Better Together

Three members of the all-female collective A Raft of Otters (AROO) in Tanglin Mall answer a few questions ahead of International Women's Day on 8 March and in true "women supporting women" style, they've teamed up with brand photographer Rebecca Downie.

Diane Hall Owner, A Raft of Otters

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Wife to Steve and mother of two rascals Brandon and Chloe, I am British born, but have been an expat for over 20 years. Over the years, I’ve had various different small businesses from cake making to Littleprints Jewellery and Singapore Charms. I took the plunge last year to open AROO and haven’t looked back, or slept much, since!

Why did you start the collective A Raft of Otters? 

I needed to make changes in my business to meet LOC requirements. Also, my husband had an accident that made me re-evaluate how I could better support my family. Having been a small business owner for many years, I could see the need for a collective community where support, connection and collaboration really happens. I was told you could not make alpha females work harmoniously together and I was determined to prove that wrong!

How do you all work together?

Believing in yourself and being the best at what you do is the goal. Working together to make things happen is easier than doing it alone. The team at AROO is proof that we are stronger and better together.

Nine months in, what are you most proud of about AROO?

I’m super proud that the vision I had has materialised and we are evolving and getting better each day. The unity between our brands is fantastic to see. We arrange collective photoshoots, support and mentor all of our brands, and many brands have already collaborated on their own projects together. My Otters are holding hands! They’re a loyal and supportive team.