H.O.W. feature –
The modern day matchmaker
Posted on
April 12, 2007 by
dc
Hi all… it’s H.O.W. feature again. How many of you have friends or know of someone who is a professional matchmaker or a relationship expert. I happen to know of a couple and one of them is Violet Lim, the founder of Lunch Actually from Singapore. Let’s get to know Violet a little more and her life as a matchmaker… Can you tell us briefly about yourself and what you do.
I am happily married to a wonderful man, who also happens to be my business partner. And I have a 4 months old baby boy. If I told you my childhood dream is a matchmaker, then I would be lying to you. 
Like most Asians, I was groomed for a corporate job. I graduated with a law degree, and a Masters degree in Human Resources. However, in a twist of events, Ally
McBeal turned into Ms Match!
Like most Asians, I was groomed for a corporate job. I graduated with a law degree, and a Masters degree in Human Resources. However, in a twist of events, AllyMcBeal turned into Ms Match!
How did Lunch Actually come about?
I was working in a multinational financial institution where I observed that many of my colleagues in their late 20s and 30s were single and not dating. It was not that they were unattractive or not eligible, it’s just that they were married to the bank. At the same time, I have many friends who were engaged or getting married. The difference between these two groups is that the latter met their partners at school or at university. Hence, I realised that it is often difficult to meet someone if you have
‘missed the boat’ so to say. So when I came across this lunch dating concept that has been made popular in the States, UK and Australia, my husband Jamie and I thought it was a concept that could work in Singapore where busy professionals work long hours and barely have time to widen their social circles.
‘missed the boat’ so to say. So when I came across this lunch dating concept that has been made popular in the States, UK and Australia, my husband Jamie and I thought it was a concept that could work in Singapore where busy professionals work long hours and barely have time to widen their social circles.
What were the major hurdles you faced when you started your company?
Well, it did take some getting used to… from working in a multinational to running a start-up. The difference is most felt when you make calls to potential suppliers. When I used to said, “I am calling from Citibank,” doors will open. When I said, “I am calling from Lunch Actually,” people said, “Lunch what?” With any start-ups, you need to convince people to work with you be it staff or suppliers. As the concept was so new, we had difficulties finding an office as reputable buildings were concerned about the nature of our business. We also had difficulty trying to advertise our services on mainstream newspapers. However, we see every hurdle as an opportunity to learn. And yes, I must say I have indeed learnt lots in the last 3 years.
With any start-ups, you need to convince people to work with you be it staff or suppliers. As the concept was so new, we had difficulties finding an office as reputable buildings were concerned about the nature of our business. We also had difficulty trying to advertise our services on mainstream newspapers. However, we see every hurdle as an opportunity to learn. And yes, I must say I have indeed learnt lots in the last 3 years.What were some of your failures and what did you learn from them?
Well, I don’t see them as failures, but more as challenges and opportunities to learn. Running a start-up is like fire-fighting. You never know what is going to happen next! One of my personal mantras is, “Everything happens for a reason, and the reason shall serve me.” By staying positive and keeping an open mind, you can always find a way to overcome
obstacles.
obstacles.
How do you balance work and family life (including motherhood of course!)
When I first told friends that I was starting a business with Jamie (my then fiancé), many people advised me against it. They can never imagined seeing their spouse almost 24 hours a day. I was slightly concerned at first, but it turned out to be the best choice ever. We never have the problem of feeling the need of not talking about work at home. Because we never see our work as a job, we can be discussing business expansion plans at home, or personal plans at work. It just works well for us. And we complement each other really well at work too. Jamie handles the ‘ins’ -operations, IT and financials, whilst I handle the ‘outs’ – sales, marketing and PR.I am enjoying motherhood very much because I am getting a lot of support from Jamie and my family. Jamie is a very hands-on father. When I am travelling, he can handle the baby on his own at night, which I must say, I am truly impressed! I have a very good support system at home. By regulating my hours at work, I am able to get the best of both worlds -
spending quality and quantity time with my baby, and at the same time get work done too!
I have a very good support system at home. By regulating my hours at work, I am able to get the best of both worlds -spending quality and quantity time with my baby, and at the same time get work done too!
What advice do you have for women thinking about running their own business?
We often think we can do it on our own, but it is important to find a team, other people who complement our strengths and weaknesses. Another key I think is to not be embarrassed to ask for advice or help. There are people who have been there and done that. Rather than doing things by trial and error, we can shorten our learning curve by just asking the right people the right questions. And last but not least, be prepared for a long and bumpy ride. 90% of first businesses fail in the first five years. There might be times that you feel like giving up, but persistence will pull
you through!
you through!
Related posts:
