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 Phyllis Ong (CORI Skin Lab)
TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Phyllis Ong (CORI Skin Lab)
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/brand about?
CORI Skin Lab is about Extraordinary Solutions to optimize the body’s largest organ, our skin, by restoring and enhancing beauty through skin healing and anti-aging performances. We are inspired by a thoughtful combination of nature, science, and art and powered by our unique proprietary collagen biotechnology and formulation. Our hero product Advanced Healing Cream is loved for its superior skin healing and is especially suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
What got you started on your business?
I was in search to develop superior medical and healthcare technologies and solutions as a new growth area for my family business. So when the unexpected partnership opportunity presented itself in the form of developing advanced biotechnology-related solutions for medical burns projects with a well-known local hospital, we took a leap of faith and agreed to the investment despite very few facts and figures available at such an early stage. Also, the area of skin healing resonated with me strongly as I had spent 8 wonderful years in the skincare business in my early career journey. In retrospect, I did not expect the business time horizon for this medical and healthcare business to take so long but I must say it has been a very purposeful journey when we see our consumers’ lives improving when their skin conditions improve so significantly.
Before you started on your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
I have been running my family business Armstrong for the past 12 years. Armstrong is a 48-year-old regional manufacturing business with 16 factories across 7 countries, serving hundreds of well-known international brands and companies. On the side, I have a plant-based restaurant specializing in Peranakan-Thai food called Whole Earth which I co-founded back in 2003. This is my first business baby and I am very proud that it is also the first and only plant-based restaurant in Singapore that has been awarded by Michelin since 2016.
Cori Skin Lab Advance Healing Cream
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
Managing a regional precision engineering manufacturing enterprise with 3000 employees is a very different world from where I spent my earlier FMCG corporate career. Too many things I did not even know I did not know and challenges were often multifold in an SME. Especially when it is my own family business which my parents spent their entire lives building, it is not something I could just walk out of so easily. But I believe if my parents have done this, I too can and will find ways to conquer many, many difficulties and even impossibilities, so long as I do not give up on this marathon journey. Having the trust of my parents and also my brother Eugene who is extremely supportive has also been invaluable.
Who inspires you?
Both my parents inspire me to be strong and resilient.
What excites you most about your industry?
Everyone has Skin. So CORI Skin Lab will have the opportunity to innovate and serve millions of people around the world every day and make a big difference to the world and fulfill our brand purpose to create Extraordinary Solutions.
What is your vision / personal motto?
We all can and should make a positive difference to the Greater Good.
Do you have any word of advice for other ladies who are starting their business/ starting to pursue their dream?
Being resilient, resourceful, and optimistic to both survive and thrive are foundational to a worthy and enjoyable lifelong entrepreneurial journey.
What have you learnt recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
When we deeply love and believe in why we do what we do, and with the right efforts and patience, the impossible becomes possible.
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
Being a leader in a male-dominated industry like precision engineering as well as founding my own enterprises in different industries allow me to meet and encourage more women to pursue their Vision and Aspirations.
CORI Skin Lab Brand Logo
What is one thing you are grateful for?
My parents who started with nothing, worked very hard to provide us life with many opportunities and options and remained simple, honest, and kind.
What do you do in your free time as self-care? How do you unwind?
Wellness treatments are absolutely essential including weekly massage and regular detox sessions. certainly traveling is amazing too.
Let us know more about what you do!
CORI Skin Lab creates only Extraordinary skincare solutions, powered by our proprietary collagen biotechnology and formulation. Borne out of extreme skin burns medical research, CORI Skin Lab delivers skin healing and anti-aging benefits to even the most sensitive skin types.
You may also find us featured in The Business Times, CEO Magazine, and Tharawat Magazine.
Connect with CORI Skin Lab!
Website: www.coriskinlab.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coriskinlab
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coriskinlab
Giveaway Alert
1 lucky winner stands a chance to win CORI Skin Lab Advanced Healing Cream 40g, worth S$135!
A rich and fast-absorbing cream that protects, repairs, and restores skin health to give visibly smoother and plumper skin for 24 hours after a single application. Clinically proven to diminish the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines on the face and around the eyes.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲:
1. Like this post.
2. Follow @coriskinlab and @theladiescue on Instagram.
3. Tag 1 friend who loves skincare! One tag per comment. More tags = more entries
Best of luck 
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.