Closing the gap

After graduating from National University of Singapore with a Bachelor’s degree in Business (majoring in finance), the fashionable entrepreneur began her career in the banking industry.

“During my time [working in a bank], I felt that there was a need for quality and modern workwear with accessible pricing amongst women in the corporate world,” she explains. Inspired to create products that not only make “dressing up easy” but also empower women through style and comfort, she decided to enter the fashion industry to help close this gap in the market.

Moving from the banking industry to fashion wasn’t easy. Reminiscing, she shares how the biggest change was the environment—shifting from working in big teams to having a blank sheet on how and where to start.  With little experience in her new industry, Tan decided to take up fashion courses at Central Saint Martins in London to learn about everything it takes to open a label.

Tan began Klarra in 2014 as an e-commerce website retailing sourced pieces. While she quickly gained a following, she realised the challenge of ensuring consistent quality from suppliers. She also found that she lacked control when it came to the branding, identity and creative aspects of each piece. Hoping to have more oversight of the label, Tan decided to rebrand, fully manufacturing Klarra’s pieces.

Today, the brand continues to offer elegant yet practical fits that have been “designed to be used and loved for a long time”.

Klarra has come a long way since it first started, especially with the opening of the newest flagship boutique. Tan’s vision for the store was an “Oasis in the City”, one that serves as a haven for customers to be inspired, and to innovate and grow. On top of offering the label’s full range, the space is complete with a kids’ reading corner decorated with lush greenery, a generous seating area, its lifestyle arm Klarra Co and more.

Staying ahead

Unlike other fashion boutiques, Klarra doesn’t put too much focus on the latest trends. Rather, the label puts the spotlight on combining creativity with practicality and mileage in each of its creations. “We do ensure each piece is consistent to Klarra’s identity but yet allows one to express their own style and individuality,” Tan explains.

With sustainability and ethical practices becoming increasingly important in the industry, Tan adds that the brand strives to use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials that range from organic cotton to recycled fabrics.

Over the years, the brand has been consistently improving, doing its part to be mindful and sustainable. Tan also believes that it’s important to hear and understand the needs of the community; growing and evolving together with them. “We believe that consumers can enjoy and use our products for a long time and that the products help to improve their quality of life as a whole,” she says.

Prioritising family and work

Running a business is hard—especially when you have to balance your time between family and work. As a mother of three, the entrepreneur shares that one of her biggest challenges is having a work-life balance.

Like many working mothers, she admits she gets “mom guilt” while at work but is constantly working to overcome that by focusing on her priorities. She continues: “[I ensure that] I plan the day well and find ways to cut down on distractions … to increase productivity when I’m at work. [This allows me to] focus on my family better after work hours.”

Slowly, Tan has learnt to balance her time between the two—this was especially evident during her latest shop launch. “If I could do it, I’m sure all women and mums are able to do it [too],” she says.

A season for everything

“Be grateful, always” is one of the many quotes which Tan lives by. While she and her team celebrate every milestone of the label, she constantly reminds herself to “not get complacent and [remember] that we can do even better next time”. This was something her mother had impressed on her. “[My mum] taught me to be appreciative and also not to judge without any basis, or take things for granted”, she says, adding that her mother would remind her to look inward and reflect instead of blaming others.

Even after the successful opening of her flagship store, she believes there is still “a lot more room to grow in terms of all aspects”. That said, she is grateful for her family’s support and the work her team has put into the store opening.

Looking ahead, the brand hopes to continue expanding—from its designs and product lines to its community. With Tan’s passionate entrepreneurial spirit, we’re sure to see big things coming from her brand in the near future.

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