Three members of the all-female collective A Raft of Otters (AROO) in Tanglin Mall answer a few questions as we mark International Women’s Day on 8 March – and in true “women supporting women” style, they’ve teamed up with brand photographer Rebecca Downie
Diane Hall, Owner of A Raft of Otters
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Wife to Steve and mother of two rascals Brandon and Chloe, I am British born, but have been an expat for over 20 years. Over the years, I’ve had various different small businesses from cake making to Littleprints Jewellery and Singapore Charms. I took the plunge last year to open AROO and haven’t looked back, or slept much, since!
Why did you start the collective A Raft of Otters?
I needed to make changes in my business to meet LOC requirements. Also, my husband had an accident that made me re-evaluate how I could better support my family. Having been a small business owner for many years, I could see the need for a collective community where support, connection and collaboration really happens. I was told you could not make alpha females work harmoniously together and I was determined to prove that wrong!
How do you all work together?
Believing in yourself and being the best at what you do is the goal. Working together to make things happen is easier than doing it alone. The team at AROO is proof that we are stronger and better together.
Nine months in, what are you most proud of about AROO?
I’m super proud that the vision I had has materialised and we are evolving and getting better each day. The unity between our brands is fantastic to see. We arrange collective photoshoots, support and mentor all of our brands, and many brands have already collaborated on their own projects together. My Otters are holding hands! They’re a loyal and supportive team.
I love the feedback we get from clients. I hear so often that they love our social media, and will travel to see us as they know they’ll get everything they want, experience great service and love the ever-changing collection.
What advice would you give to small business owners?
Don’t listen to negative comments, be prepared to take risks, and acknowledge you will make mistakes along the way – it’s all part of the learning curve! You never know what is possible and what you can achieve if you don’t try.
Who, other than your mother, inspires you?
Honestly, it’s the women I work with who juggle motherhood with small business and are seemingly keeping all the balls, most of the time, in the air!
What’s your motto to live by?
“Feel the fear and do it anyway” – Susan Jeffers
Anna Layard, Director of Layard Interiors
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a British-born wife and mother of three. I have been an expat for over 25 years – 14 of those in Singapore! Whilst the majority of my career has been as an art consultant, I set up Layard Interiors nearly five years ago to ethically and sustainably source homewares and furniture for tropical living.
What charities are you involved in?
Over the years, I’ve been involved with several different charities predominantly in Cambodia and Indonesia and mainly women’s empowerment projects. I believe strongly that businesses have a social responsibility and I love that AROO also takes this very seriously with the brands they stock.
I’m developing an idea of “Gifts with Conscience” and my current passion project is a collaboration with Moniko – recrafted vintage kimonos. Their beautiful accessories are recrafted by disabled artisans in Cambodia who receive a competitive wage and safe living environment. From the increased sales in Singapore, we have been able to train and support more women, refugees from both Afghanistan and Burma, and also donate money to Global Village Foundation in Bali, which provides food, water and wheelchairs to those in need.
What are your 12-month goals for Layard Interiors?
I’m really excited to be able to travel again and source new and exciting products for Layard Interiors. My vision was always for a global collection of artefacts and homewares, bringing unique products to Singapore that are not currently on the market. But it got shelved during the COVID years, so I’m excited about getting my teeth back into that! I will be sourcing much more art, which is both collectable and affordable, and expanding the bespoke side of the furniture business.
Can you pick one thing to change in the world?
I would make a change so that regardless of where you are born and irrespective of your gender, we would all have the same opportunities.
What’s your motto to live by?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi
Jasmin Yeo, Manager of A Raft of Otters
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Jasmin – I’m a shy, 29-year-old Singaporean girl, and wife to my high-school sweetheart Shahmizi. I graduated from ITE in Business Administration. I started my first job at Cotton On back in 2013 and have loved retail since then. I’m a bit of an introvert, so I enjoy focusing on my inner thoughts and ideas.
What do you love about retail and working at A Raft of Otters?
AROO is definitely my happy place. I really enjoy being in a multi-label shop where stock is constantly changing, and I’m inspired by the female brand owners I work alongside, especially my fabulous boss! It’s great meeting different and interesting people from around the world – and the flexible working hours are a great bonus! I’m passionate about providing customers with excellent service every time I work.
What do you think are three most important characteristics in a woman?
Independence, kindness and resilience.
What’s your motto to live by?
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Rebecca Downie, Personal Brand Photographer
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I moved to Singapore with my family 18 months ago in the middle of the pandemic, and like a crazy person launched two businesses! I’ve loved exploring the little red dot and getting stuck into the amazing entrepreneurial networks that exist here. Weekends are spent hanging with friends or at the side of the football or cricket pitch at the SCC!
What do you love about what you do?
As a personal branding photographer and the leader of a female business networking group – The Athena Network Singapore – I help female founders and entrepreneurs to be more visible so they can achieve their business goals. In my photography, I create imagery that celebrates and tells the story of the founder or entrepreneur. It’s an honour and a privilege to be entrusted with this role.
What changes have you seen in the portrayal of women and how they embrace their identity?
In terms of beauty and embracing their identity, so many of my clients are in crisis. I hear “I need to lose weight”, “Can you not get my double chin?” “Do you Photoshop wrinkles” and so on … my male clients simply don’t ask these questions. A positive change I am seeing is the break from the “corporate dress code” – women choosing clothes that reflect their style and personality.
What I seek to help my clients see is that our uniqueness is our superpower. Our “too muchness” is what we must embrace. Our values, passions, dreams, ideals and mission for our business are a much greater sum than a few kilograms or wrinkles. (Disclaimer: I have the same fears and hang-ups as my clients; no one is immune but I do it anyway!)
What do you love about what you do?
I like that I help to celebrate and relay someone’s unique story. With The Athena Network, I am building an intimate community of female leaders who are ambitious for growth, but with a strong desire to not go it alone and bring other women along with them. To be able to provide a platform to support female founders in this way fills me with joy.
What’s your motto to live by?
“That visibility which makes us most vulnerable is that which also is the source of our greatest strength” – Audre Lorde
Find A Raft of Otters on the third floor of Tanglin Mall.
8125 5725 | araftofotters.com
This article first appeared in the February 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
