Let’s talk about the scary word: Failure!
On 3 Dec 2023, we got to listen to 3 different businesses, all dealing in the F&B industry.
These 3 founders of Singapore-based businesses shared their journey of how they started their business.
We heard from Ramesh Krish Kumar (@rameshwara) of Asmara (@asmara.sg), Lee Gim Siong of Smitten Ice Cream Bar and Ken Tan from The Fish Sch-nack and DOCO, who were open about their setbacks and failures, and how they overcame their challenges.
Ramesh is the co-founder and food scientist at Asmara. He shared how the brand uses scientific elements from TCM, Ayurveda and Jamu. They offer drinks and snacks (which our participants got a chance to try!). In 2021, Asmara was awarded CLEO’s “Best Premium Tea Brand” in Singapore.
Ramesh also shared how he was awarded Singapore’s National Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2022 for his innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, and serves on the Board of Directors at *SCAPE. He also shared the ups and downs of having a co-founder, doing roadshows, and how the brand’s story was picked up by local newspapers including Straits Times.
Lee Gim Siong is the founder of Smitten Ice Cream Bar, located at Simpang Bedok and is halal-certified. They launched in mid-March 2020, just one week before the COVID-19 lockdown, and Singapore’s ‘circuit breaker’.
Gim Siong shared how they had to struggle with zero sales, and pivot to food delivery (and how it was so important to ensure the ice cream didn’t melt before it reached someone’s house!). However, the founders of Smitten were undeterred. Through determination and creativity, Smitten only garnered enough sales to survive, but also managed to expand its reach and popularity.
Today, the halal-certified cafe continues to operate and offers ice cream, waffles, tea and cold brew coffee. They received a nomination for Best Waffles at Halal Awards SG 2022.
Ken is the founder of Fish Sh-nack, Doco Donburi and their latest edition, Hororok Soups & Stews. Ken shared how Fish Sh-nack started as a school project that took on a life of its own. Our participants munched on the irresistible flavours of fish crisp snacks (they enjoyed 6 different flavours that day – original, Tom Yum, Cajun, Bburinkle and Mexican Chilli!).
Doco Donburi is a spinoff Fish Sh-nack which features a protein packed bento with a dabble of fish sh-prinkles (crisp).
Hororok Soups & Stews does AUTHENTIC Korean Stews, and is located at International Plaza.
Participants also shared their takeaways and learnings from the event. Many were heartened that they could hear about how mistakes could become important learning points. Several participants also shared that they are entrepreneurs, and enjoyed listening to others’ journey of entrepreneurship.
Let’s change our perspective on failure!
