Behind her bashful, dimpled smile, Velda Tan exudes quiet confidence. To her more than 145,000 Instagram followers, she’s @belluspuera, an extension of her poised personality and her love for fashion. You’d expect this style star to pick a cocktail as her choice tipple, but not quite. This 30-year-old is most contented with a packet of kopi c siew dai (coffee with evaporated milk and lesser sugar). Since young, Velda has exhibited business acumen and an eye for fashion. At age 18, she started her first business, BonitoChico, selling pre-loved items from her and her sisters’ wardrobes, which eventually evolved into e-commerce site Love, Bonito in 2010.
In 2013, Velda departed from the thriving business to seek fresh opportunities. Following a year-long break, she ventured into an entirely different industry—launching lobster-centric restaurant Pince & Pints with husband Frederick Yap. She’s since returned to her first love, fashion, with her own brand, Collate the Label. Her goal now is to keep raising the bar for the local fashion scene.
