Raffles Wall of Fame : Ace Chia

Visual : Raffles Education Network, n.d.

Most of you might wondering what is the"Raffles Wall of Fame" means. Let me explain to you, The Raffles Wall of Fame is the recognises outstanding graduates who have found success in their careers. Ace Chia, one of the successful Fashion Designer alumni of Raffles College of Higher Education in Singapore, and one of my big supportive lecturer back in MDIS.

Ace was my photography and fashion styling lecturer back in MDIS. She is my big supportive lecturer who gives me aspiration, passion, and encouragement towards my study and career path. She has always encouraged me to pursue in what I loved, which one of them is fashion. She encouraged me to continue my study at Raffles College after graduated my Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Communication at MDIS. Therefore, I have a chance to further my study in Fashion Marketing and meet many supportive friends and lecturer at Raffles, which I’m very grateful :). And Today, I have a chance to sit down with Ace at the café in MDIS, and speak on her journey to become a successful entrepreneur as in today.

Introducing Ace Chia, is the co-founder of Elska-an online fashion boutique and the co-partnership of SERSQ-a photo booth service company. Ever since launching her brand “Elska” in 2014, Ace has been exploring many careers in fashion industry as a fashion photography lecturer, a freelance graphic designer and more. Ace has developed her passion in design and photography into the next steps by being a co-partnership of “SERSQ”, a photo booth services company in 2016. SERSQ is a very successful business with more than 1,000 followers on Facebook and get five star reviews from every customers.

Let’s get to know Ace Chia more on her journey to become a successful entrepreneur, what spurs her on?, and advice for the starting your own business.

Why did you choose to study in Fashion Design at Raffles Design Institute?

Ace Chia : Fashion design is always my passion, and I wanted to leverage my strength in fashion design after graduated my Diploma from LASALLE. So I heard Fashion Design school at Raffles has a strong foundation in technical proficiency and they got many professional lecturers, so I chose to continue my bachelor in Fashion Design at Raffles instead.

What were your best experiences at Raffles Design Institute?

Ace Chia : The whole one year that I spent time with my lecturers and classmates was definitely my best experience at Raffles. Even if Fashion Design students are competitive, but they are not self-centered and simply helpful when you are struggling. Raffles always give student the best foundation in technical skills, since my sewing skills were so much improved.

How did you start as co-partnership of “SERSQ”?

Ace Chia : I had an opportunity to join a team of SERSQ by invitation of the SERSQ founder. I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with my friend as he has an overall good business strategy and engaged me to work as an Art Director. Which I could work in diverse roles as a photographer, graphic designer and more. It is what I’m expertise and to further my careers to the next steps, so I just gave it a try.

How do you utilise the knowledge that derived from Fashion Design major into your business?

Ace Chia : I mostly utilize my knowledges in textile and graphic design for designing backdrops, made a props, and design photograph layout.

Could you describe your brand SERSQ? And what is the meaning behind SERSQ?

Ace Chia : SERSQ creates an unforgettable photo booth experience by offering great design at affordable prices. We have hosted numerous events ranging from weddings, corporate events, schools, to birthday parties and more. SERSQ is a short word form of “Serious Squad”, as a sarcastic meaning of a not at all serious squad that would like to spread “fun” vibes to our customers.

What was the inspiration behind the brand “SERSQ”?

Ace Chia : Everyone in the SERSQ team has our own particular expertise. Most of us are passion in photography and we love to create “fun” vibes. So during 2014 when photo booth market was boomed, the founder of SERSQ came up with the photo booth services idea, and everyone in the team are agreed with him and just jumped on board.

What are factors that made your photo booth business successful?

Ace Chia : Our strategy relies a lot on “Words of Mouth” and “Our Customer Service is The Top Notch”, means we’re very friendly and helpful. We’d love to discuss what customers actually want, and along with customer ideas we try to make it the best. In addition, we don’t do much marketing, because we don’t want to spend money on hiring any sponsors and our based customers are strong enough. So we could spend money on other expenses instead.

Have Raffles College associated or support with your business since you are the alumni here?

Ace Chia : Raffles has always been a strong supporter of its alumni’s start-up labels. So when my brand Elska first launched its pop up store at Raffles College in 2014. The event was a huge success and well-received by local media and influential bloggers. I have also received sponsorship deals from well-known brands such as Her World and Majolica.

Any advice for Raffles students who want to start their own business?

Ace Chia : You should prepare for “Emergency Fund”, and always “Make a plan” always know what are you doing, and have backup plans and funds. “Hardworking” is very important because you couldn’t succeed without passion and work hard. “Hiring the right people” are crucial to the business, you need to make sure the people you hiring be able to bring value to the company.

After this interview, I learn that if you have dreams or know what your goals in life is, don’t wait! And start chasing the dreams now. Ace started her career since she was 16, and has always been working in different job scope ever since. The way she pursuing in what she loves gave me encouragement to work hard and start to do things that I love without hesitating. I’m so happy to be able to share this article in my blog, and I hope this article would be helpful for those who pursue to become a successful entrepreneur like Ace Chia in the future.

Play hard & Work harder ! Xoxo