Melissa Fann is pushing the spa and wellness industry to the max. With her business, Passhen she is pimping and pampering women and helping them be the best they can be!
What’s your story?
After a decade in the corporate world, I was sick and tired of the cycle of stress plus I wanted to do something more meaningful for myself and others. I decided to go into wellness because like many others, I’ve never thought there was anything wrong with my body size until others called me fat. I struggled with my own body image and only recently I regained my confidence to say, “I’m okay, whatever size I am.” Nonetheless, after my health took a toll, I learnt first hand that keeping fit is important which is also something that I advocate. Thus, my mission is to enable people to be the best they can be, by providing a platform where they can get curated wellness services, products and articles.
What excites you most about your industry?
As a marketer and someone who has also helped in business development, I see a gap between what consumers want and what the wellness business owners are churning out. I like to disrupt the current status quo and try to push the spa and wellness industry as it is quite an important industry with regards to Singapore’s economy.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I’m born and bred in Singapore but I’ve always had a fascination with the Japanese culture, which was what I majored in at University. I also love travelling and one day, I hope to visit all the countries in Asia.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I don’t have one because I feel that the world is my oyster. Now, it’s about learning how to shuck it well.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Write it down. Many people have said that to me, and it’s true. Ideas, goals and plans often do not become concrete until you write them down. There’s something about how your brain works once you put pen to paper where seemingly ‘airy fairy’ ideas suddenly become more tangible and realistic to achieve.
Who inspires you?
I’ve been inspired by strong women in my family – my grandmother, mother and aunt. Each of them have shown me, through their tenacity, intelligence and wisdom how to tackle issues and pursue my dreams.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Those whom I thought would be helping me in my business are the least supportive, while people that I’ve just met or had a short connection with are opening doors for me.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t have made a bad investment and after my retrenchment in 2008, I should have gone back into the workforce because I was just not equipped with the skills then to start up a business. True enough, it failed and I had to go back into the workforce with debt that I’m still paying off today.
How do you unwind?
I read a lot of e-books on my phone and Netflix is my latest obsession. If I’m feeling particularly brain dead and would like to do mindless fun, that’s where Candy Crush comes in handy. Over the past year, I’ve rediscovered yoga and it has been helping me to strengthen my muscles while increasing my flexibility.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Krabi because the beaches are great, the food delicious and massages are reasonable!
Everyone in business should read this book:
Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers”. I was blown away at how Gladwell’s research has proven that successful people gain their success not only because of hard work but also by several other variables. For example, these successful people often place themselves on the path of opportunities and seize them when they come. One can put in the 10,000 hours to be an expert at something but if you are not in the right environment, your talent and expertise may not be noticed.
Shameless plug for your business:
If you’re in the wellness industry and would like to learn how to improve your marketing and business model, contact me as I will be able to break it down for you. If you’re a consumer and you do not like to be tied down to packages, sign up as a member at www.passhen.com, to enjoy hassle-free services from our partner merchants!
How can people connect with you?
They can email me at [email protected].
Twitter and Instagram handle?
@melfann for personal; @PasshenSG for business
—
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
