When Ong Shu Hwai stepped into the world of local home expansion over a decade ago, it was a man’s world. Back then, the industry saw her as a “fresh young girl” who did not know what she was talking about.
Since its inception her company has managed to triple its revenue in just two years, and continues to experience 50 percent year-on-year growth.Ong Shu Hwai: I began my career in the hospitality and tourism industry in Toronto, Canada, when I was studying for my degree. I remained in the service industry for almost a decade – six years in Toronto and another three years after coming back to Singapore.
Back then, they tended to see me as a fresh young girl who did not know what she was talking about and it took a lot of time and effort to show them that I was capable and knew how I could help streamline their processes. Neither Glass Curtains nor Ziptrak can tolerate even the slightest error. Too large and you’re not going to be able to install the product at all, too small and you’re going to have angry customers upset with a bad finish. Both our products are very unforgiving – especially Glass Curtains.
It was actually hard to deal with an unexpected pregnancy, in fact. I had found ways to embrace my singlehood, and I filled my days with passion, adventure and travel. The disappointment from previous failed pregnancies, I think, made me expect that this would be an ectopic pregnancy. I am also an avid cook, and I will make sure I find time to cook for my family. My husband and I will also sneak off on our occasional date nights on the social dance floor, or for dinners, to make sure we don’t just spend time at work, but also outside of work.Ong Shu Hwai: Since young, I have had an entrepreneurial spirit cultivated into me by my dad and an inherent need to strike it out on my own.
As a mother, it was the guilt of being away from my child and questioning if I would be a good enough mother since I spend so much time away from Marcus.Ong Shu Hwai: I am inspired by the need for growth and the self-fulfilling notion that I can achieve it as long as I put my mind to it. I seek clarity, truth and authenticity.