Fishy business for this entrepreneur. Rebecca Forwood has grown her family Salmon import business and will continue its expansion in the region.
What’s your story?
I was born in Melbourne to an Australian mother and a Hong Kong Chinese father. I grew up in Hong Kong and went to boarding school in Melbourne. In 1990 my mother and aunt set up a small business, bringing a monthly shipment of fresh New Zealand King Salmon into Hong Kong. In 1998 I took over the business and in 2002 I brought it to Singapore and ran it whilst raising my family. It has grown from a small business operated from home to a successful online and shop front gourmet food emporium . Earlier this year I purchased a refrigerated delivery truck and will soon be expanding. My plan is to continue this expansion within the region.
What excites you most about your industry?
The continuous choice of healthy and exotic food available from around the globe – being able to showcase these in my shop and educate the palate.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Melbourne to an Australian mother and Hong Kong Chinese father. I grew up in Hong Kong from the age of 1 until 12 when I left to go to school in Melbourne. I have lived in Singapore since early 2000 and don’t have any plans to leave for the time being!
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
It would have to be Hong Kong. Unlike Singapore, there is not a lot of red tape and bringing in products of all nature is fairly stress free. The pace is faster and people seem more connected and able to help more quickly.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Everyone will always have an opinion, but always go with your gut instinct.
Who inspires you?
Many people inspire me, especially my husband, children, friends and my customers.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The power of the oyster! Apart from being packed with nutrients and minerals, it contains zero calories and is an aphrodisiac! The valves in oysters can actually cleanse entire ecosystems of pollutants and are a major benefit to the environment!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t be so trusting of people. And I would probably have expanded my business earlier! Also, I would’ve bought property in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore 10 years ago.
How do you unwind?
Reading, playing the piano and getting reflexology.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Currently it’s Batu Batu, Malaysia – it’s as beautiful as The Maldives (where I spent my honeymoon) and I only have to get in my car and drive 2.5hrs to get there. It’s my little paradise.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson
Shameless plug for your business:
The Fishwives is the only place to buy the freshest, cleanest very best quality sustainable, ethical products from Australia and New Zealand in Singapore.
How can people connect with you?
My website – www.thefishwives.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-
Fishwives/552356364797406?fref=ts
Twitter handle?
@greatfoodalways
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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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