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.
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.
Meet Aziel Khoo (Zheng Yue Music)
Fempreneur Aziel Khoo
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/ brand about?
I’ve always been curious about the instrument Guzheng since young. When I knew that my secondary school offers this as a Co-Curricula Activity (CCA), I knew that would be my first choice!
Under the coaching of my mentor Mdm Yin Qun, I had the opportunity to progress as a sectional leader, and subsequently started my Guzheng Grading Exams under Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).
I had the opportunity to be a part of the Chinese Orchestra in school, as well as outside school in Cheng San Chinese Orchestra. I had various opportunities to perform at Esplanade Theatre as well as other platforms. I knew I didn’t want to stop there and wanted to see how far I could go.
After graduation, I went into private classes with Mdm Cui Jingyi, who guided and brought me further into this industry.
I started teaching under Han Tang Pte. Ltd as school CCA Instructor. I am also the President of Han Tang Chinese Guzheng Ensemble. I took on the role of hosting concerts for my students so they could shine on stage as they put their learning onstage. After years of coaching, my pool of students expanded as well and I am now, venturing on a new journey with Zheng Yue Pte Ltd. Till now, I have been performing for more than 20 years and teaching for a decade.
What got you started on your business?
I enjoy performing and it has always been on my mind to start something of my own so that I can also help students progress in their own Guzheng journey. With encouragement from Jenny, who’s also my mentor in Business Development, I’ve decided to put this dream into reality now.
From Passion to Profits, I started Zheng Yue, with a focus on hosting corporate performances as I do find joy in spreading the lovely tones of Guzheng Music. I also aim to train up students to progress as coaches so that they will be able to have the skill set to guide their future students in appreciating and understanding the culture of these lovely traditional instruments.
In Singapore, we do experience a growth in students who are keen to take up these instruments. At Zheng Yue, we also bring lessons to you. Picking up an instruments does not necessary means you have to take up Grading Exams. It can be a pleasure of mental wellness to incorporate more fun elements into your daily routine. I hope that we can build up a healthy and fun journey with Guzheng.
Before you started your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
I was a full-time Early Childhood Teacher.In fact, I was in the industry for 10 years before I took a break from the industry.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
Welcoming new challenges and seasons unexpectedly kind of seems new yet a norm in my life. I’ve learned to embrace changes and adapt fast to it.
If I feel overwhelmed, taking a walk is what helps me to calm my mood down. Simply sitting down, enjoy a little dessert and tea is heaven to me. It helps to bring me more mental clarity to think of new solutions to overcome challenges.
Fempreneur Aziel Khoo Playing the Guzheng
Who inspires you?
Jenny is definitely one of them! My mom used to be a business owner as well, and she did so well trying to manage her family and work life! I wanted to grow to be someone like them who enjoys doing a career that they love, and having the freedom of time and flexibility to spend quality time with their family!
What excites you most about your industry?
To see my students performing on the stage! I feel more nervous to see them on stage as compared to myself on the stage!
What is your vision / personal motto?
Create and make the best result for every decision you make! Life is fun, have fun, and be healthy is important!
TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Aziel Khoo (Founder of Zheng Yue Music)
What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
Never be a “one man show”. Building a team is not easy but it will surely help to build better results!
What do you do in your free time as self care? How do you unwind?
Relaxing with dessert and a cup of tea, taking a walk around. I do enjoy dancing as my leisure activity too!
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
Sharing personal experiences and journeys always helps. Sometimes we don’t see the effort and hard work behind the scenes. Sharing the progress definitely helps in my point of view. It’s always the life stories that are inspiring!
Zheng Yue Music Brand Logo
What is one thing you are grateful for?
I always meet nice and inspiring people and it helps to build up good mental health with a healthy social circle!
Let us know more about what you do!
Welcome to Zheng Yue Music, your gateway to the enchanting world of Guzheng and other Chinese instruments!
GuZheng workshop for beginners friendly and for age 5 and above!
Zheng Yue Music will have an upcoming workshop on 23 June, 9 am to 1030am.
The workshop will focus on enhancing your sense of rhythm. Having a good sense of rhythm is important as it is the heartbeat of a song. As melodies and accompaniments are built on it, it is what brings a beautiful piece of music to life!
This workshop is beginners friendly and for age 5 and above!
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1u2TQmNsEWvHU4WjtqVJGdUZPSFmxl6lWa9_nRqoT90k/viewform
Connect with Zheng Yue Music
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhengyuemusic_
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zhengyuemusic?_t=8nIQ0fDrMuW&_r=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559195435708&mibextid=LQQJ4d
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.
Read TLC x Fempreneur Series:
- Janet Ng, The Red Wedding (Singapore)
- Margaret Wu, For Beloved One (Singapore)
- Maddy Barber, Madly Gems (Singapore)
- Dr. Menka Gupta, Nutra Nourish (Singapore)
- Vikki Tear, SoyCraft (Singapore)
- Ezza Yusof, 2morrow Official (Malaysia)
- Julie Yim, Lilin+Co (Malaysia)
- Zairin Azman, UMMA (Malaysia)
- Liza Morales, Ecotecture Design Studio (Philippines)
- Lily Pham, Asiawide Business Consulting and Trading (Vietnam)
- Elke Pascoe, LittleOak (Australia)