TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Connie Go (Gosford Leather)

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 Connie Go

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Connie Go and I am the Director of Gosford Leather. Gosford Leather is an automotive leather seat cover supplier for OEM and REM markets. We manufacture leather seat cover for customers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, US , Europe and Singapore. I also run the Bento For Her Highness, which is a Facebook page with around 78,000 followers.

What got you started on your business? 

My younger brother was the one started the business nearly 20 years ago. I first joined Gosford after I resigned in 2008, but I found the industry too male-dominated, so I stayed as a backend role. I “re-joined” the company 4 years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer. Currently, I am involved in the operations in Singapore and Johor Bahru (with around 350 workers), as well as the sales team in Kuala Lumpur.

Before you started on your business, what did you do on a full time basis?

I was actually a cabin crew for 15 years. On the side, I started my Facebook page “Bento For Her Highness” when my girl turned Primary 1, sharing my journey preparing bento for her in 2015. At the same year, I started my Facebook Live show sharing my healthy recipes. This path of sharing recipes online has brought me to TV shows, magazines/ newspaper appearances etc. I am so blessed! I am currently planning for my first cook book which features cuisine I savoured all the world when I was flying and I will also write about my memories for that part of my life.

What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?

Leather cover manufacturing is a whole new trade to me. I had to learn the business from scratch. At the same time, I had to learn how to manage a company which has about 400 staff strength. I guess there was no shortcut, I just had to spend a lot time, be humble and learn from others. My youngest brother, YC, who has experience in managing other company is working together with me. I am blessed to receive a good mentorship from him.

Currently, my biggest challenge is time management. I fly a lot to visit overseas clients – Before COVID-19, I can even travel to Johor factory at least 4 times a week. I also spent a lot of time to create and experiment new recipes. At the same time, I have two girls, 6 and 11 years old, who require a lot of attention. I wished I have 30 hours everyday!

Who inspires you?

My brother, Fei, who started the company, inspires me. He passed away a year ago due to lung cancer. Another inspirational figure is my mother, who has been a working mum all her life. Now, when I am in her shoes, I finally understand how hard things can get. Last but not least, many wonderful multi-tasking superwomen out there who wear many hats, juggling between taking care of children and having a fulfilling career at the same time.

What excites you most about your industry?

The art of manufacturing. It’s not common in Singapore. I am proud to have a team in factory that actually transform raw materials into a product. I am privileged to be able to share my cooking experience with my fans on Facebook to promote healthy food through simple cooking.

What is your vision / personal motto? 

Never be afraid to learn new things. Challenges are unavoidable so just have to learn to overcome them.

Do you have any word of advice for other ladies who are starting their business / starting to pursue their dream?

Believe you can. Accept who u are so you are clear of what you want.

Most importantly, please get out from “the guilt” you feel for not being able to hands-on 100% for the kids. Quality time is better so leave the chores to others but focus on chatting and communicating effectively with your family. Get the kids involved with what I do so they understand and support your work.

How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered? 

Women can achieve what they want if they free themselves from the guilt of staying home with their kids. With proper planning and communication with the kids, women can have a career and a fulfilling life.

What have you learnt recently that you hope the other ladies can take back? 

You can have a career even if you are a mother.

What is one thing you are grateful for?

A supportive family that allows me to try new ventures.

What do you do in your free time as self care? How do you unwind? 

I spend time with my girls. They are 6 and 11 years old. They are my joy.

I exercise a lot too. It feels good to sweat it out.

Let us know more about what you do!

Gosford Leather is a dynamic and innovative company. We are constantly looking for new solutions. At this challenging business environment, we hope to weather the storms together with our clients. We will be there for them.

Connect with Gosford Leather!

Website: https://www.gosfordseat.com/gosfordseat/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gosfordseatHQ

Are you a Fempreneur too?

Connect with us – we’d love to feature you! Say hi to us at [email protected] or reach out to us via our social media.

Read TLC x Fempreneur Series:

• Jane Blanloeil, Puttot
• Grace Ng, Lenicc
• Gisele Woon, MagicPainters
• Pamela Goi, Tracyeinny
• Angela Tnee, Allure Beauty
• Elizabeth Chan, Kueh Ho Jiak
• Tiffany Okumu, RAPH&REMY
• Lily Liew, Hands On Floral
• Joanna Goy, Singapore Lactation Bakes
• Christel Goh, Play Huahee
• Michelle Hon, The Chill Mom
• Zoe Chu, SG Supernanny
• Sasha M
• Sher-Li Torrey, [email protected]
• Lily Loh, Lilo Ikan Bilis
• Angie Wong, JOOP Boutique