Why Fit In When You Can Fit Out?
EL Singapore|October 2021
We meet a trailing spouse who moved to Singapore for her husband’s job, only to start her own global venture fitting out hotels and more. Now they both work for the business!
DINESH AJITH
Why Fit In When You Can Fit Out?

In 2008, after studying and working in New York for almost two decades, ARCHANA VELUKUTTY came to Singapore with husband Bharat Vijayan and their twin boys. While the move was precipitated by Bharat’s job in private banking, it was in Singapore that she saw the opportunity to create a business that fulfilled her vision of connecting people across cultures.

We chat with Archana and find out a little more about how she grew her brands, and why Singapore was an ideal place for an expat to start her own business.

What’s the story behind The Varisan Group?

Majoring in psychology and economics in New York, I developed a deep understanding of both people and business. I then spent a decade working with an international firm in New York that dealt with fashion and home furnishing. My experience helped me understand the harmony between people, objects and spaces – this is what enabled me to create uniquely beautiful living experiences.

My passion has always been to bring people together through food and events. So, during my early years in Singapore, I began consulting on a friend’s seaside villa renovation. During this project, I saw an opportunity to launch a business here that offered a complete design and procurement solution.

Was Singapore a good place to get started?

This story is from the October 2021 edition of EL Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2021 edition of EL Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EL SINGAPOREView All
A Hole-In-One Holiday!
Expat Living Singapore

A Hole-In-One Holiday!

We all love a tropical escape, but for many travellers the cherry on top of this kind of ultra-relaxing holiday is a round of golf or some pampering at a spa. We take a look at one destination on the Thai island of Phuket where you can tick all those boxes.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Nurturing Nimble Knees
Expat Living Singapore

Nurturing Nimble Knees

As people age, knee issues often stem from wear and tear. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR HAMID RAZAK talks about the knee preservation techniques he uses to help people maintain healthy knees for longer.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Let's Play Outside!
Expat Living Singapore

Let's Play Outside!

Playing outside of the classroom helps children to develop useful motor skills and stay active while learning at the same time. Four preschools share with us how they incorporate the outdoors into learning and we hear what the parents think too.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
Renovation & Renewal
Expat Living Singapore

Renovation & Renewal

We showcased KARIN RYSGAARD's home a couple of years ago, but since she's in the interior design and home décor industry as one of the owners of Island Living, we knew she'd have made some changes! So we're back again to visit her home in Kembangan.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Level Up Your Brand!
Expat Living Singapore

Level Up Your Brand!

As anentrepreneur or small business owner, you need to believe in yourself and your vision, first and foremost; but you can also benefit enormously from collaboration.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Keeping Regular!
Expat Living Singapore

Keeping Regular!

Constipation and haemorrhoids are common, but they're often taboo topics of conversation. Here physiotherapist YIP WAN HUI explains how she helps to reduce the symptoms fora more regular and pain-free motion.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Haute Healthcare
Expat Living Singapore

Haute Healthcare

Hospital visits are an inevitable part of life, whether it’s for a routine checkup or an unfortunate ailment. While necessary, the hospital experience isn't always the most pleasant.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Sweet Tooth
Expat Living Singapore

Sweet Tooth

DR SHERILYN LOH, a dental surgeon at Dental Essence, chats to us about bringing smiles to faces whether that’s from the dentist’s chair or her kitchen!

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
Au Balcon
Expat Living Singapore

Au Balcon

Hidden in an Art Deco conservation building within the Singapore Botanic Gardens is Au Balcon, or “on the balcony” in French.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Climb of a Lifetime
Expat Living Singapore

Climb of a Lifetime

AYAN MEHRA is in Grade 11 at the Singapore American School, and while he's now back toa regular term routine, his summer was little short of actionpacked. Along with attending asummer school at Yale University in the US, he joined his dad on an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. He tells the story here.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024