us see their sufferings as they do not want us to feel sad. Seeing their resilent nature in overcoming adversities has made us stronger people. We learnt never to complain no matter how tired we are so that we will not demoralize the people around us. My grandmother and father had come from very poor families. They had worked very hard to make a living. My father had to study at the corridor because they could not afford the electrical bills. But because of that, he was even more determined to succeed so that he could get out of poverty and he did. He had passed on to us his spirit of determination.
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