A Moment With Abigail Wong
Hey Abigail! Tell us about yourself – who is Abigail Wong?
Born and bred in Singapore, I grew up with a big family - my parents and 3 other siblings. I was always into arts and design. Partially influenced by my Dad’s background in building and construction, I decided to pursue architecture and I left for Melbourne when I was 16 to do my university degree.
What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about seeing things come to life - branding, a new concept, someone’s home - the creative process of taking an idea and bringing it into reality brings me a lot of fulfilment. Secondly, it would be people. I love interacting with people from all walks of life, getting to know them, and building relationships with them! Therefore, I came to learn very early on that a 9-5 desk job with no interaction was not for me.
Why did you decide to get into business?
I’d say it has been a combination of a few things. If I looked back 5 years ago, I would have never thought I would be doing what I do now - I never dreamt of doing F&B, nor setting up my own design studio. (The design studio is actually quite new, officially operating this year).
A big part of every journey was asking God for my next steps, almost like putting one foot in front of the other. And when you hear from God, it gives you the confidence and courage you need, something to hold on to even when circumstances are against you. Because the truth is: Circumstances might change, but God’s promises never change.
I’m also an innately curious person (although sometimes, that does work against me). I would rather take the risk trying and failing, than regretting not having done something when I could. There are always big lessons to be learnt in failing.
What/who are your inspirations in the creative world?
Bjarke Ingels of BIG, one of my all-time favourite architects - for his creative process, and how he always puts empathy and understanding humans at the center of it all. He creates purpose-driven spaces and environments - not just aiming to be aesthetically pleasing.
I believe good design can shape the environment, change behaviour, and eventually culture, and this has heavily inspired my creative process and thinking as well.
What/who are your inspirations in your own personal life?
Firstly, my Dad, my constant inspiration and advisor. Since I was young, he has instilled Godly values in me and encouraged me to dream big. His life is a testimony of how good God is - and that has built into my own foundation and perspective of who God is.
Secondly, my previous boss and mentor whom I’ve worked under for 5 years, Ken Yuktasevi, who is the founder of a brilliant branding and architecture studio called Parable. He not only modelled what it is to be a great leader and designer, but I also respected how he prioritised God and his family, contrary to many in the industry.
What is a book or resource that has impacted your life, both personally and in the workplace?
Here are a few suggestions:
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Business With Soul by Michael Cardone
Thou Shall Prosper by Daniel Lapin
What has been your biggest challenge (business wise) so far?
Almost everything in a business can be predicted or controlled to a certain extent, ie. business plans, costings, branding, marketing. However, the one thing you cannot control is people – and being my biggest love, it also tends to be my biggest struggle.
Running multiple businesses has taught me so much, and leading in different capacities (even at church) has shown me that as important as it is to steward money well, doing business is also about stewarding people well.
Personally, I spend a lot of time just sitting down with different staff and team members to counsel, encourage, discipline, and dream with them. From a business sense, this could sound like a waste of time. It does take a lot of days and it can drain you. But what I hold close to my heart is that everyone that comes through my doors has a purpose with me – and be it short or long, it is a responsibility of mine to steward well.
What was a highlight moment in your career?
I wouldn’t pin it on just one point of my career. To me, the entire journey itself, and the fact that I’m doing what I am right now, is the highlight.
If you could tell young females who are wanting to get into business anything, what would it be?
Dream big with God - don’t let fear hold you back.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I dream of being able to design and curate entire buildings and mixed developments. Or even to develop my own property! It is a big dream but who knows, I’m still going to take it one step at a time and see where that leads me.
Where can we find you?
My personal Instagram is @abiwys and my café can be found at @amberembersg. The two new brands for design and home rental, Hannah Studio and Hannah Homes, are brand new and can be found online at hannahstudio.sg and on instagram at @hannahstudio.sg
