Introduction
Hey, corporate professionals! Ever felt the itch to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig? Fiona Loh did just that, leaving her stable job in tech to run her own bakery business, Whiskdom. Let's explore her journey and what it takes to make such a leap.
The Genesis: A Side Hustle Takes Off 🚀🍪
Fiona Loh was a tech product manager for a bank before she decided to follow her passion for baking. Operating Whiskdom as a side project on Instagram, she found her business booming during Singapore's circuit breaker lockdown.
The Problem: Burnout and Fatigue 😓💼
Juggling a day job and a side hustle took a toll on Fiona. She was working around 20 hours a day, leading to mental fatigue and an overwhelming workload.
The Business Model: From Instagram to Commercial Kitchen 📸🏢
Whiskdom started as an Instagram side project but quickly gained traction. Fiona had an 18-month waitlist for her molten brownies and levain-style cookies. To meet the demand, she moved her operations to a 620-square-foot commercial kitchen.
Funding and Growth: Self-Funded Success 💰📈
Fiona invested 50,000 Singapore dollars from her personal savings to fund the business. Despite putting her home-buying and wedding plans on hold, she managed to expand her clientele to include corporate customers and international markets.
The Technology: Streamlining Operations 🛠️🔄
Fiona focuses on finding new ways to streamline operations. She has taken on three full-time staff, including her retired father, allowing Whiskdom to produce up to 2,400 baked goods per week.
The Pandemic Factor: A Blessing in Disguise? 🦠🌈
The pandemic actually provided Fiona with an opportunity. Many businesses were closing down, allowing her to purchase second-hand equipment at lower costs. She also received a government grant for her ovens.
The Future: What's Next for Whiskdom? 🌟🔮
Fiona plans to reinvest her earnings back into the business. She's also careful about planning for the future, as statistics suggest that many new businesses fail within their first few years due to poor planning and lack of finances.
The Emotional Toll: Entrepreneurship Isn't Easy 😅🎢
Running her own business means Fiona has to worry about everything from expenses to staff. However, she finds the journey fulfilling and has no plans to return to a 9-to-5 job.
Conclusion: The Courage to Follow Your Passion 🌈💪
Fiona Loh's story is an inspiring example of how one can turn a side hustle into a successful full-time business. It takes courage, planning, and a lot of hard work, but the rewards can be immensely fulfilling.
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