Wise Words with Keyis Ng

The launch of Keyis Ng's FashForward.com saw over 500,000 online viewers from a total of 90 countries watch Singapore's 2011 Audi Fashion Festival.

Keyis Ng, 23, worked in the fashion events industry for over two years before creating his own events and PR agency, STORM, and launching FashForward.com in early 2011.

FashForward.com seeks to bring fashion brands and designers within closer reach of the consumers who admire them. Members can use the site’s live streaming service to watch exclusive fashion shows from the comfort of their own homes. Then, with e-commerce capabilities arriving later this year, they’ll be able to select merchandise they like, buy it off the runway, pay for it and check out, all in real-time.

1. Where did the idea for FashForward.com come from?

Since I started my own company STORM in late 2010, I have wanted to do something really different for the fashion events industry, because I believe that we belong to the generation who know the latest technology and are very tech-savvy, and we can incorporate this know-how into what we do and bring it to the next level. One day, when I was talking to one of my PR clients, EVVO Media, it struck me that we should introduce live fashion show streaming to Singapore, with the aim of connecting fashion brands and consumers. We then collaborated to launch FashForward.com.

2. You seem to have taken a regional approach with FashForward.com, what was the thinking behind this rather than launching a global platform?

STORM has several regional partners in Asia, so naturally, I wanted to focus in the Asian market before expanding to the world. My aim for FashForward.com is to stream all the major fashion events in Asia, and we are working towards that now. I also hope that FashForward.com can be the ‘Eyes of Fashion in Asia’ for the rest of the world. Whenever people think of fashion in Asia, they will think of FashForward.com.

3. Can you describe a typical working day?

My working day now is not as messy as when I first started my company, when I was working alone and had countless sleepless nights, worked on weekends and had back-to-back meetings with potential clients. Now a typical day starts with a glass of fruit juice followed by reading the local papers. I will either be in meetings, sorting emails or in brainstorming sessions with my staff for the rest of the day. I will also often try to catch up with my staff over lunch or dinner to connect with them personally, getting to know them better in an out-of-work environment. 

4. How do you unwind or relax when you’re not working on STORM?

I usually either go for a run, have coffee with friends, or rest at home with a good book. I used to party a lot when I was younger but after starting my own business, surprisingly, I find partying very uninteresting now. I also find time to travel whenever my schedule allows. My all-time favorite destination: Bangkok!

5. What’s the secret ingredient to success as an entrepreneur?

Keep an open mind and be very sure of what you want for your business. Try to surround yourself with people who are good at what they do. I have been inspired countless times when I meet great people who are in the same industry. Also, seeing their success inspires me.

6. What drove you crazy when building your business?

Building trust with clients. When STORM first started out, some of our clients were skeptical about using us, because we were new and fresh. But of course, we proved ourselves and impressed them with what we delivered. In fact, most of our clients now have been referred by our earlier clients.

7. What motivates you to keep going?

The desire to be successful in what I do. And, of course, the love from my family, partner and friends.

8. If you were to start again, what would you do differently?

I would not do anything differently. I didn’t expect to progress so fast since we started half a year ago and I feel truly lucky and blessed. Although there have been many obstacles along the way, this is how you learn!

9. Where do you see your business in five years, and how will you get there?

My vision for STORM is “We push boundaries by combining technology with what we do best – communicating fashion”. With this, I see my company as the pioneer in bringing technology and fashion together, defining the future of how fashion designers/brands/retailers communicate with their audiences. We are working towards that by collaborating with different technology companies.

10. If you weren’t working on STORM, what would you be doing?

I see myself in the creative industry. I would love to work for an international advertising firm.

11. Tell Springwise a secret…

I listen to Lady Gaga! Apart from her music, I can relate to her life story; being an unpopular kid and rising all the way to be a music icon.

12. Any final words for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Don’t be afraid to fail. If you do, take it as a lesson and do a better job next time. There is also no shortcut to success; you need to work hard for it.

You can read more about FashForward.com in our article here, or visit the FashForward.com website here.