The social entrepreneur uses her enterprises to empower marginalised individuals. Here are the four lessons that she has learnt so far
One can say that entrepreneurship fuels Cheryl Ou. In 2005, she set up her first business, a nail salon that allowed her to put her skills as a trained nail technician and educator to use. The business would later evolve into The Nail Social, which uses only non-toxic, cruelty-free nail products and which Cheryl runs as a social enterprise that trains and employs underprivileged women. Her resolve to help others crystallised in 2011, when she was kicked out of one of her other ventures by an unscrupulous investor.
“I lost a large amount of my savings and realised I didn’t want to be an entrepreneur solely motivated by money,” says the Gen.T 2019 honouree. “That’s when I started dedicating myself to creating meaningful companies that drive social change in our community.”
Fearlessly passionate about her cause, Cheryl started another socially conscious business in 2018 called The Social Space, which provides job opportunities for a wider group of individuals including ex-offenders. The multi-concept store, which features a nail parlour, cafe as well as a fair trade retail space, also serves as a platform where “the public can realise that they can be socially conscious when going about their day-to-day activities, such as getting a coffee or manicure”.
Here are the four lessons she has learnt so far:
1. Being an entrepreneur means wearing many hats
"My role isn’t just about being the head of my two businesses. Due to the backgrounds of the people I work with, sometimes I’m a social worker, therapist, financial adviser and more. Honestly, it’s challenging to wear so many hats at once, but all I can do is try. I think it’s important that your staff realises that you care and they aren’t facing their challenges alone."
