Girlboss Series – Yina Goh And The Velvet Dolls
This month, we cast our spotlight on blogger and successful business owner, Yina Goh. We speak with her about her journey with Tell us more about yourself!
I came from a media/design background and worked for about 3 years in an art studio before deciding to leave my corporate job to pursue my dream of starting an online boutique. I write and sing occasionally too.
What were the inspirations behind The Velvet Dolls?
As I was bigger in size then, I couldn’t find suitable clothes to fit me as most online boutiques cater to petite ladies of UK6. I began to avoid dressing up. However, I then decided to slim down. Within 3 weeks of exercise and healthy eating, I lost a significant amount of weight. My self-esteem and confidence grew and I began to love online shopping. I then decided to open an online boutique – The Velvet Dolls to cater to women of all sizes.
“I was only 23 years old then, so why not give it a try?”
Why The Velvet Dolls?
The name “The Velvet Dolls” came about as I’d wanted to create something simple but memorable. I used to enjoy playing with paper dolls and thus paper dolls became part of the inspiration for our name. The word “Velvet” adds a more luxurious and classy feel to it. The logo was inspired from matryoshka, also known as Russian Dolls.
What are the challenges you faced when starting the business?
As I’d started blogging before opening TVD, I’d already garnered a substantial viewership which was an advantage to my business. My background in design also equipped me with the right skill sets from designing my logo to creating my website.
However, I did not have any knowledge (such as the financial aspect) of opening a business. Maintaining the business was also not easy. Back in those days, I had to do everything myself. I was the photographer, stylist, model, and more. As a perfectionist by nature, I tend to micromanage every single detail of the business.
What is The Velvet Dolls currently focusing on?
This year, TVD will focus more on its bridesmaid collection and stylish office wear.
What is it that makes your customers loyal?
A good relationship between customers is very important. The way you brand your business plays a part too. At TVD, we ensure that our clothes are of good quality and workmanship, which are features that keep customers coming back for more.
What are your thoughts on buying from websites such as Taobao?
One issue we feel is that photos from these websites may not reflect the actual products. Most of their clothes are mass produced and can be easily found anywhere. The quality of material used may also be compromised.
At TVD, we focus on style, quality and fit. We want our customers to look their best. Our clothes are tailored to fit and designed to flatter.
What is a typical day like for you?
My typical day can vary a lot. I try to block out entire days and dedicate them to completing a few essential tasks. For instance, if I have writing/photo-taking for blog advertorials, I’ll set aside a day just for that. I do the same when I need to edit images or prepare for the next collection for TVD.
It’s actually easier if you dedicate a good amount of time and focus on completing the task than doing ten different things at one time or in one day.
With your passion for singing and having performed gigs, what are your recommended places to visit for live gigs?
Definitely Switch by Timbre, it’s my favourite spot! Some other great spots are Shuffle at Clark Quay and Unplugged at Dempsey.
Lastly, any advice for people looking to start a business?
The most important part is to have a target audience in mind. You have to understand what the market wants and what the consumers need. Be constantly aware of the change in the market and always keep up with trends. You must be able to manage your finances and ensure what you are doing is sustainable.
Yina is currently taking part in Singapore’s biggest online Chinese singing competition, Hear Me Sing (organised by Starhub and MM2) and has made it to the top 4 after two months into the competition! Voting counts for 40% and you can vote for her It never ceases to amaze us when we hear stories of women who follow their hearts to do what they love. Yina’s perseverance is definitely inspiring to many. So to all aspiring entrepreneurs out there, the journey may be tough but remember, the effort you put in will all be worth it.
(All images are courtesy of Yina)
Brought to you by Discover SG x Yina Goh
Also read: Meet Caryn Lim – Rising Entrepreneur In The Beauty Industry
5 Hipster Barbers You Should Visit For That Dapper Kingsman Look
It’s a tough time to be a man.
Gone are the days when you could get away with using the same soap for your head right down to your toes, or wear the same shirt in various colour combinations because you’re too lazy to shop. Today, the modern man is being held up to great expectations – from the way they dress to their hairdos (yes there is quite the variety of hairstyles for dudes).
In recognising this very trend, a slew of local barbers has since risen to cater to the dapper man’s every need. With services extending from haircuts to shaves and a classy interior to boot, here’s a list of local barbers you can pop by for that hipster modern hairdo befitting of every suave dapper individual. Sometimes, Snip Avenue just doesn’t make the cut.
1. Sultans Of Shave
Image credit: Sultans Of Shave
Inspired by the desire reignite the humble trade of the back alley barber, 
Image credit: Sultans Of Shave
At the Ramadan Bazaar located at Paya Lebar, you can catch Sultans of Shave’s pop-up store. With services like basic haircuts that start from $48 and a comfortable deluxe shave session from $40, get ready to be groomed to look your finest.
Sultans Of Shave
Address: #02-01, North Canal Road
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 9:30pm
2. Hounds Of The Baskervilles
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BGth3P5kBL9/?taken-by=houndsofthebaskervilles&hl=en[/embed]The punk rock and hardy vibes of Hounds Of the Baskervilles are so thick the store’s pretty hard to miss. From their rustic interior to grungy decorations, this place is certainly full of attitude, with hairdos to match.
Image credit: Hounds Of The Baskervilles
This kick-ass location also doubles up as a tattoo parlour, adding to the dope-ass feel of the place. If you’re one for a little spunk and grunge then there’s certainly no better place than Hounds Of The Baskervilles. Haircuts start from $35.
Hounds Of The Baskervilles
Address: 24 Bali Lane
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm; Sat: 11am – 7pm
3. We Need A Hero
Image credit: Let 
We Need A Hero
Address: #01-86, 57 Eng Hoon Street
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 9pm; Sat: 10am – 9pm; Sun: 10am – 8pm
4. Premium Barbers
Image credit: Helmed as the first barber concept store in Singapore, Premium Barbers
Address: #6702-6228, 277 Orchard Road
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 9pm
5. Neighbourhood Barbershop
Image credit: Neighbourhood Barbershop
Neighbourhood Barbershop might sound and look like a simple barbershop. But they certainly aren’t. With a trained team dedicated to bringing dapper hairstyles and classic looks to the heartlands, this stall located in Changi will groom you to look your best.
Image credit: Neighbourhood Barbershop
They work on the basis of appointments, so do plan ahead and give them a ring should you choose to head down. Prices start from $20 for a haircut and $10 for a shave. Relatively affordable, we must say.
Neighbourhood Barbershop
Address: 228 Changi Road
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 9pm
Notable Mention: Geylang Adventure #backalleybarbers
Image credit: Geylang Adventures
While not exactly a business, the #backalleybarbers is an initiative spearheaded by Geylang Adventures where they provide free haircuts for migrant workers and the less fortunate during the weekends. Through these free haircuts, they hope to interact with their customers and connect with them on a personal level. So the next time you’re roaming the streets of Geylang, don’t be surprised at the sight of an outdoor make-shift barber.
To find out more about their #backalleybarber initiative and their other projects, read With this list, now you’ll know where to go when that special occasion demands a spiffy smart look!
(Header image by Also read: For Under $35, Pamper Your Feet With A Massage At These 6 Spots!
Get Your Hello Kitty Plush Dressed In SIA’s Sarong Kebaya At $39!
It’s not just the Singapore Girl that will be wearing Singapore Airlines’ signature blue sarong kebaya – oh, so classy! Our favourite cat doll – you know, the one with no mouth and a cute bow on its head – will also be sporting the chic Pierre Balmain-designed traditional Asian batik dress, as part of a collaboration between the airline and Sanrio.
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Credit: Singapore Airlines’ Facebook Page among other channels, the Hello Kitty: Singapore Girl was said to be available on the airlines’ KrisShop store for KrisFlyer members until 30 June for $39. (KrisFlyer membership is free)
However, since Hello Kitty is basically every Singaporean’s favourite feline, probably even more so than Doraemon (also a cat) and other nekos, the airline announced that the doll has been sold out, and that it will restock and make the second release available in-flight from July 1 onward.
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Screenshot taken on 13 June 2016[/caption]
It is noted that customers who have purchased the doll during the first release, which lasted a day, will not be affected and can collect their orders on their flights from 20 June onward. Additionally, each flight will only carry up to five Hello Kitty: Singapore Girl dolls, and passengers will only be allowed to collect the doll in-flight.
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Screenshot taken on 13 June 2016[/caption]
Alas, if you do not succeed in buying a Hello Kitty: Singapore Girl doll from Singapore Airlines, do not despair. From experience (read: McDonald’s regular Hello Kitty sales), we predict that there will be lots of these cute cats being sold on second-hand e-commerce platforms for a good price, for example Carousell.
When all else fails, you could also console yourself with a visit to the newly-opened Hello Kitty cafe at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Opened 24 hours, head there anytime for photo opportunities, good food, and great ambience.
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden
Address: Changi Airport Terminal 3 Arrival Hall #01-22, Singapore 819663 (65 Airport Boulevard)
Opening Hours: 24/7
Also read: Hello Kitty vs Pompompurin – Here’s The Low-down On Both Cafes!
Hermo Celebrates 4th Anniversary With Descendants Of The Sun Hunks In Singapore
Southeast Asia’s top beauty e-tailer, Hermo is pulling out all the stops when it comes to celebrating its 4th Anniversary on 12 June 2016. Riding on the craze of the award winning Korean television series ‘Descendants of the Sun’, they partnered our hot local hunks from Manhunt Singapore 2016 to bring Korean drama excitement to the ladies on the streets!
Last weekend, 30 of the most eligible bachelors in Singapore were out on the streets to increase awareness of Hermo’s unique offering of over 500 Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese beauty brands to beauty enthusiasts here. To impress the office ladies at Raffles Place and the teenage girls on Orchard Road, the Manhunt contestants were dressed as characters from the popular Korean drama, “Descendants Of The Sun”.
These 30 hunky manhunt contestants were busy spreading the news of Hermo’s Fourth Anniversary Special – a whooping 80% discount on all products purchased from 12 to 18 June 2016. New online customers of Hermo can also enjoy $10 off their first purchase by using the discount code “HERMO10”.
The photogenic Manhunt contestants were also game for pictures with the public. Besides taking selfies and wefies, they were also able to re-enact the most famous scenes from the Korean drama.
Many members of the public grabbed the opportunity to take photos with the contestants. By hash-tagging their pictures with #hermotakeson4 on Facebook or Instagram, they stand a chance to win one of 1,000 goody bags from Hermo.
Visit www.hermo.sg today and shop for the best beauty products at the lowest prices from 12 June 2016!
Hermo
Website
This article originally appeared on 6 Seriously Addictive Salted Egg Yolk Snacks You Must Try In SG!
