Clara Yee is not only enjoying the process of her design business but also succeeding in her business, appearing on the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 and Straits Time’s 30 rising stars of Singapore!
What’s your story?
I am an independent art director and designer, telling stories through space, time and visuals. My work crosses cultural and artistic boundaries, having lovingly hand-crafted temporary exhibits and events in Mexico City, London, New York, Taiwan, Beijing and Singapore. I am on Forbes Asia’s inaugural 30 under 30 and Straits Time’s 30 rising stars of Singapore.
What excites you most about your industry?
Design, arts and culture are fundamental languages of life. They can be applied or expressed in such vastly different forms depending on the philosophy of the person or vessel welding it.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born and raised in Singapore, from the generation that wholly embodied the Marshall McLuhan’s idea of the Global Village. I think, speak and ideate in English, which is a language that only partially expresses the mix-bag of cultures I come from. I can relate to Mexican concepts, Cantonese expressions, British humour and others. The lines of what defines Asian blurs when you look at the world.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore, because a large part of my tribe is here and logistically it is the easiest.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Enjoy the process.
Told to me by various people and authors in varying contexts. It is simple but easy to forget to exist and be patient, when you swing wildly between micro and macro thinking several times a day and constantly find yourself facing bigger challenges for no other reason than the fact that you want to progress and improve yourself.
Who inspires you?
Peers in my industry, creators, people who do sincere work.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
This isn’t recent but I continue to be in awe of it, the formal detection of gravitational waves with LIGO.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I don’t regret.
How do you unwind?
I read, listen to music, chill with friends or just stare at the sky, listen to the wind and watch the tropical rain.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali. Particularly the central regions, away from Seminyak. It is like time slows down there and the balinese culture and food is fascinating.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World by Niall Ferguson. Well written, thoroughly researched and intriguing narrative on the brief history of the concept of money.
Shameless plug for your business:
If you need someone who pushes boundaries and experiments in aesthetics and visual language, with a practical head firmly on grounded shoulders, let’s talk.
How can people connect with you?
Website: clarayee.com
Instagram: @clara_yee
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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/>
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