I recently had a wonderful opportunity to share with Accelerate Women Entrepreneurship with Exabytes (AWEWE) for an interview, where I had the chance to reflect on her journey as an entrepreneur. It was truly an humbling experience, and I am grateful to have shared my story.
Thank you Exabytes Team for making this interview possible. I am thankful to partner with a company that values and promotes the entrepreneurial spirit. You can click here to read other incredible stories of female entrepreneurs too.
Presenting my interview piece — please enjoy!
AWEWE: What inspired you to start your business, and when did you realise you were on the path to building an empire?
I’ve always had an interest in starting my own business. It all began in the early 2000s when the internet was booming, and businesses were eager to establish their online presence. I recognised it as an opportune moment to enter the thriving IT industry and help businesses thrive in the digital world.
As time went on, Ecommerce started to gain traction, and I realised that this was the path I needed to follow. The idea of building an empire never crossed my mind; I simply wanted to make a difference by assisting businesses in navigating the online world.
I believe that the key to success lies in supporting others, and that’s what drives me in my entrepreneurial journey. PolarisHub succeeds when clients succeed; witnessing their customer growth has always been my motivation.
AWEWE: How do you envision the future of your business? What principles guide your decision-making and legacy-building?
My leadership style has evolved as I have grown older and more mature. I remember when I first started working, I would feel intimidated if someone on my team was better than me. Now, I have a different perspective. I believe in surrounding myself with people who are better than me because it creates a win-win situation. Not only do I have the opportunity to learn from others, but together we can deliver the best work for our clients.
I have learned the power of collaboration. Working together as a team always produces the best results. I have a hunger to constantly learn and improve, giving me a fresh perspective on things. It’s remarkable how much you can grow when you have the support and trust of your team.
When I envision the future of my business, I see a thriving organisation that continues to grow and adapt to the ever-changing market. I hope to build a legacy centered around strong principles and values. Honesty, integrity, and transparency will guide my decision-making process. I believe in treating my team and clients with respect and fairness.
Ultimately, I want to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, I am confident my business will thrive and make a positive impact.
AWEWE: Reflect on the pivotal moments and milestones that have marked your journey towards empire-building.
One of the biggest turning points in my journey towards building an empire was during the lockdown period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It was during this time that I realised my current approach to running my business was not ideal, and I needed to make some significant changes. Instead of just offering web design and development or SEO services, we decided to pivot and expand our offerings. We made the strategic decision to broaden our services into branding strategy and content marketing, which turned out to be a game-changer for us. These new services helped us attract more clients and significantly grow our business.
But that’s not the only milestone that stands out in my journey. Another pivotal moment came when I was invited by Exabytes to provide workshops for their AWEWE’s event in 2022. I must admit, I was quite nervous about it. However, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take on the challenge. Over the course of four months, I had the opportunity to teach and share my knowledge with over 200 participants from Singapore and Malaysia. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, providing a sense of fulfillment, knowing that we could make a positive impact on others in the industry.
These milestones, from the decision to diversify our services to the opportunity to teach and inspire others, have played a crucial role in my entrepreneurial journey. They have taught me the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities when they arise.
AWEWE: Share your thoughts on the responsibility of being role models for aspiring women entrepreneurs. What advice do you have for those aiming to follow in your footsteps?
Each one of us has a unique story and journey, and it is through sharing our experiences and lessons learned that we can inspire and empower others to explore their potential. My advice: Always keep testing and trying new things. The business world is constantly evolving, and it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve. Don’t be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible. It is through experimentation and innovation that we can truly make a difference and stand out in the crowd.
Building strong relationships is also key. Collaboration and networking are essential in any industry, and by fostering meaningful connections with others, we can open doors to new opportunities and support each other’s growth. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion and vision, and together, achieve great things.
