CYC was a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The shop was my playground, the staff were like family, and the rhythmic hum of sewing machines was the soundtrack of my childhood.

Taking charge wasn't completely unfamiliar, but it was tough. It was like being thrown into the deep end and having to learn how to swim while keeping the business afloat. There were goodbyes to valued staff, complicated financial issues to untangle, family disagreements to settle - all while trying to steer the company in a new direction.There were times I felt overwhelmed, but I never gave up. My faith kept me grounded, and my friends were my lifeline. They were always there to offer guidance and support, reminding me that I wasn't alone on this journey.

My youngest was only three when I took over - talk about being thrown into the deep end! I was incredibly blessed to have a fantastic helper and a supportive husband. No matter how tough things got, I always put my family first. Looking back, I'm so glad I stuck to that principle. My kids turned out great, and I couldn't be prouder of the mature and thoughtful adults they've become. 

Stepping into the helm at CYC was a bit like trying on a suit that needed serious alterations! The company had lost its way, and its image was a bit frayed around the edges. But amidst the challenges, I discovered a silver lining: a loyal clientele who still valued our tailoring expertise.

So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work! We decided to stick to our roots – tailoring – because that's what we do best. It's in our DNA! We expanded our offerings to include made-to-measure jackets and trousers, giving our customers even more reasons to love CYC.

One of the first things I did was to bring CYC into the digital age! Remember, this was 1992 – computers weren't exactly commonplace, and the internet was still finding its footing. We computerized our point-of-sale system, which was a game-changer. It allowed us to build a customer database and stay connected with our clientele.

We also invested in our staff, sending our sales team for regular customer service training. After all, happy customers are the heart of any business!

And of course, we couldn't forget about the fabrics! We've always worked with the best mills in the world, and we were one of the first tailoring companies to offer a wide range of fabrics from Thomas Mason – the crème de la crème of shirting fabrics.

Over the years, our customers have become more discerning and knowledgeable, which is fantastic! It keeps us on our toes. And because we partner with the finest suiting and shirting mills globally, we're able to meet and exceed the expectations of our new-age clientele.

Key decisions that shaped CYC's success? It's been a wild ride, that's for sure! Here's a quick recap of some pivotal moments:

• Sticking to our tailoring roots: This one's a no-brainer. We're tailors, and that's what we do best!
• Embracing technology: Remember that point-of-sale system? It was just the beginning! We've also implemented tools like ERP systems to streamline our operations and boost productivity.
• Investing in our people: Our team is our most valuable asset. We're committed to providing ongoing training and fostering a customer-centric culture.
• Partnering with the best fabric mills: Quality is king. We source our fabrics from the world's finest mills, ensuring our customers receive nothing but the best.
• Keeping up with the times: From social media marketing to e-commerce platforms and partnerships with department stores, we're constantly evolving to meet the needs of our modern customers.

These decisions have helped us stay ahead of the curve while remaining true to our core values. It's all about finding that sweet spot between tradition and innovation!

Maintaining our commitment to quality amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern market? It's all about staying true to our roots while embracing innovation!

We've never wavered from our dedication to sourcing the finest fabrics and upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship. Our tailors are masters of their craft, and we invest in continuous training to ensure they stay at the top of their game.

At the same time, we're not afraid to embrace new technologies and techniques that enhance our efficiency without compromising quality. It's a delicate balance, but it's one we've managed to strike.

Definitely exploring uncharted territories! While we've always been rooted in Singapore, I'd love to see CYC expand its presence overseas starting with Southeast Asia where we share similar cultures and tastes.

Of course, we'll always stay ahead of the curve, keeping a close eye on market developments and customer preferences. I'm excited to explore new products that incorporate fabrics, keeping us connected to our heritage in the garment industry. Perhaps a line of stylish travel accessories or even bespoke home furnishings – the possibilities are endless!

Growth could come in many forms: partnerships with international retailers, collaborations with designers, or even establishing our own stores in key cities around the world. It's an exciting journey, and I'm eager to see where it takes us!

To anyone dreaming of building a successful family business, I'd say this: have faith, both in yourself and in something bigger. We can have the most brilliant ideas and plans, but without a strong foundation of faith and the understanding that challenges are inevitable, it's easy to get derailed. Just like a field needs constant tending to flourish, a business requires dedication and perseverance even amidst the "weeds and thistles" of setbacks and difficulties.

So, stay grounded, stay focused, and never underestimate the power of faith and hard work!