Cassiopea Yap founded Ashleigh Ivory a health and skincare business in 2007.
What’s your story?
Ashleigh Ivory is a key business venture that I began way back in 2007. Since it has been 10 years, some may be inclined to think that we have a whole repertoire of fine skincare items.
This is not the case. In fact, we don’t have a plethora of products because I’m a bit of a perfectionist. Instead of common focus on the finished item, my journey begins from the backend. This is where products undergo QC, stringent tests and personal use to determine if First Impressions Last Forever.
A product may be subject to 600 tests in three years before being released to purveyors and consumers.
What excites you most about your industry?
The Health and Skincare aspects of it. I am excited even though the industry is filled to the brim with products and solutions, a fact that challenged me to come up with something totally new.
The result? Ashleigh Ivory’s Black Diamond Beauty Roller and Fuji Shiitake Age-Defying Serum set.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Asia is dynamic and happening. What is more, in several countries, there is a niche for bespoke, handcrafted and anti-ageing products and services. Hence, my connection to Asia and within Asia lies in my travels to various countries in search of these special items.
One example is how I found my sensei in Japan, and the result is my Made in Japan Roller in combination with the Fuji Shiitake Age-Dying Serum. The specially formulated Serum has eight amino acids as well as a high content of Vitamin C. It is also rich in Kojic acid that helps in brightening skin, fading pigmentation and reducing acne scars.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I love Singapore. Because the infrastructure of the city supports the employment of reliable staff for a personalised, face-to-face shopping experience.What is more, technology thrives in Singapore so this supports our omni-channel shopping experience as well, whether it is for B2C or B2B business models.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
We need not pursue beauty under the knife.
Who inspires you?
Princess Diana. Like she said: “People think that, at the end of the day, a man is the only answer.”
To me, a fulfilling business is better for me and yes, I am going to own it myself and be true to myself. I no longer want to live someone else’s idea or life. I just want to build my own legacy before I leave this Planet Earth for my next generation to come.”
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Lip Service Providers out there who lie without blinking when offering their services.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Not marry my present husband.
How do you unwind?
By listening to music. Music sets the tone right in the hustle and bustle of city-dwelling. I wouldn’t say no to a glass of wine or chocolates either.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
It’d have to be Japan. I love the scenery, and how the Japanese respect aesthetics indoors as well as outdoors. Even with functional items, they tend to make them beautiful as well. I love their onsen too, with great hygiene practices and rejuvenating soaks in hot springs. Guess this is a way to unwind too.
Everyone in business should read this book:
God is my CEO, Following God’s Principles in a Bottom-line World by Larry S Julian. It contains real-life accounts of business leaders and other people in authority. When reading these real stories about how ‘Rome was not built in a day,’ I can fully empathise with how important work takes time.
Shameless plug for your business:
Don’t get addicted to my Black Diamond Beauty Roller & Fuji Shiitake Age-Defying Serum set because its effects are so so good. In a way, this is true, because you’ll only need to use it twice a day, 5-10 minutes each time.
Alright, I succumb. You can use it three times a day.
Ashleigh Ivory’s Black Diamond Beauty Roller and Fuji Shiitake Age-Defying Serum set. We can all apply well concocted creams and serums on our skin, but how do we maximise its penetration?
The Black Diamond Beauty Roller is designed to penetrate deep into skin, acting directly on the cell level for optimum results.
Each Roller is handcrafted from terahertz ore in a diamond cut of 48 facets to reduce crow’s feet, diminish fine lines, tightenpores and lots more.
How can people connect with you?
I am just a text or phone call away
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
