Believe in the power of community. On some days when you feel big goals are impossible, or when you feel like giving up, you need to lean on your like-minded community. You can even “borrow” motivation, and in turn “return” with your own inspiring stories to pay it forward.
In this special column called the “TLC x Fempreneurs Series”, we will be featuring inspiring Female Entrepreneurs (Fempreneurs) in short. You will be able to have a sneak peek at their mindsets and their daily habits.
Meet Elizabeth Chan
Elizabeth Chan is running multi-generation family business Kueh Ho Jiak with her mother, Sandy Tan. Today, Kueh Ho Jiak is being recognized as a heritage hawker by UNESCO, for being a market leader in kueh and yet staying true to one’s roots. The family expanded the business to include catering services, online deliveries and even live station cooking of Nonya kueh at MnC Pantry Areas, Outdoor Events and Grassroots Club.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth Chan. I’m running my family business known as Kueh Ho Jiak. I’m a single mother of 1 and my child is called Penelope Chan.
I was running my curtain furnishing business for 8 years, while my mum was babysitting my daughter. When my daughter started pre-school, she had more free time and wanted to do something meaningful instead of wasting her time. Thus, she started baking and making kuehs. She got fond of making kuehs through online recipes and decided to create healthier recipes of kuehs which do not contain artificial colouring or preservatives.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?When we first started the business, it was mind over body. As we didn’t have experience in F&B, it was very hot & tiring working in a hawker stall. Moreover, because of the creations we made which were not the norm, a lot of people discouraged us. They felt that people would not accept our products and we would not be able to take the long hours at work. However, we believed in what we was doing, we pressed on and believed in our passion.
What excites you most about your industry?
The smile on our client’s face after they tried our food; the good reviews we receive from them; being able to create different healthy recipes and customizing new creations for them. Most importantly, the thought of being able to serve others really kept us going.
What is your vision / personal motto?
Fill your life each day with gratitude and thanksgiving. You will see how wonderful your life is.
What is one thing you are grateful for?
God. He has changed my life entirely. He gave me Hope, for a better future.
Do you have any word of advice for other ladies who are starting their business / starting to pursue their dream?
The journey to being an entrepreneur is never easy. Even though it may seem tough, I believe that through perseverance and passion, it will definitely lead you to success.
You must first BELIEVE. Believe in yourself, Believe & Trust that all things come together for good. If you cannot even believe in yourself, how can others believe in you?
What have you learnt recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
I learnt that giving is receiving. Many would think that giving unconditionally equates to losing out. In fact, we gain even more. There is always something for us to learn or to receive.
What do you do in your free time as self care? How do you unwind?
I’ll usually spend alone time with God, exercise, have activities with my daughter, spend time with my family or paint. Spending time or even a simple dinner with my family is the best time to unwind. I’ll just let go and not think of anything else.
Leica Camera Ang Ku Kueh
Let us know more about what you do!
KUEH HO JIAK is a business that is Inspired By Our Tradition. A business that is filled with love & people. Without the love of our families, friends & clients, we wouldn’t be who we are today. Each and every part of Kueh Ho Jiak is filled with people’s love, from the renovation, design works, kuehs creations, every part is filled with them.
We are also the only one in Singapore who creates customized molds, making customized Ang Ku Kuehs of different shapes, bringing tradition alive, reaching out to younger generation & keeping the tradition going.
It’s everybody’s love that put us together, that keeps us going strong, that gives us motivation and strength to continue. Without these people, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thus, we are really grateful to everyone that we have met in our lives.
During the upcoming Mother’s Day, we hope to send a box of love to your mum with your personalized messages. Brighten the superwoman in your lives with our customized kueh gift sets!
SEND A BOX OF LOVE TO MUM (PREMIUM)
Two sets of customized kueh gift sets
With a Bouquet of Pink Roses & Gerbera Florals
1st Box:
2pcs I LOVE YOU Colourful Lapis (BIG)
2pcs Pandan Kueh Salat
2pcs Mung Bean Ang Ku Kueh (Flower)
2nd Box:
2pcs Strawberry Puteri Ayu
2nd Box: 2pcs Yam Ang Ku Kueh (Heart)
4pcs Sweet Potatoes Ondeh
For more information, visit here.
Giveaway Alert
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Connect with Kueh Ho Jiak!
Connect with Kueh Ho Jiak!Website: www.kuehhojiak.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kueh_ho_jiak
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuehhojiak.handmade
Store Location
Tanjong Pagar Plaza Market
6 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#02-20, Singapore 081006
Are you a Fempreneur too?
Connect with us – we’d love to feature you! Say hi to us at hello@theladiescue.com or reach out to us via our social media.