Being in the right place at the right time, has meant Jacqueline can now run two businesses, photography and hair salons!
What’s your story?
I’m a relationship photographer; I take photos of people at parties (like weddings or birthdays) and at portraiture sessions (for fashion or lifestyle editorials). I also run two hair salons with two incredible business partners, Jacelyn and Yishi. They are PREP at Mandarin Gallery and PREP Luxe at Capitol Piazza.
I never expected to end up being able to take photographs and run a salon business on a daily basis but I just so happened to be in the right place at the right time.
What excites you most about your industry?
Meeting all sorts of different people with varied life stories. There is so much to learn from everyone and listening to their stories is the fastest way to glean off them.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Singapore with most of my family based here. Over the years, I have also lived in Toronto, Shanghai, Milan and London. I returned to Singapore to live here about 3 years ago.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I haven’t done business in a wide enough variety of places in Asia yet to pick a favourite. I am currently very happy doing business in Singapore because I get to work with good people putting together services for more good people. At the end of the day, good support from people who care is so valuable and meaningful.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Grandpa said, “做人要讲信用”. This translates to “be a trustworthy person; let your words carry weight.”
Who inspires you?
My grandmother and my mother – for their resilience in living a life worth living. It’s easy to start almost anything nowadays, but to not give up and keep on endeavouring to put in your best when the odds are against you is something that is harder and harder to come by these days. They inspire me and I respect and love them very much.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Failure is an event, not a person. So you can never be a failure. Failure just happens to people, but it doesn’t make them a failure.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I don’t believe in “should have’s” or “what if’s”. I just keep moving on. Forget what’s behind you and press on ahead. Even if you fail, always fail upwards.
How do you unwind?
Read or swim in silence.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Beaches and cities. There are still so many places to explore! Beaches to unwind, reflect, and go on a digital detox. Cities to explore, soak in the environment like a sponge and challenge my own assumptions.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Book of Proverbs in the Message Version. It’s great life advice for anyone regardless of what your faith is.
http://www.amazon.com/Message-Book-Proverbs-First-Challenge/dp/1617472727
Shameless plug for your business:
Ask me in person and I’d be happy to share more!
How can people connect with you?
About PREP / PREP Luxe: [email protected]
About photography and life: [email protected]
Twitter handle?
@jacquelinechang
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
