Mission Impossible: How To Run A Niche Business In Singapore
CLEO Singapore|July - August 2019

Can a snowboarding company survive here? What about a pole dancing studio? Three women in their 20s tell us what it’s like running a specialised business, and how they clawed their way to success.

Adora Wong
Mission Impossible:  How To Run A Niche Business In Singapore

YUMI PONG, 29 @mpdsingapore

Co-owner and director of Milan Pole Dance Studio

Yumi was going through a dark period in her life when she took up pole dancing. It helped her put things into perspective so much that she decided to give back to the pole community here.

“I started pole dancing after my mum passed away,” she says. “I didn’t go into it expecting it to help me cope with my grief. But in going for classes and interacting with other people, I was able to see how they were able to stay strong even though they also had their own problems.”

“This not only made me realise that I wasn’t alone, but also boosted my confidence.”

So when one of her partners, a pole dancing classmate at that time, approached her to join the industry, she readily agreed. “I wanted to help other people partake in this experience because I knew how much it helped me,” she explains.

Milan Pole Dance Studio opened its first studio in 2014, and second studio in 2016. On top of overseeing daily operations, Yumi also churns out creative content for the brand’s social media accounts.

THE TOUGH STUFF

Yumi has a flexibile work schedule, but that doesn’t mean her life is any less stressful. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

“My job takes up a lot of time. I’m constantly thinking about work even when I’m not at the studio and never truly feel like I’m switched off from it,” she shares.

It doesn’t help that people don’t always recognise her behind-the-scenes efforts.

“Some people are like: ‘What’s there to do for a pole dancing studio, anyway?’ But that’s when I know I’m doing a good job, because it means everything is running smoothly,” says Yumi.

Bu hikaye CLEO Singapore dergisinin July - August 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

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

Bu hikaye CLEO Singapore dergisinin July - August 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

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

CLEO SINGAPORE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Staying Clean
CLEO Singapore

Staying Clean

Go green! Here, find out about Lush’s non-stop mission for sustainability and reducing impacts on the environment.

time-read
2 dak  |
March - April 2020
#ASK Team CLEO
CLEO Singapore

#ASK Team CLEO

Add these to your cart ASAP, so that you get your skin sorted from A to Z.

time-read
1 min  |
March - April 2020
Pastel Goth
CLEO Singapore

Pastel Goth

Wanna stand out from the typical blush toned lipstick crowd?

time-read
1 min  |
March - April 2020
What Eco Beauty Means In The Biz
CLEO Singapore

What Eco Beauty Means In The Biz

This is just the vegan-ning. We break down what’s what, and why you need to be a convert for your skin’s sake.

time-read
2 dak  |
March - April 2020
Power To Your Flower
CLEO Singapore

Power To Your Flower

Skincare for down there? Believe there is — as we roadtested TWO L(I)PS products that were created for the skin in our bikini area.

time-read
2 dak  |
March - April 2020
Stephanie Poetri Talks Career And Life After Going Viral
CLEO Singapore

Stephanie Poetri Talks Career And Life After Going Viral

The internet can and will make you famous. Here's how Stephanie Poetri Made her hit song in just two hours.

time-read
3 dak  |
March - April 2020
CLEO Singapore

The Fame Game

With so many celeb beauty lines in the market (and underway), do we honestly need them all?

time-read
3 dak  |
March - April 2020
Try A Plant Based Cleanse So That You Know What You're In For
CLEO Singapore

Try A Plant Based Cleanse So That You Know What You're In For

Think you want to turn plant-based? #TeamCLEO took on a seven-day cleanse and this is how it went.

time-read
2 dak  |
March - April 2020
She's All That
CLEO Singapore

She's All That

To all the films we fell in love with! #TeamCLEO caught up with Lana Condor for the newest To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.

time-read
5 dak  |
March - April 2020
Women, Power!
CLEO Singapore

Women, Power!

Time to tune in to some empowered women characters. On your watch list: The Witcher and Sex Education which are both on Netflix.

time-read
6 dak  |
March - April 2020