After graduating from college with a diploma in industrial design, Yap participated in an entrepreneurship programme called the Board of Directors, where she competed against 12 other participants and emerged as the first runner-up. Motivated by this and driven by her interest in fashion and design, Yap applied for a grant with Cradle Fund, an early-stage startup ecosystem builder.

She managed to secure the grant and in 2017, established Royale Demure, a modest fashion crowdfunding fashion platform. The idea behind the business was to have fashion enthusiasts support local designers by pledging for their designs through the platform. Once a funding target was reached, the designs would be produced. 

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A turning point in the business came when Yap looked at her supply chain and discovered that a group of tailors were constantly requesting to take on more work. She realised then that the tailors were struggling to earn a sustainable income. This led her to explore new avenues to help them achieve better financial stability and eventually, she pivoted the business towards empowering and upskilling underprivileged women through sewing.

In the early days of KTJ, Yap self-funded the social enterprise, which ran as a made-to-order business. This allowed the business to grow organically and provide a sustainable income for home-based tailors, many of whom were housewives. KTJ would provide the materials and allow the women to complete their tasks from home.  

Recalling the first order that came through, Yap says: “I vividly remember that it was for 200 name card holders, which were created by our first five tailors. At the time, it seemed like an enormous number. Looking back, I’m proud of how much we’ve grown.” The organisation now boasts a network of 60 tailors, producing a range of handmade corporate gifts, fashion items and tourist souvenirs.

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Yap’s approach to entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in personal growth and resilience. “I approach learning and personal growth with a commitment to continuous improvement. I like to stay updated with industry trends, seek mentorship and reflect on my experiences to learn from my successes and setbacks.

“I’m a firm believer in putting 200 percent into the work I do,” she adds. This commitment goes beyond just running a business; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of the women KTJ supports. “Balancing hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge helps me stay flexible and innovative in my professional life.”

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We also asked Yap some rapid-fire questions to learn what it means to be an entrepreneur today and the advice she would share with aspiring founders.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Sue Yii (SY): I brew a strong cup of coffee. It energises my mind and prepares me to tackle the day’s tasks.

What’s a typical day like for you?

SY: I travel around town frequently to replenish supplies for KTJ, work on new proposals and research on new products to develop.

Do you set strict boundaries between your professional and personal life?

SY: I try to, but I always catch myself working until the wee hours of the morning and getting aches from sitting too long in front of my laptop. That’s why this year, I challenged myself to start caring for my health.

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Free time: Overrated or underrated?

SY: Definitely underrated. As entrepreneurs, we have been hardwired to think we don’t deserve free time. But we should work on a healthy schedule so that you get free time to unwind and recharge. We can’t go at 100 percent if we are burnt out.

How do you typically recharge on the weekends?

SY: Cooking is a hobby I inherited from my mother. It helps me unwind and serves as both a creative outlet and a challenge to myself. Sometimes, I challenge myself by opening the fridge and creating dishes from whatever ingredients are available. It’s a fun way to spark creativity and experiment with new recipes. My family also often gathers on the weekends for collaborative BYOD (Bring Your Own Dish) dinners, where everyone contributes to the meal.

What’s your advice for someone wanting to start a business or a new venture?

SY: Start cheap and start fast. ⁠Don’t get caught in the trap of endless planning and perfecting your idea. The best way to validate your business idea is to test it in the real world as quickly as possible. Start by creating a simple prototype and test the market.

Also always find your paying customers. While positive feedback from friends and family is encouraging, it’s not a reliable indicator of market demand. Compliments and enthusiasm can be misleading. Pay attention to actual sales and revenue. If you’re not generating profit or at least breaking even, you may need to reassess your business model.

How do you deal with self-doubt?

SY: Face it head-on. The only way out of doubt is through action and hard work. When you put in the effort and your work speaks for itself, confidence naturally follows. As confidence grows, self-doubt will gradually fade away.

Meet more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024 in Social Entrepreneurship.

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