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 Cher Lin (Studio Metanoia)
Fempreneur Cher Lin
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/ brand about?
Driven by intuition and creative spark, I’ve turned my passion for interior design into a thriving career, without formal training. Over the past five years, my work has graced the pages of distinguished publications like Design Anthology, Leibal, Archello, Yinjispace, and Lookbox Living. I have since successfully led two profitable interior businesses.
What got you started on your business?
When I first started out, I joined a local interior design studio, only to realize that our objectives were not aligned. The company prioritized volume-work and sales targets, while I was eager to pursue more design-focused ideas. Despite my efforts to pitch creative proposals, the clientele preferred straightforward and cost-effective solutions. As a result, I struggled to secure projects and generate income that year. Faced with this challenge, I considered transitioning to a more creatively-driven studio. However, many required formal training or three years of experience as prerequisites. I found myself at a crossroads: either return to my marketing job or take the leap and start my first studio, where I could have full creative control over the brand and target my ideal audience. Ultimately, I chose the latter, deciding to begin before I felt completely ready. Still, I knew I never had the desire to run my own business. I never identified with the term ” entrepreneur”. However, as an ambitious woman, I found myself intertwining my self-worth with the success of the business. Despite our rapid achievements, fuelled by tireless work hours and a disregard for my own well-being, my health deteriorated.
Embarking on the journey of establishing my second and current brand, Studio Metanoia, wasn’t merely a pursuit of a distant dream or chasing after the allure of wealth; it symbolized liberation. It was my escape from stifling environments, soul-draining corporate cultures, toxic relationships, and the shackles of my past self. Creating my brand was about reclaiming the freedom to shape my life and work on my own terms. In crafting designs, my mission is to transform my clients’ homes into sanctuaries where they can authentically unravel and embrace their true selves—a true manifestation of liberation.
Metanoia embodies the journey of metamorphosis—of reshaping one’s mind, heart, self, and way of life—a reflection of the personal journey I’ve undertaken. While I may not be able to guide my clients in every facet of their lives, my aspiration is to facilitate the creation of mindful spaces that nurture their potential for growth and serve as sanctuaries from the daily grind.
Before you started your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
My professional journey has been anything but conventional. For half a decade, I honed my skills as an account manager, specializing in delivering comprehensive marketing solutions, encompassing advertising and event management, tailored specifically for B2C clients. However, it was my foray into interior styling that truly ignited my creative energy, unveiling a previously untapped aspect of my abilities.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
Nearly a year into my journey in the industry, I took the plunge and co-founded my first interior design studio amidst the daunting backdrop of the pandemic in 2020. As an ambitious woman, I found myself intertwining my self-worth with the success of the business. Despite our rapid achievements, fuelled by tireless work hours and a disregard for my own well-being, my health deteriorated. At a mere 35kg, my doctor intervened, urging a complete lifestyle overhaul. Simultaneously, I confronted a profound personal reckoning, wrestling with toxic relationships, burnout, and a deep sense of self-loss. Determined to reclaim my well-being, I sought therapy and implemented significant lifestyle changes. This transformative journey served as the genesis of Studio Metanoia, where we prioritize introspection, healing, and inspiration. Our mission is to craft spaces that foster profound connections, facilitating personal growth and transformation.
Fempreneur Cher Lin
Who inspires you?
Athena Calderone is a multifaceted figure based in New York City, renowned for her roles as an interior designer, author, chef, and entertaining expert. She is also the visionary behind the lifestyle brand, EyeSwoon. Despite lacking formal training in interior design, Athena’s remarkable trajectory reflects her sheer determination and personal hustle. She openly shares her reliance on instinct and creative intuition to navigate the intricacies of the design industry. Athena’s influence extends beyond her individual endeavors; she has significantly reshaped the cultural landscape of interior design. This impact has earned her national recognition, with appearances on the cover of the New York Times Styles section and features in prestigious publications such as Vogue, Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Elle Décor, and New York Magazine. Her design prowess has also garnered international acclaim, with her work gracing the covers of global magazines like Vogue Living, Architectural Digest Spain, and Livingetc. Athena Calderone’s journey exemplifies the power of passion, instinct, and relentless dedication in carving out a distinctive path in the world of design and lifestyle.
What excites you most about your industry?
Its dynamic nature is a double-edge sword. It’s constantly evolving, driven by changing trends, technologies, and societal influences. While it presents exciting opportunities for creativity and experimentation, it also poses challenges and complexities for designers to navigate.
What is your vision / personal motto?
You know, it sounds really cliche but acknowledging that change is the only constant in life has been a real eye-opener for me. I used to be all about planning everything meticulously, finding comfort in the illusion of control. But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? Through my own ups and downs, I’ve learned that no matter how hard we try to control every aspect of our lives, unexpected twists and turns are inevitable. It’s been humbling, really. But life’s unpredictability taught me the value of flexibility and resilience. Embracing change led to unexpected growth. Along the way, I’ve also learnt to regulate my emotions while navigating through challenges and approach them with mindful responses rather than reactive impulses. Now, I balance planning with adaptability, embracing life’s uncertainties with openness and conviction.
Fempreneur Serie Cher Lin
What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
Realizing the truth behind the statement “You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce” has been transformative for me.It’s shifted my perspective on the dynamics of relationships and empowered me to take control of how I’m treated by others. Internalizing this concept has enabled me to cultivate healthier personal and professional relationships and create boundaries that prioritize my well-being and self-respect.
What do you do in your free time as self care? How do you unwind?
As part of my self-care routine, I make the effort to prepare meals ahead for the week, ensuring I nourish myself properly. Twice a week, I hit the gym for strength training, and I make sure to swim at least once weekly to boost my energy levels. I find joy in fashion, photography, exploring new destinations, soaking up nature’s beauty, and cherishing moments with my partner and our cat.
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
1. Encouraging risk-taking and resilience by advocating that failure can be viewed as a natural part of the growth process.
2. Encouraging self-advocacy to assert their personal/professional needs, boundaries, and ambitions, aiding them in navigating challenges and achieving their objectives.
3. Leading by example by embodying confidence, resilience, and authenticity.
Studio Metanoia Brand Logo
What is one thing you are grateful for?
I’m grateful for the experiences that moulded me. The good and the bad.
Let us know more about what you do!
Studio Metanoia’s philosophy centers on crafting mindful spaces that encourage reflection and connection. Embracing a “Feeling First” ethos, we prioritize emotions in design, guiding clients on transformative journeys. Rejecting a signature style, we translate individual values into unique, deeply resonant designs that evoke profound emotions.
Connect with Studio Metanoia
Website: https://www.metanoia-studio.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiometanoia_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyeforan.i
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:
- 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)