Sleek’s Post

Early 2024 has marked a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey - the sale of Sasha’s Fine Foods. Looking back over the past 13 years, it's been an incredible ride filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable experiences. In 2011, I started my first business, The Barbie Girls, a venture that would eventually blossom into Sasha’s Fine Foods in 2017. Those early days were marked by excitement, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of a vision. But they were also exhausting and the path to success was far from smooth. The challenges of starting the business were manifold - from navigating the complexities of the market - why did I ever think it was a good idea to import fresh meat and seafood into one the most tightly regulated, hot and humid countries in the world? - to building a brand from scratch and starting the first truly online food delivery service in Singapore. Keeping Sasha’s Fine Foods afloat for 13 years required more than just passion; it demanded adaptability, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service. We weathered economic downturns, industry disruptions, fierce competition and of course Covid, but we always stayed true to the core values and mission of the business. A challenge less talked about, but everyone entrepreneur feels it, is knowing when to say goodbye. The decision to sell Sasha’s Fine Foods wasn't taken lightly; it was a culmination of careful consideration, strategic planning, and a deep desire to ensure the brand's continued success. My involvement will not come to an immediate end. My focus will remain where my passion lies - discovering and collaborating with the best new food suppliers in the world. As I bid farewell to the ownership of Sasha’s Fine Foods, I am filled with gratitude - for the lessons learned, the memories made, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible adventure. Here's to new beginnings, endless possibilities, and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.

Edison Choong and I taking a moment to enjoy the magnificent twin towers the evening before our session. Seems like yesterday when I watched the towers being built, and I raced against time and odds myself to set up one of my first business ventures - it was a stall selling Malay-style chicken rice in the Scott's Picnic Food Court, one of the first anchor tenants of the Suria KLCC Mall back then. With no background in the industry, we relied on our love for good tasting food and an innovative approach to the business, and we did surprisingly well as newbies.. recovering our set up costs within 3 months, and hitting a 7-figure turnover in the first year itself. Life was simpler then, with blissful ignorance cushioning youthful exuberance! Thankfully good old-fashioned common sense, a hunger to compete and and a never-say-die attitude kept us going, and a fun-loving energetic team kept the operational crises (oh there were quite a few!) manageable. My partner and I started with the idea of scalability in mind from the get go, and wanted to make sure the business could operate even when we ourselves aren't personally running it. We selected our suppliers carefully, choosing only reliable ones with a track record of doing business with integrity and ethics. We had open and honest conversations with them, openly sharing our vision and the outcome we wanted, and seeking their input on how they feel we can do things better - we were the younger ones and definitely benefitted from the wisdom and experience of the really seasoned business people. They, in turn, thought we were a breath of fresh air and were happy to chip in ideas - we were the rare ones (or only ones?) who weren't only about negotiating the lowest possible price from them - we wanted everyone to make enough to survive, but at the same time making sure we all brought our best to ensure the business did well. One elderly uncle joked that we were smart to get everyone to collectively feed the goose well so that the golden eggs can come smoothly for everyone to share. It was particularly hilarious because he's our chicken supplier! It was the late 90s back then, Malaysia was struggling through a terrible hit, and our approach made all the difference. It was a sad moment when the partnership came to an end, but those were some of my happiest days of entrepreneurship I wouldn't trade for the world. Knowing what I know now, I'd say we were practicing sustainability even back then, before the terminology became trendy. So the next time you're thinking that you may be too small to start thinking about sustainability, remember that it starts with a mindset, and takes off with a process of many small steps. Much like kaizen, the commitment is to the process. It's never too early, and you never need to hit a benchmark before you can begin. #sustainability #kaizen Note: thanks for asking, you-know-who-you-are, but let me clarify, Edison isn't my partner for the nasi ayam venture! 😅

🚀 DAY 001 of my 100-day journey building TapOnn in Australia! 🔥 Today, I want to share the importance of laying a solid foundation before launching a brand. Before officially launching TapOnn™, I spent the last 100 days in Australia conducting thorough R&D and market validation. During this period, I attended over 50+ events, connected with more than 200+ professionals, and collected invaluable feedback. 💫 One key lesson I’ve learned is that as founders, we must always be open to feedback and constructive criticism. It’s crucial to embrace these insights positively and use them to improve. A key takeaway from this experience is that every geography works differently, and it’s essential to have a local touch to build confidence and connect with your audience. From this learning, we made some pivotal changes: 1. Developed a new website tailored for the Australian market: www.taponn.io 2. Created a new social media page for our international expansion, with all content focused on establishing a local presence. This was a significant pivot, as it's vital to have a local touch with your customers, regardless of your business field. 3. Worked on getting testimonials and user validation to enhance online awareness and build trust among new users. 😎 Stay tuned for my next post, where I will talk about the power of smart networking and how TapOnn helped me connect with high-net-worth individuals (HNI) in Australia within a month of my arrival. 😍 #100DaysOfTapOnn #BuildInPublic #TapOnnAustralia #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #FoundationWork #MarketValidation #LocalTouch #SmartNetworking #sydney #Australia #netowkring #growth #founderslearning

I first went global about ten years ago, having recognised the opportunity to take what I had built in Australia and adapt our model to overseas markets. In the early days, expansion was tough. Opening offices in Asia in particular, was a real eye-opener. It was tough doing business in an entirely different culture, and there was certainly no welcome mat laid out for us. I remember once, early on we didn’t have funds for a fit-out, so I just laid the carpet myself! Was it hard? You bet. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Each of our offices around the world has been profitable within months, and putting in that extra personal effort has not only shaped me as a person, it's helped me and my team build a workforce of about 2,000 people across Superist's stable of 21 agencies around the world: First Page Budget SEO Primal Digital Agency your social Appscore Removify Mooning Our People Willow & Blake. If you’re a founder looking to go global, I’ve put together some of my most significant learnings and advice before you get started in the article link below: https://lnkd.in/gG8VFse3 #globalexpansion #entrepreneurship #startups #digitalmarketing #superist

Here's how he turned $500 into $10 Million while juggling a Full-Time Job Karthik Shanadi's entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and smart business strategies. Starting with just $500, he built four thriving e-commerce companies, reaching a staggering $10 million in revenue, all without any external funding and while maintaining a full-time job 🎯 Diverse Ventures and Strategic Focus 🎯 Karthik's success stemmed from his focus on niche markets and custom merchandise. He strategically acquired 300 college licenses and expanded his business to include custom apparel for various organizations. His companies - Greek House, College Thread, Threadly, and Athlete's Thread - each cater to specific segments within the apparel industry, showcasing his ability to identify and capitalize on unique market needs. 📅 Work Ethic and Time Management 📅 Working long hours at Amazon and Salesforce, Karthik's typical day extended well beyond the conventional 9-to-5. His dedication to his businesses during evenings and weekends exemplifies the work ethic required for successful entrepreneurship. His story is a testament to the power of time management and unwavering commitment. ⚒ Building on a Foundation of Hard Work ⚒ Karthik attributes his motivation to his immigrant family background and the desire to seize opportunities in the United States. This mindset fueled his passion for entrepreneurship, pushing him to overcome challenges and pursue his business goals relentlessly. 🗺 Navigating Challenges and Learning from Mistakes 🗺 One of Karthik's key challenges was navigating the complexities of licensing in the apparel industry. A significant financial hurdle early in his journey tested his resolve but also provided valuable lessons in business management and negotiations. 🤝 Leveraging Technology and Building Strong Partnerships 🤝 Karthik's approach to managing operations involved building strong partnerships with manufacturing and production partners and leveraging technology to streamline workflows. This strategic move not only improved efficiency but also solidified his companies' reputations for quality and reliability. 🤳 Embracing the Power of Branding and Marketing 🤳 In a saturated e-commerce market, Karthik differentiated his brands through exceptional customer service, rapid turnaround times, and a strong social media presence. His focus on building a genuine brand connection with customers and creating engaging content has been pivotal in his companies' growth. Karthik's entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with hard work, strategic thinking, and a relentless pursuit of one's goals. If you enjoyed the above case study - follow me for more :) #Entrepreneurship #ECommerceSuccess #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #TimeManagement

In the bustling city of Shanghai, a young entrepreneur named Li Wei found himself lost in the vast sea of possibilities. Li Wei was passionate about starting his own business, but he grappled with the enormity of choices. One day, as he strolled through the crowded streets, he stumbled upon a quaint tea shop tucked away in a narrow alley. The owner, Mr. Chen, specialized in rare, handcrafted teas. Intrigued, Li Wei struck up a conversation with Mr. Chen. The wise tea master explained the importance of finding a niche in the business world. He likened it to selecting the finest tea leaves - each business needed a unique flavor to stand out. Li Wei realized that identifying a niche could be the key to unlocking his entrepreneurial journey. Inspired, Li Wei delved into the diverse tapestry of Chinese culture. He explored ancient traditions, modern trends, and emerging markets. In his quest for a niche, he discovered a passion for promoting traditional Chinese crafts globally. Li Wei's business idea took root - a platform that connected local artisans with international markets. He celebrated the richness of Chinese culture through handcrafted goods, from exquisite ceramics to intricate silk embroidery. His venture not only thrived but also empowered local artisans. As Li Wei's business flourished, he reflected on the simplicity of the idea. Just as a simple cup of tea could bring joy, simplicity in business could make life easy. By focusing on a specific niche, Li Wei had found clarity and purpose. The moral of the story unfolded as Li Wei embraced his uniqueness, just like the legendary Jack Ma who transformed Alibaba. It emphasized the significance of identifying one's niche, drawing inspiration from one's roots, and simplifying the complexities of business. At the story's end, Li Wei looked at the bustling streets of Shanghai and wondered, "What unique flavor would you bring to the world if you embraced your niche?" 🌱 #Entrepreneurship #BusinessIdeas #NicheMarket #ChineseCulture #Innovation #JackMaInspiration #GlobalBusiness #TraditionalCrafts #SimplicityInBusiness #ArtisanEmpowerment #ShanghaiStory #SuccessJourney #Startups #Inspiration #LinkedInTags #UniqueFlavor #rtmannan

Shaping the Future: Pronghorn champions diversity in the spirits industry, investing in Black entrepreneurs to reflect the diverse consumer base. A step towards innovation and inclusion. #DiversityInSpirits #Pronghorn #BlackEntrepreneurs #InclusiveInnovation #SpiritsIndustry #Diageo #InvestInDiversity #BusinessEquality #Entrepreneurship #CulturalShift

Yesterday evening, our network gathered at Pinhome's headquarters for a networking event called "Endeavor Fireside Chat". The setting was cozy and intimate, creating a friendly atmosphere that allowed us to enjoy the beautiful sunset while quickly absorbing the discussion's key points. Here, we dived deep into a critical aspect of every company's success – Good Corporate Governance (GCG). This insightful conversation was guided by the following remarkable speakers: 1. Herwan Ng (#EndeavorMentor, Audit Committee of GoTo, Independent Commissioner of Oona and Aruna and Member of the National Committee for Governance Policy) 2. Dayu Dara Permata (#EndeavorEntrepreneur, Co-Founder and CEO of Pinhome) 3. Muhamad Fajrin Rasyid (Endeavor Entrepreneur, Director of Digital Business, Telkom Indonesia) The session was a dynamic and two-way interaction, allowing many founders and mentors to share invaluable insights regarding the topic. In essence, it was a perfect moment for us to connect, learn, and grow together! For those of you curious about the discussion, here's a key takeaway: Good Corporate Governance (GCG) should be ingrained in a company's culture and operations from day one, and it should adapt as the company grows. We'd love to hear your perspective on this topic. What's your take on GCG? Have you successfully implemented GCG principles? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! #Endeavor #EndeavorIndonesia #entrepreneurship #highimpact #gcg #goodcorporategovernance

From California ☀️to banker 🏦, from banker to China 🇨🇳 , from China to entrepreneur 🧞♂️, from entrepreneur to Peru 🇵🇪 , from Peru to C-level at a unicorn 🦄 , from that to Mexico 🇲🇽 and launchig a high-impact company along the way 🚀. I’m taking about Courtney McColgan. Did I mention Courtney has been an Endeavor mentor for Endeavor Perú almost since day one of that office? 🙏 Did I mention she’s been an Endeavor entrepreneur through Endeavor México since 2019? 🎉 Cortney is one of the examples I always use when speaking about the multiplier ✖️ effect. She, Ricardo and Juan were three C-level executives from Cabify we interacted with back in 2014 when Cabify was selected into Endeavor that have gone on to become leading entrepreneurs in their respective fields. 👏 Today I couldn’t be prouder to showcase the Harvard Business School Case Study on Runa written by Paul Gompers and Carla Larangeira. Runa offers a complete cloud-based HR and payroll software solution designed and built for small to medium-sized companies in Latin America. As always, a company’s success is as much about the vision from the top as the people that conform it. When Courtney announced the case study she highlighted, “A special nod to our fearless leaders who have given so much Sofia Mestre Arreola, Philip Sahyoun, Andrew Longenecker and Ana Sordo.” In the end it’s a simple equation: it’s ALL about people.

Spain boasts an impressive roster of entrepreneurs who have transformed their companies into global players. José Catà Figuls from El Pais interviewed founders from Cabify, Factorial, Glovo, idealista, Recover, TravelPerk, and Job&Talent's CEO and Co-Founder Juan Urdiales for a piece about unicorns. While we all know that unicorn status can be fleeting, this piece offers valuable insights into some essentials of entrepreneurship. Some key takeaways ⚡Customer obsession: Prioritize understanding your customers' needs and tapping into markets with growth potential for a strong product market fit. ⚡Adaptability: Stay flexible by being willing to adjust your initial idea in response to feedback and evolving circumstances. ⚡Team work: Build a cohesive team by surrounding yourself with individuals who share your mission and values. ⚡Timing and luck: Recognize the importance of timing, acknowledging that success often depends on fortunate timing in the market. ⚡Financial flexibility: Stay adaptable to changing financial market dynamics, as market demands may shift between prioritizing growth and profitability. ⚡Resilience: Prepare for setbacks and challenges by maintaining discipline, adaptability, and perseverance throughout the journey. It's inspiring to see the evolution of the Spanish ecosystem, driven by these pioneering entrepreneurs and many others. They not only attract local and global investment but have also built a bustling ecosystem that is shaping the entrepreneurs and jobs of the future.