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 Genevie Yeo (Gen.K Jewelry)
TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Genevie Yeo (Gen.K Jewelry)
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/brand about?
Hi, I am Genevie, the Founder of Gen.K Jewelry. At Gen.K Jewelry, we design jade jewelry and give them a modern touch.
What got you started on your business?
After spending years in the IT sector running the rat race in the corporate world, I decided to take a step back in hopes of having children to start a family. Just as I was taking a hiatus for a slower pace in life, I picked up the art of jewelry crafting from my sister Kayde, who happens to also be my Chief Designer at Gen.K Jewelry. Having to learn and master the art of jewelry crafting proved to be therapeutic. Eventually, I decided to sell these jewelry pieces online. Things progressed from there, and that’s how Gen.K Jewelry got started.
Before you started on your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
I have always been in companies in the technology sector.
Sisters Kayde and Genevie, Co-designer and Founders of Gen K Jewelry
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
When I first started Gen. K Jewelry in 2014, it was a leap of faith. I literally slashed away from having a stable income, and having to start my entrepreneurship with limited resources was definitely far from stable. What I did was to start my business small without getting into any form of debts. I believe in working round my means and managing all sorts of work by myself until much later where I got my very first staff on board, and the team eventually grew.
Entrepreneurship is not easy. While I manage my business, I have 2 young lovely kids to take care. Being a mum, I have always wanted the best for my children and to witness every new milestones. I have been thankful to be blessed with a very dedicated team who took responsibilities of their work, and that’s where I can spend more time with my children at home.
Who inspires you?
My husband has been the pillar of support by my side. He is responsible for all aspects of the finances of my company to ensure the sustainability and viability of the business through prudent investments in key areas of the business. With him around, I know my business is in good hands.
GenK Delilah Jade Set
What excites you most about your industry?
It would be to see new inspirational jewelry creations designed by my Chief designer and have them created into real physical pieces. Ladies like us love jewelry, and we are thrilled every time a new jewelry design is conceived.
What is your vision / personal motto?
I personally feel that we have to always stay positive in life and it is important to know how to count our blessings.
Many a time, we tend to take simple things for granted until they are not there anymore.
Do you have any word of advice for other ladies who are starting their business/ starting to pursue their dream?
It is important to work based on your financial means. Take small, prudent, and steady steps. I am a firm believer in not getting oneself into too much unhealthy or unsustainable debt. We should build our portfolio and business in small, steady, sustainable, and firm steps.
What have you learnt recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
It is important to have the courage and fortitude to brave through every challenge and unforeseen circumstance. Be resilient. Seize every challenge and turn them around into opportunities for growth.
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
I feel it all comes from within. It is only when you feel good inside, and know how to express gratitude for the things you are already blessed with, then you will naturally feel contented and less anxious about life. That’s what I call confidence.
Gen.K Jewelry
What is one thing you are grateful for?
There are so many lovely things to be grateful for – My family, my children especially. But when it comes to my entrepreneurship, I am truly grateful for having an awesome team who have been working hard in achieving new milestones in my business.
What do you do in your free time as self-care? How do you unwind?
I will invest the time to go for good massages to bring any of my aches away and take this time to rejuvenate the health of my mind and body. It is vital to have a balanced lifestyle, where you keep yourself healthy inside out – both mind and body.
Gen.K Jewelry Brand Logo
Let us know more about what you do!
To put on a piece of Gen.K Jewelry is to step into the glittering world of sisters Genevie and Kayde Yeo. Combining the elegance of bygone eras with a modern edge, the eponymous label conjures visions of flitting through the decades where bejeweled bees, birds, and flowers alight on earlobes, décolletages, wrists, or fingers of wearers.
You may also find us featured in The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, CNA 938, South China Morning Post, Tatler, Vogue, Vulcan, etc.
Connect with Gen.K Jewelry!
Website: www.genkjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/genkjewelry
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gen.k.jewelry
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.