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 Zoey Sin (Ascend Marketing)
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/brand about?
I am a business partner with my husband, Gabriel, and a mother to our one-year-old daughter. I lead a team of close to thirty people and ensure that our company’s operations run smoothly with minimal hiccups.
We started Ascend Marketing in 2019 to help business owners, salespersons, and consultants to generate leads and scale their business online.
What got you started on your business?
We found out that the sales job that my then-boyfriend, Gabriel (who is now my husband) was a scam. He had to leave the company with a huge debt and a loss of significant income. We calculated that if we had to work a 9-5 job, it will take us over 10 years without any spending for us to be able to pay the debt back. With this conclusion in mind, business was the only way to go.
Before you started on your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
Before embarking on Ascend Marketing, I have always been fully committed to working with Gabriel as his partner in his previous work in Sales. Since my schooling days in Polytechnic, myself and Gabriel have always worked excellently together and operated as a team.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
The businesses that we ran weren’t taking off, we failed from one business to another, year after year. This period was when we calculated each of our meals to not exceed $2.50, just home-cooked chicken breast and rice daily. Buying a packet of $4 bacon was a luxury to us and we will only have it if it’s a special occasion.
Like many parents, mine wanted me to continue pursuing my studies and get a good job for myself. But I was certain and determined to build an empire with Gabriel and studying is not my path.
It was hard to convince my parents to give me time to “try things out” and if it doesn’t work out, then I’ll go back to school or get a job. The thought of my parents thinking “Why do I let my daughter go through this with this guy? She can do better.” still weighs on my heart.
I believe that my unshakable faith and perseverance in God and in my partner is what helped me in overcoming the challenges through time.
Who inspires you?
A dear friend of mine by the name of Shu Yiing. Before I met her, I used to hold a supporting role in the business as I never thought I was capable enough to do more. Until I met Shu Ying on a trip, I saw how she is the central pillar of an 8-figure business that she runs with her life partner. Additionally, aside from business, she takes great care of the other areas of her life like health, beauty, family, friends, and relationships without any compromise. She was the one who taught me a lot about business, encouraged me not to limit myself, and not to forget to love myself amidst the multiple roles and responsibilities in life.
What is your vision / personal motto?
My vision is to be like the woman in the Bible of Proverbs 31. When I read that, it was the first time it opened up the possibility of what else a woman can do for me. This woman took good care of her husband and children and led her maidservants well but aside from that, she was also an entrepreneur and investor.
“I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13. It can be a plate overflowing with the constant demands from the different areas of life so acknowledging that not everything has to come from me and therefore not imposing any demands personally.
Do you have any word of advice for other ladies who are starting their business/ starting to pursue their dream?
Have a role model or someone who inspires you in the different areas of your business that you require, study them and learn how they’ve come so far through the challenges. It will help with a less bumpy journey.
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
I gained my confidence and empowerment from seeing people who’ve done it. For me to help is to be a testimony of the challenges that I’ve been through and point them to the right resources, letting them know that they are not alone in this journey.
What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
Growing up, there might be a perspective of how women should be and what women should do but do not let that idea that was passed down from the previous generation limit who I can be and the things I can accomplish.
What is one thing you are grateful for?
I’m grateful to have accepted Christ a few years back because I know I’ve only been able to come so far to achieve and have what I have now if not for His love for me.
What do you do in your free time as self-care? How do you unwind?
I learned that growth, health, and beauty is the way that I would love myself best. I will take time to learn new things on the topic that is most relevant in my season of business or challenges to better equip myself. I schedule gym time to build my body and beauty routines to make sure I look good in the mirror when I see myself. These activities boost my confidence when I accomplish them.
Let us know more about what you do!
If you are a small business owner or service professional and would like to generate 200-300 high-quality leads every month and automate your follow-up process. We conduct webinar classes from time to time.
You can check for the next schedule here: https://webclass.byascend.com/dsw-org-go.
You may find us featured on CNA 938’s Money Mind and Mamahood Singapore.
Connect with Ascend Marketing!
Website: www.ascendsecrets.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zoey-sin-395b62218
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zoeyskh
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:
- Margaret Wu, For Beloved One
- Nerissa Low, Liht Organics
- Pearline Foo, Spring Breeze Marketing
- Anna Milani, Sparkd
- Maddy Barber, Madly Gems
- Ezza Yusof, 2morrow Official (Malaysia)
- Julie Yim, Lilin+Co (Malaysia)
- Nadia, HelloBello (Malaysia)
- Zairin Azman, UMMA (Malaysia)
The rest of the Fempreneur interviews can be found here.