That said, while empowering confidence in others may come easy for Lim, gaining self-confidence in herself was not easy.

“It is a long journey that I am still on,” she shares. “I used to compare myself to others but ultimately, I have learnt that we are all created uniquely. There are certain things that I believe God has left out within me, and at the same time put in me. Over the years, I learnt to focus on my own strengths and what I can bring to the table.” 

Between managing her fashion empire and spending time with her two-year-old son, we caught up with the fashion veteran as she shares more about how she does it all.

In case you missed it: Orchard Road Fashion is the TikTok account capturing Singapore’s street style

What is a typical morning like for you?

Rachel Lim (RL): My morning routine changes depending on the season. Now that I’m a mum with a two-year-old son, I wake up around 6:30 am to ensure that I give myself time to be alone, breathe and collect my thoughts before going abouts my day. I also try to squeeze in a workout around two to three times a week. Then, I have breakfast before sending my son to school.

What do you have for breakfast?

RL: It depends on what I feel like eating that day—it’s always a surprise. Sometimes I enjoy something sweet while other times I crave something savoury. Currently, I am in a fast food craze.

What does a standard work day look like for you?

RL: I try to spend time with my husband and catch up with him before starting my day—it usually starts with morning meetings. I go into the office two to three times a week and work from home for the rest of the days. I pick my son up from school at about 12:30 pm and grab a quick lunch before continuing with the rest of my work.

Free time: overrated or underrated? Why?

RL: Absolutely underrated—and it is something I am constantly learning to do. In the beginning, I used to think that if I’m not busy, I am being lazy and unproductive. But, over the years, I had to unlearn this. Slowing down is important in helping us grow.

How do you achieve a work-life balance? How do you set boundaries?

RL: It’s a constant struggle for me. I have specific time set up for work and family and I try to stick to it as much as possible. There are also some non-negotiables in my calendar that I have set up for both work and family.

What drives you?

RL: I believe that we are on this earth for a specific purpose—and this purpose will differ from you and me. I also believe that we are given specific superpowers that we can use to make a difference in the world. What drives me is being able to discover this superpower and see how I can use it to serve those around me.

How do you stay motivated?

RL: To me, motivation is overrated. I think that we shouldn’t wait until we are motivated to show up to do something. If you have a clear goal and purpose then I think that in itself is already a strong enough reason to show up every day—be it for your team, friends or yourself.

Do you have moments of doubt and how do you overcome them?

RL: Recognising these doubts are important. When I face these doubts, I like to write them down as it helps me see it a lot clearer. When I do so, it also helps me dive deeper into the issues that have been causing me these doubts. It’s important to not sweep them under the carpet.

How do you think the industry has and will change over the years?

RL: It has changed tremendously. When I started in the industry, social media didn’t even exist. As a brand, it is important to communicate your value to your customers as they are not just looking for a transaction, but a brand that can speak to them as a person.

Do you have any advice for women entrepreneurs?

RL: Don’t be afraid to ask for help because what is the worst that can happen? I think that some of the best guidance that I had is having the courage to knock on someone’s door to ask for help.

NOW READ

How I’m Making It: How Museum of Ice Cream’s Maryellis Bunn turns dreams into reality

Love, Bonito’s Rachel Lim has found the perfect bike shorts, and now they can be yours too

Here’s what entrepreneur Rachel Lim thinks about the new BMW IX