For most of us, just starting one business (or even thinking and researching one) is stressful enough. Meet Artika Sulaiman, who is involved in three! Nanz Inc catches up with her to see how she does it (and how we can catch some of that business savvy).
By: Melanie Lee
Artika Sulaiman is just 27 years old but has already set up several businesses. She is the Business Development Manager and one of the founders of Krish Restaurant, as well as the Director and creator of Sloane Elizabeth Robertson, a fashion merchandising business that sells exclusive brands through seasonal shopping events. She’s also one of the partners at Agent Grace, a wholesale agent that represents the labels of emerging Asian, Australian and American designers.
How did you get involved in the restaurant and fashion businesses?
Previously, I was project manager for Bellrock Media, an interactive and digital marketing company in Los Angeles. Later, I moved on to become the Executive Assistant of Peter Levin, the prodigy of Michael Ovitz of Disney. When I returned to Singapore, I knew that I didn’t want to work for anyone anymore.
When my school friend Nik began talking about starting his own restaurant, I really wanted to help, and I wanted to learn. I knew it was going to be the best kind of learning experience anyone can have.
As for the fashion businesses, what can I say? I am a girl and I like clothes. I realise that Singaporeans are not sheep when it comes to fashion. They just don’t always have the option to be an individual because brands are limited. Many Singaporean women shop overseas for some variety but since now there is an economic crisis; I thought I would bring the clothes to them! Prices at Sloane Elizabeth Robertson (SER) are 50-80% lower than retail because I don’t have the overhead of rent and only do a twice-yearly big shopping spree. After talking about it with my school friend Grace Clapham, she too joined in.
How do you juggle between these multiple responsibilities?
I’m blessed to get good help. For Krish, while I was heavily involved in setting it up, operationally, Nik is definitely the boss. It helps when you have one authority figure. Decisions are made faster, and it just generally creates a better work environment. We have some great staff too. For SER, my partner Grace is a superwoman who can drive, eat, do an excel spreadsheet while blogging at the same time and she helps run things when I’m busy with the restaurant.
At the end of the day though, it’s all about time management and prioritizing. When you are working towards something that is yours, it doesn’t feel like work. Time just flies by in a flash.
What is the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in the setting up these businesses?
Working with friends is not always easy. Because I have known Nik for a very long time, we are like brother and sister. It did not start as a professional relationship, so things can get personal sometimes. Establishing Krish together really tested the strength of our friendship but I came out of it being really proud of the person and successful entrepreneur he’s become.
Also, in the beginning, Nik and I did not know how to do most things. We didn’t know how to run a restaurant. We had no idea how to set up a business. Being the new kid on the block, not many people took us seriously. It was especially difficult for me at times being a woman in a male-dominated industry. We had a meeting with an alcohol supplier once, and when I spoke, he looked at me as though he was surprised I could speak, and ignored me the whole time.
What are some life/business lessons you’ve learned with the establishment of these businesses so far?
I’ve learnt that it’s okay not to know things. It’s okay to say that you don’t know it, and ask. Because most people would love to help you. I’ve learnt that it’s good to be confident. In fact you need it to be a good leader, but you also need to be able to step out of the situation and take your ego out of the equation. Also, it’s important to surround yourself with those who are positive.
What other business dreams do you hope to see come true?
Oh my, I have plenty of ideas! But I have to learn to pace myself. I now know how to set up businesses and am just learning how to sustain it and make it successful. But I hope that one day, I can have my own travel and food show, or perhaps a talk show. I really love people and their stories. I want to show the humanity of this world, and share the beauty of places through people.
What advice would you give to ambitious women who aspire to be entrepreneurs like yourself?
I do know that without action, there will be no reaction. A lot of people I know still have no idea what they want to do, and are in constant search for their true calling. I don’t know what my true calling is either. But I do know that if I don’t try actively to pursue what I think I want to do at that time, I will never know whether it is for me or not. Don’t be afraid to fall. Take your ego and pride out of it. Just do something! Anything! And hopefully along the way you will find what you’ve been looking for.
Do you have an exciting business success story to share? Leave a comment or email editor@nanzinc.com
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