Xiao-Ly Koh, chef and founder of Xiao by Crutz patisserie in Petaling Jaya takes us behind the scenes of building a 14-year pastry career in Malaysia. From early online sales on Facebook to a flagship store, she explains her love for French pastry and everything crusty! She cites how the French have a philosophy about “garnishing with a purpose”- how every decoration should add texture and flavour, not just look pretty. She explains how she educates customers about French pastry, balances artistry with business, and uses seasonal menus, inspiration and beloved characters from Studio Ghibli and local ingredients to keep things fresh. Social media, especially Instagram, has amplified her brand, but she emphasizes that word-of-mouth remains the strongest marketing tool. There’s a powerful message here for entrepreneurs: craft with care, learn from feedback, and build a legacy. What you'll learn: 00:00 – Xiao-Ly, chef and founder of Xiao by Crutz patisserie and her journey to a flagship store.02:00 – Defining roles: chef first, entrepreneur second; navigating multiple hats including content creator04:30 – What is French pastry? Textures, garnishing with a purpose, and visual appeal.08:30 – From education to trust: introducing customers to French pastry and expanding the menu.12:00 – Marketing with stories: themed collections (Ghibli, kopitiam, local holidays) as differentiators.16:30 – R&D in a small team: collaboration with staff, testing flavors, balancing trends with core offerings.20:00 – Instagram as a visibility tool, but not the entirety of the business and how to differentiate which trends to follow (or not)23:00 – Burnout, resilience, and the long game, pacing, legacy over quick growth. 3 big takeways: Craft and commerce can coexist: treat your artistry as a business asset by educating customers and balancing novelty with reliability.Garnishing with a purpose matters: visuals should complement flavor and texture, not just decorate.Build for longevity: balance ambition with sustainable systems, and focus on word-of-mouth and quality as your strongest growth engines. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAisa.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.
In this quick solo episode, Krista Goon, host and creator of Womenpreneur Asia, redefines leadership through a personal lens—arguing that leadership often looks different from the front of the room and that followership can be a powerful catalyst for change. She shares how academic excellence gave her visibility, how a quiet act of contributing built an entrepreneurial community, and how a simple “yes” to follow created something larger than any single person could achieve. The balance of leading and following—timing, context, and courage—becomes a practical framework for womenpreneurs in Asia seeking impact without waiting for a title. Listen in for memorable insights, actionable takeaways, and a reminder that true leadership is a collaborative act. [00:00:00] Redefining leadership: leadership can show up as listening, supporting, or saying, “I’ll follow you.”[00:01:00] Leadership through strengths: excelling academically can increase visibility and respect.[00:02:00] Organic leadership: co-founding a women’s entrepreneur group that grew from 6 to 30 and beyond.[00:02:45] The power of followership: following a vision can create results bigger than one person.[00:03:00] Balcony vs. dance floor: leadership and followership are complementary; know when to lead or follow.[00:04:00] Core belief: leadership isn’t about titles; both roles create change when used fluidly. Get the full show notes at WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.
In this episode, I speak to Sonam Ludhani, a Dubai‑based revenue operations (rev ops) and AI strategist— who explains how to make every dollar count for small to mid‑sized businesses. From pivoting from supply chain to GTM at tech giants to building small but powerful AI tools, she reveals practical steps to align people, processes, and tools (even with Excel) to grow margins. Learn why “the nervous system” approach to rev ops matters, how to avoid AI hype and why prioritizing talent over tools can unlock real value. Listen, subscribe, and stay connected for more practical guidance. What You'll Learn: - 00:00 – 00:10: Sonam’s current focus in rev ops and AI - 00:10 – 00:20: Rev ops as the nervous system—aligning sales, marketing, and operations - 00:20 – 00:30: Career pivot from supply chain to GTM/AI; why taking her MBA at London Business School was the only option - 00:30 – 00:40: Building practical AI tools (getting hands-on) and the significance of a growth mindset - 00:40 – 01:10: Why small startups can succeed with MVP tools (e.g. Excel, HubSpot) - 01:10 – 01:40: Data visibility, funnel metrics, and stopping revenue leakage - 01:40 – 02:20: AI use, change management, and the importance of culture - 02:20 – 02:50: The new roles in AI - GTM Engineer and the evolving AI workforce - 02:50 – 03:30: How she develops confidence and why she is keen to help other women get into tech - 03:30 – 04:30: Practical playbook for business owners: diagnose, stop leaks, build systems - 04:30 – 05:00: Final reflections and how to connect with Sonam especially if you're a young woman in tech 3 Key Takeaways - Rev ops = the nervous system that unifies what your teams do, so you don’t rely on gut feel. - Start small: Excel or simple tools can create a single source of truth and reveal where revenue leaks hide. - AI is powerful when paired with change management and people; treat AI like an intern, delegate the drudge work, and focus on human‑level storytelling and face time with customers. Like our show? Help others find our show when you rate/review Womenpreneur Asia. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com If you’d like to show up online with clarity and confidence, check out my program at FromVisionToVoice.com and take part in the ongoing Weekly Visibility Challenge. This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com
What if your biggest insecurity could become the foundation of a business that changes lives? In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I sit down with Beby Kale Lena, an Indonesian entrepreneur who lives in Bali who turned her struggle with curly hair into a viral beauty brand. This episode was recorded in Beby Kale Lena’s villa in Sanur, Bali because I had booked a stay at her villa in August. Growing up in Timor island, East Indonesia, Beby spent years trying to hide her natural curls. and big hair. She straightened and damaged her hair so much that a hairstylist said her hair was "crispy". But when she learned how to care for them, she not only transformed her own confidence - she helped other women do the same. We talk about how her homemade hair oil went viral on Twitter and TikTok, why she walked away from a 17-year career in finance, and how her mission today is about so much more than hair. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, this conversation will remind you that what makes you different might just be your superpower. Show Notes with Timestamps [00:05] Meeting Beby in her Bali villa and how her story began with her hair.[08:00] From a financial and insurance career to following her dream of living in Bali.[13:00] How mixing oils for herself turned into a viral business by accident![20:00] The life-changing feedback from women who used her products which changed how she perceives her products and business[38:00] Going viral on TikTok by breaking all its rules and the challenges, anxiety and opportunities. that emerged afterwards[55:00] Beby’s reflections what she considers a simple yet contented life in Bali. 3 Key Takeaways Your insecurities can spark ideas that inspire and empower others.Authentic storytelling is more powerful than polished marketing.True self-love means treating yourself with care, not comparison. For the full show notes and links to Beby's socials, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.
Painting Bold Futures: How 17-Year-Old Danya Adriana Feri Is Redefining Malaysian Art At just 17 years old, Danya Adriana Feri who is from Malaysia has already turned her passion for painting into a thriving art business. From discovering her style during lockdown to completing large-scale commissions for clients like YTL and Marriott, Danya is proof that age is no barrier to pursuing your creative dreams. In this conversation, she shares how she balances school with entrepreneurship, the role her mother plays as her manager and biggest cheerleader, and why she’s committed to showcasing Malaysia’s cultural heritage through her bold, vibrant abstract art. Danya also opens up about her vision to inspire other young people to create and her dream of building a community art studio. [00:02] Discovering art during lockdown – How Danya began experimenting with abstract painting and found her unique style.[00:08] First sale beyond family – The thrill of selling her artwork at Art Market Malaysia.[00:12] Commissions with major brands – Working with YTL and Marriott on large-scale pieces.[00:16] Balancing exams and entrepreneurship – How she manages schoolwork alongside her art career.[00:21] Dreaming of a community art studio – Why she wants to teach and inspire young people through art.[00:25] Staying rooted in Malaysian heritage – How her culture shapes her art and sense of purpose. Key Takeaways Passion can start small – Even simple experiments can lead to discovering your creative style.Support matters – Having a champion, like Danya’s mom, can make all the difference in building a creative career. Heritage is powerful – Embracing your culture can give your art and business a unique voice. This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio. Find all links and show notes at Womenpreneur Asia.
From biomedical engineer to wellness entrepreneur, Marie Tuason has reinvented herself through burnout, bold choices and a passion for health. In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, Marie shares her journey from interning in Germany to creating ventures that bridge wellness, community, and entrepreneurship. She opens up about the lessons of burnout, why she challenges common wellness myths, and how she’s building the Philippines’ first Longevity Social Club. This candid conversation dives into identity shifts, the importance of bio-individuality, and how personal struggles with self-worth and anxiety became stepping stones toward her mission to help others live healthier, more intentional lives. Marie’s story is a powerful reminder that reinvention starts with listening to yourself and daring to align your life with your values. In This Episode: [00:02] Growing up in the Philippines and finding resourcefulness without privilege[05:45] Moving to Germany: discovering slower living, balance, and holistic health[12:10] Burnout, gap year, and the unexpected pivot into entrepreneurship[18:50] Building Kaya Connections and the Longevity Social Club[27:00] Debunking wellness myths and embracing bio-individuality[35:20] How struggles with anxiety and self-worth shaped her mission[42:00] Marie’s advice for women on reinvention and health Key Takeaways Reinvention often starts with discomfort — burnout became Marie’s launchpad for transformation.Health is multi-dimensional — beyond food and fitness, it includes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.Sustainable change requires identity shifts — becoming someone who values movement, resilience, and balance. This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio. Get the full article at WomenpreneurAsia.com
In this episode, Krista sits down with Gabriella or Gabby Yan, a hospitality industry insider turned startup founder to discuss her journey from luxury hotel marketing to founding TRAppe - a platform dedicated to making sustainable travel accessible, aspirational and impactful. Gabby shares the challenges she faced as a solo female founder, the problem of economic leakage in tourism and her vision for travel that benefits people and local economies. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Gabby’s background in hospitality and how that insider knowledge inspired her to start TRAppeThe problem of economic leakage and woefully underpaid local staff in tourismThe three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, EconomyChallenges of fundraising as a solo female founder with no tech background and no tech co-founderHow TRAppe works in creating authentic, community-focused travel experiencesWhy sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all and the importance of local context and nuances The business model: e-guides and a membership platformTips for travelers to make more conscious, impactful choices without the guilt The importance of amplifying Asian thought leadership and Asian perspectives in the Asian travel industry Practical Takeaways: Stay, eat, and buy local to ensure your travel spending benefits the communityBook accommodations and experiences directly, not just through online travel agents or commercial platforms Look for farm-to-table restaurants and artisan souvenirs that benefits the locals Ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden gems like restaurants, hotels and experiences that contribute to more local prosperity Take time to learn about the culture and needs of your destinationTraveling better is about thoughtful choices, not perfection Resources & Links: Trappe: trappetravel.com Shoutouts: Special thanks to Michelle Coulson of Remote Rebellion for connecting Gabby and Krista Connect with the host and the show: Host: Krista Goon on LinkedInFull article about this episode on: Womenpreneur Asia This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.
What if the path to your true calling isn't a straight line, but a winding journey across countries, cultures, and careers? For Rahel Podobsky-Stucki, embracing her Swiss-Filipino heritage became the key to unlocking her purpose, as she navigated from being a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BANTAYnet, an initiative that's revolutionizing digital literacy education in the Philippines. In this inspiring episode, Krista sits down with Rahel, a changemaker whose journey spans continents, careers, and cultures. From her early days as a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BantayNet—a digital literacy initiative in the Philippines—Rahel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing life’s nonlinear paths. She shares how her diverse experiences, struggles with identity, and mental health challenges ultimately led her to her true calling: empowering Filipinos to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. About Our Guest: Rahel Podobsky-Stucki is the Founder & CEO of BANTAYnet,, an initiative dedicated to promoting digital literacy and online safety in the Philippines. Drawing on her Swiss-Filipino heritage and a background in law, interpreting, and digital communication, Rahel creates accessible educational content and leads community workshops to help people of all ages stay safe online. What We Discuss: Rahel’s multicultural upbringing and the contrasts between Switzerland and the PhilippinesThe challenges and strengths of a nonlinear career pathOvercoming identity crises and mental health strugglesThe founding story of BantayNet and its missionDigital literacy challenges in the Philippines: scams, fake news, and online safetyStrategies for effective digital education and community engagementThe realities of building a nonprofit and exploring social enterprise modelsLessons in resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose Key Takeaways: Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful or impactfulEmbracing your unique background and experiences can become your superpowerDigital literacy is essential for everyone, especially in a rapidly changing online worldVulnerability and openness about challenges can empower othersSustainable impact often requires creative approaches and community involvement Connect with Rahel & BantayNet: Facebook: BantayNetWebsite: BantayNet.org If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Womenpreneur Asia on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with friends who might be inspired by Rahel’s story, and join us next week for more empowering conversations with Asian women entrepreneurs! Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio. For more inspiring stories and resources, visit Womenpreneur Asia.
How does a Japanese entrepreneur transform her passion for social impact into a cutting-edge fintech company in Malaysia? In this episode, Krista Goon sits down with Fumiko Inada, founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, to explore her inspiring journey from volunteering in Vietnam and Bangladesh to building a digital microfinance business that’s changing the game for small and micro-entrepreneurs. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Fumiko’s early experiences with NGOs and what sparked her interest in economic empowermentThe challenges and lessons learned from starting over in a new countryHow Bee Informatica is using technology to make microfinance faster, fairer, and more accessibleThe realities of raising funds as a woman founder in fintechWhy Fumiko chose business over the NGO route for sustainable impactThe importance of resilience, mission, and community in entrepreneurshipPractical advice for women entrepreneurs and anyone looking to make a difference About Fumiko Inada: Fumiko is the founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, a digital microfinance company based in Malaysia. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, she’s dedicated to empowering small businesses—especially women entrepreneurs—through innovative financial solutions. Connect with Fumiko: Website: fundingbee.my About Your Host: Krista Goon is the creator and host of Womenpreneur Asia, a podcast that uncovers the stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs to inspire and guide you on your own entrepreneurial journey. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, rate, and review Womenpreneur Asia on your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration!
What does it take to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days — and then return home to lead a movement transforming the future of work in the Philippines? In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I talk to Mench Dizon, marathoner, changemaker, and Country Head of YGG Pilipinas. Mench shares her incredible journey of completing the World Marathon Challenge, a test of endurance, resilience, and grit that pushed her to her limits both physically and mentally. She reflects on what it taught her about facing life’s literal and metaphorical climates, from minus 25-degree chills to the tropical heat, and how those lessons carry into her professional life. As the leader of YGG Pilipinas, Mench is committed to empowering Filipino talent by creating opportunities in gaming and technology, building communities, and helping Filipinos thrive in the digital economy. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The mindset that helped Mench conquer the World Marathon ChallengeWhy she believes “how you do one thing is how you do everything”How she’s building opportunities for Filipinos through YGG Pilipinas and MetaversityThe importance of leaning into discomfort and seizing opportunities before you feel ready Mench’s story is a powerful reminder that the limits we set are often the ones we choose to accept — and that growth comes from daring to push beyond them. Links & Resources: Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing. Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.
What does it take to reinvent yourself and start fresh in a new city? In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I sit down with Carmen Salameh, a podcaster and entrepreneur who made the bold move from Paris to Hong Kong to create a new chapter in her life. Carmen is the founder of Asian Business Owners, a podcast where she shares raw, honest conversations with entrepreneurs across Asia, and Octo Gen, a social media marketing agency that helps businesses grow with purpose-driven content. In our conversation, Carmen opens up about: Why she chose to leave the familiar behind in Paris for the challenges of Hong KongHow she built two businesses from scratch in a new cityWhat reinvention really means and how to take charge of your own destinyThe importance of aligning work with values and purpose If you’ve ever felt the pull to reinvent yourself, to pursue a challenge that stretches you, or to take ownership of your destiny, Carmen’s story will inspire you to make bold moves and write your own next chapter. Links & Resources: Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing. Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.
Join Krista Goon in a compelling episode with Gen Z entrepreneur, Dun Concha, the CEO of Work Beyond Borders in the Philippines. In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, Dun Concha shares her unexpected journey from a freelance copywriter to a business owner, remote work advocate and social impact leader. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a completely remote marketing agency, leveraging digital tools, and her passion for fostering digital literacy through her non-profit, Yabong. Dun emphasizes the importance of authenticity, overcommunication, and understanding different priorities and dreams of employees. She also delves into her personal background, driven by a single mother, and her philosophy of using technology and AI to create opportunities and bridge the digital divide. In this episode, Dun shares about 00:10 The Path From Copywriter To Entrepreneur 01:59 Challenges and Realities of Remote Work 06:11 Balancing Business and Community Initiatives 12:31 The Concept of Authenticity 14:28 Remote Work and Digital Nomad Lifestyle 18:53 Building a Supportive Remote Team 26:36 Tools and Productivity Hacks for Remote Work 29:44 Prioritizing Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix 30:59 Introduction to Yabong: A Platform for Youth Advocacy 33:25 Digital Literacy and Youth Empowerment 35:33 Social Media Strategies for Business Owners 41:23 Reflections on Starting a Business and Personal Growth 46:36 The Future of Digital Trends and AI 48:01 Final Advice on Remote Work and Personal Authenticity Links & Resources: Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing. Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.
Join Krista Goon in this Season 10 episode with Ritu G. Mehrish, a coach and author of the book 'Rewrite the Rules.' In this conversation, Ritu shares stories from her impressive career journey from corporate roles at Gillette and GE to becoming an entrepreneur and coach in Singapore. This episode dives into the critical aspect of visibility for women leaders, highlighting actionable steps to be seen and heard in professional settings. Ritu also discusses the importance of executive presence, networking, and the nuances of Asian leadership. Whether you're in the corporate world or an entrepreneur, this episode is filled with practical advice and inspiring stories that emphasize the power of owning your narrative and rewriting your own rules. In this episode, Ritu discusses: One major must-know strategy for career visibilityHow to engage in intentional networking at conferencesVisibility techniques for new and established corporate employeesVisibility for entrepreneurs and how to get more of itStrategies for building a network from scratchThe importance of executive presence (and it's not what you think it is)A leadership practice that every successful leader knows about and practices daily Links & Resources: Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com Learn more about Ritu on: LinkedIn Youtube Spotify This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing. Did you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.
In this first episode of Season 10, Womenpreneur Asia, host Krista Goon sits down with Louisa Lee, CEO of DP Healthverse, to uncover the fascinating story of how a former educator transformed herself into an award-winning entrepreneur and health innovator. Based in Singapore, Louisa shares her journey from running a small dental clinic with her husband to scaling it into DP Dental, a progressive boutique practice with over 50 team members and three branches. But behind the accolades—including the Entrepreneur of the Year Award and B Corp Certification—is a story of rediscovery, resilience, and redefining what confidence truly means. ✨ At 40, Louisa found the courage to soar—thanks to a chance encounter with a shaman. In this episode, Louisa opens up about: Why academic success didn’t translate into confidence—and how she finally found itHer leap from education to dentistry and from dentistry to building a thriving healthcare ecosystemLessons learned from failed ventures and why staying within your lane mattersThe power of root-cause healthcare and integrating wellness with dentistryHow bilingualism and cross-cultural understanding enrich her leadership style Louisa is also actively shaping the healthcare conversation in Singapore as a Board Member of Connected Women and Council Member (VP Comms) at the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME). Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a wellness advocate, or simply curious about how confidence can reshape a life, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and powerful takeaways. Listen now and be inspired by Louisa’s mission to breathe right, sleep well, and live long. Links & Resources: Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.comLearn more about DP Healthverse and Louisa's work This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing. Key Takeaways: Confidence isn’t always tied to achievements—it can arrive later in lifeA strong business foundation begins with understanding your limits and learning from misstepsIntegrative, evidence-based healthcare is the future of wellnessCultural fluency can strengthen leadership and build deeper human connectionsCommunity involvement and purpose-driven platforms can amplify entrepreneurial impact Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey. Did you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here.
Visibility with Purpose – How to Show Up Authentically with Krista Goon (Thrive Meetup Replay) In this special Season 9 finale, the mic flips as I become the guest in a conversation hosted by leadership coach and content strategist Rowena Morais for her Thrive Meetup. Together, we explore what it truly means to be visible with purpose—especially as women who often struggle with self-promotion, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.” I share personal stories of how I built visibility for my business and podcast over the years, and how I reframe self-promotion. Whether you’re running a business, building a personal brand, or growing your career—this episode is packed with honest insights, mindset shifts, and practical steps to help you start showing up with clarity and confidence. This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re doing great work but still not being seen. What We Cover in This Episode: What visibility really means (and what it doesn’t)How to reframe self-promotion to feel more naturalWhere imposter syndrome shows up—and how to move through itThe power of platforms like podcasting, speaking, and writingWhy building your body of work online is essential today3 steps to begin building visibility that aligns with you 💡 3 Key Takeaways: Visibility must have purpose. Know who you're talking to and why it matters.You don’t need to be perfect—just present. Start showing up even if you're 80% ready.Self-promotion isn’t about ego—it’s about value. Share what you’ve learned, not just what you’ve done. Links & Resources: Visit my website: https://www.redboxstudio.comConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristagoonLearn more about Rowena Morais: https://rowenamorais.comCheck out past episodes of Womenpreneur Asia: https://womenpreneurasia.comGet my ebook, Podcasting Power.
In Episode 13 of Season 9 of Womenpreneur Asia, we meet Jillian Tan, the creative entrepreneur behind Poppylab, a Malaysian costume jewellery line known for its colourful and joyful designs. Jillian shares her journey from starting Poppylab more than a decade ago and growing it into a brand that celebrates individuality and happiness through unique costume jewellery that her clients have come appreciate. In this episode: Discover how Jillian's passion for crafting and her experiences in Australia inspired her to create a brand that stands out with its vibrant designs.Learn about the emotional connection Jillian aims to create with her jewellery, making each piece more than just an accessory.Jillian discusses the hurdles she faced in the competitive jewellery industry and how she built a strong brand identity focused on quality and customer service.Explore Jillian's strategies for engaging with her audience through social media, pop-up events and personal connections.Hear about Jillian's vision for the future, including customer growth, product innovation and community collaborations plus her philosophy on starting small, staying true to your vision, and the importance of having a clear purpose. Subscribe & Review Subscribe to Womenpreneur Asia on your favorite podcast app. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with a friend who might find it inspiring. Thank you for joining us on this colourful journey with Jillian Tan. Stay tuned for the final episode of Season 9 next week. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. For the full article and links, visit Womenpreneur Asia. Get your podcast started today.
What does it really take to turn passion into a profitable business? In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I speak with Sarah Mei Chiang, founder of Red Line Limited, a Hong Kong-based marketing agency that helps businesses craft meaningful, emotion-driven brand experiences. In this collaborative episode, Sarah Mei and Krista pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a business—from understanding your customer journey to identifying your niche and validating your idea through real, actionable ideas. This episode was conceived because Sarah Mei and Krista have observed how entrepreneurship is often romanticised resulting in new entrepreneurs suffering in private when they don’t know how to niche down and be creative about offering their products or solutions to their best customers. Some entrepreneurs get emotionally attached to their passions but without generating revenue, no passion can sustain the entrepreneur. Whether you're planning to leave your 9-to-5, just getting started, or refining your current business, this episode is packed with strategic tips and real-world insights that can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why passion alone isn't enough to build a businessHow to validate your business idea with prospective clients How to figure out what business you’d like to start How NOT to fall in love with your product or servicesHow to identify your niche in a crowded market Practical tips for 9-to-5 professionals thinking of transitioning into entrepreneurship Sarah and Krista also share some powerful thinking exercises for anyone who’s just left their job—or thinking about it—to get clarity on their next step. Tune in now and discover how to turn your passion into purpose—and your purpose into a business that makes money! This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Want to get your own podcast started? Check out Krista's brand new ebook all about starting an interview-style podcast. Get the full show notes at WomenpreneurAsia.com Email us and let us know if this episode struck a chord with you and what other topics we should cover, either with my guests or as solo episodes.
What does it really take to turn passion into a profitable business? In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I speak with Sarah Mei Chiang, founder of Red Line LImited, a Hong Kong-based brand strategy and storytelling agency that helps businesses craft meaningful, emotion-driven brand experiences. She is also the founder of Women Beyond Nine to Five and a podcaster with her podcast, Hokma Women. Sarah Mei together with Krista pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a business—from understanding your niche to identifying how you wish to put a creative spin on what you have to offer. Newbie entrepreneurs over-emphasize their passions to the extent that they forget they're running a business! Whether you're planning to leave your 9-to-5, just getting started, or refining your current business, this episode is packed with strategic tips and real-world insights that can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why passion alone isn't enough to build a businessHow to validate your business idea through conversations, not assumptionsHow to find your niche in a crowded marketTips for 9-to-5 professionals thinking of transitioning into entrepreneurship Sarah also shares a powerful exercise for anyone who’s just left their job—or thinking about it—to get clarity on their next step. Tune in now and discover how to turn your passion into a purposeful, creative and thriving business. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Interested in starting your podcast? Check out Krista's brand-new ebook all about helping you do so here. Get the full show notes at Womenpreneur Asia.
In today's solo episode, I speak about the power of storytelling in personal branding. If you’re a solopreneur looking to stand out, build trust and attract the right clients, this episode is packed with actionable insights! I unpack why personal branding matters, how to craft a compelling story, and how to use it effectively in your marketing. Plus, I share tips on overcoming imposter syndrome and putting yourself out there with confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why personal branding is more than just a logo—it's about perception. ✔️ How to craft your personal brand story in four simple steps. ✔️ Where to use storytelling in your business to maximize impact. ✔️ Overcoming imposter syndrome and showing up authentically. ✔️ Practical exercises to help you develop and share your story. Action Steps: ✅ Write down three words you want people to associate with your brand. ✅ Answer the four key questions to craft your brand story. ✅ Choose one platform to start sharing your story this week. ✅ Reframe a limiting belief you have about visibility and replace it with a positive statement. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. For the full show notes, visit Womenpreneur Asia.
Have you ever held back from asking because you feared rejection? I used to play by the rules, thinking that if something wasn’t meant for me, I shouldn’t even try. But then I discovered a game-changing truth—opportunities open up when you dare to ask. In this episode, I share: ✅ How a simple “why not” mindset led me to unexpected opportunities ✅ The time I applied for a conference outside the stated age range—and got in ✅ How asking for help in Manila got me out of a tricky situation ✅ The life-changing lesson I learned from my mother’s passing The worst that can happen? You get a no. But the best? A yes that changes everything. 🎧 Tune in and learn how to push past fear, embrace boldness, and start asking for what you want. 🚀 Want to take this further? I’m opening a small group coaching program for women who want to step into bigger opportunities. If you’re ready to break free from playing it safe, send an email to info@womenpreneurasia.com with the subject "Coaching" and I will keep you updated about my upcoming program. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com