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 Lorraine Lee (Zion Creation)
TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Lorraine Lee (Zion Creation)
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/ brand about?
I am a Christian, and I believe that God has given me gifts and talents to glorify His name. I used to have extremely low self-esteem because I disliked studying and only had an O-level education. At 17, I had an encounter with Jesus Christ, who spoke to me audibly through my heart and revealed Himself to me. As I progress in my Christian walk, God heals me from my childhood trauma, hurt, and insecurity, allowing me to become more confident in what I do. I am a simple, down-to-earth person who values details and enjoys fabrics and fashion. I spend a lot of time designing and creating fashion pieces. My work is an extremely important part of my life. I am a workaholic. I got married at age 44, my hubby is 8 years my senior.
What got you started on your business?
I began sewing at the age of 14 in secondary school and took some basic sewing lessons after completing my O levels, but I learned very little. I then learned about paper pattern drafting from some sewing magazines and began experimenting with different sewing techniques and cutting on my own. I began making made-to-measure items for colleagues and friends. My parents saw my enthusiasm and decided to fund my own shop when I was 21. I was excited but inexperienced, so I tried for 3.5 years but was unable to sustain the business and closed it down. I was down and felt like a failure.
I wanted to give up, but my passion for sewing fashion wear never stopped. I went to work in a bridal shop for half a year and then to another boutique when the lady boss offered me a manager position over three outlets, but after half a year, I quit. I took my own salary and rented a small shop at Orchard Plaza. My set-up was simple; I bought a table, carpet, and racks from Ikea and did a simple renovation myself. I got my sewing machine at home and started sewing and selling my own handmade dresses. That’s how I started my business.
Before you started your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
I worked as a childcare teacher in YMCA after my O levels for 3 years. I started sewing for my colleagues there. I also worked at Dayspring Bridal as a designer and then as a boutique manager, managing three outlets at Far East Plaza in 1997.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
My mom and I, together, supported each other through many years when I was single. We went through financial challenges in running our business. I was too naive and trusted the wrong man, and I got cheated of money. I was overwhelmed and fell into depression. I thank God for my mom, who prays a lot for me, and my faith in God helped me to get up time and again when I met difficulties.
Zion Creation Photoshoot
Who inspires you?
No specific person but the Spirit of God. I pray and get inspired to create new designs, techniques, and drafting paper patterns. I also do research and am bold to try new ideas; sometimes they work well, and sometimes we just learn from our mistakes.
What excites you most about your industry?
To be able to play with colour combinations and create beautiful, perfect-fitting gowns and cheongsams out of fabrics. Seeing my client (a public figure or celebrity) wearing my creation was posted on the media.
What is your vision / personal motto?
My vision is to be recognised as an established couture fashion brand that provides a one-stop-shop service solution for all ladies who need help dressing up.
My personal motto is to do my best to achieve excellence. I am a perfectionist.
Our mission is to assist every individual client who needs to dress up for any special occasion, especially those who find it hard to find a suitable cut and design for their body disability, shape, height, skin tone, etc. We challenge the norm to cater to all ladies of different age groups and sizes to make them stand tall in confidence and elegance.
Advising Clients on what colour suits their skin colour
What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
Life is precious; make time for our loved ones. Be generous, forgive, and let go of past hurts so that we can be free to be ourselves. When we bear grudges or unforgiveness against others, we are the ones suffering and losing our joy.
What do you do in your free time as self care? How do you unwind?
I hardly have free time. If I have, I go for a spa, body massage, and facial. I also spend time with my husband.
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
Self-love is important. I encourage and praise them truthfully. I like to dress up ladies, especially mothers. Thats why I create dresses and cheongsam that can hide their flaws and enhance their assets to make them beautiful and boost their confidence. Dressing well can give one more confidence.
Zion Creation Brand Logo
What is one thing you are grateful for?
I am grateful for my life, my family, and my business. I am able to have a business that is also my passion.
Let us know more about what you do!
At Zion Creation, it is our utmost desire for you to look and feel absolutely beautiful. Our exceptionally made, unique creations aim to celebrate Chinese culture while allowing you to express your individuality through our quality fabrics, immaculate workmanship, and impeccable attention to detail. We take time to listen to your needs and are passionate about handcrafting extraordinary, customised pieces that make you stand out at your wedding or special event.
You may also find us featured on:
Lianhe Zaobao 13th Sep 1996
Tamil Newspaper 15th April 2002
Tatlerasia.com
The weddingvowsg : Top 10 Best places to get Evening Gown in Singapore
Cheongsam Association
Singaporebrides.com : 50 Places for Gorgeous Wedding Cheongsam
Tallypress.com : Top 10 Shops for bespoke Cheongsam in Singapore
Bride to Mum : 15 Awesome Mother of bride Dress shop in Singapore
The Honeycombers : Where to shop for evening gown & Cocktail dresses in Singapore
Connect with Zion Creation
Website: https://www.zioncreation.com.sg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zioncreationcouturier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cheongsam.GownExclusive
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-lee-466b505a/
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)