This month’s International Women’s Day is all about raising a glass to women and their friendships – including that between JACQUIE HOURIHANE and EMILY GREALLY. From good friends to successful business partners, this dynamic duo behind W Singapore boutique Cove Collection is doing it all – while having tons of fun!
Your boutique Cove Collection just marked one year at its W Singapore – Sentosa Cove location. Congratulations! How has the journey been so far?
E & J: After our first year in the fabulous W Singapore, we’ve had time to reflect on two years of being business partners and running Cove Collection together. We have laughed, cried, been frustrated beyond belief (not at each other, we hasten to add!) and had many sleepless nights, but we have loved every moment of our journey. We’re looking ahead to 2024 with so much gratitude, positivity and the promise of things to come.
What have been some special or surprising moments so far?
J: My favourite surprising moment is remembering that Emily is fluent in French and Spanish, and can communicate perfectly with hotel guests. Unlike me; I just speak louder and make large expansive hand gestures! We are both constantly surprised and super happy when we hear hotel guests describing Cove Collection as a treasure trove of beautiful items and wanting to hear all about our brands. We are also continually thankful for the loyalty of the Sentosa residents to Cove Collection.
E: We have a lot of memorable moments! The pivotal one was when we were crazy enough to organise a fair on Sentosa in the middle of COVID and realised at exactly the same time that the empty space beneath Bali On The Cove would be the perfect place to have a shop. The concept was pitched to Bali On The Cove and 10 vendors who we knew really well. Within seven days, Cove Collection had opened its doors in Quayside Isle, Sentosa.
The most special moment so far without a doubt was being asked to take Cove Collection to the W hotel; despite a death, a funeral, a long-haul flight and 48 hours to relocate and be open for business, we did it. Our doors opened in our fabulous new space on 15 December 2022.
Other notable moments are The Sentosa Fair finding a new home in the W, and running two amazing editions last June and December (because we’re really not busy enough with the shop!) as well as a phenomenally successful shopping night in November. It’s been an exceptionally rewarding first year in our new location.
As the dynamic duo behind Cove Collection, are your roles, skills and work styles similar or complementary? How do you resolve disagreements?
J: Our differing personalities contribute to our dynamic partnership. I tend to be reactive, while Emily sometimes takes a more measured approach, and our roles working together have evolved accordingly. Regardless, when something needs doing, one of us takes the lead. The key to our successful collaboration lies in compromise, trust, friendship and shared ideas. We think in a similar way, have pretty much the same values, and maintain open communication, resolving issues promptly. Our mutual respect prevents arguments; we agreed from day one never to let issues escalate, so we address them when we see them. Working on this basis together has strengthened our partnership and friendship. We also share the same ridiculous sense of humour, which makes everything better!
Cove Collection champions local women-led businesses and brands. Why is this important to you?
E & J: We have the privilege of showcasing a fabulous collection of incredibly talented women who put their heart and souls into their brands, and it’s a real joy to share this stunning space with them all. We are grateful and honoured that they put their trust in us to bring their collections to the Sentosa market. We never forget that it’s a small community here in Singapore and we are all on the same journey. So the more we work together, collaborate and help each other out, the better it is for everyone.
Who are some women or female entrepreneurs who have inspired you?
J: I especially admire Sonia Deasy, the founder of the Irish skincare brand Pestle & Mortar. Her skincare range is fabulous, and she is relentless in building her brand and expanding the company internationally, all while raising five children. Another remarkable figure is Taylor Swift, who has taken a male-dominated industry by storm and serves as a role model for girls and women alike. She is just extraordinary.
E: For me, I have a huge admiration for our fellow collective owners. We know exactly how tough the retail market is, and have the utmost respect and admiration for the tenacity of these awesome ladies in building and maintaining their brands. We’re privileged to call many of these ladies friends, and we love that we can compare notes, chat and help each other out. In terms of business moguls, I have a deep admiration for Jacqueline Gold and Arianna Huffington. Totally different, but both utterly excelled at what they did and do – all whilst maintaining a great work-life balance as well as their integrity.
Do you have any nuggets of wisdom for women aspiring to do what you do?
E & J: If we were to give anyone any advice it would be to believe in yourself – and to go for it! There is never “the perfect time”. Sound out your ideas with trusted friends, research your competition and don’t ever be afraid to ask people for advice or help along the way. And yes, it might not work the first time, but it’s all about learning from your mistakes. Keep on trying! If it’s meant to be, you will always find a way.
What’s next for Cove Collection in 2024?
E & J: We have some really exciting things in the pipeline. We can’t really talk about it yet but things are already happening! We can say we have some beautiful new brands to introduce and we can’t wait for that! Keep watching this space and following us, because exciting things are happening. We’re also working on dates for the Sentosa Fair 2024 summer and festive editions.
Cove Collection is on the second floor of W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way.
covecollectionsg@gmail.com | IG: @cove_collectionsg
This article first appeared in the March 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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