Singaporean entrepreneur Kent Teo is one of those individuals endowed with artistic creativity, unfettered confidence and an overwhelming curiosity that’s often led him to bite off more than he can chew.
Here’s what he didn’t have years ago as a fresh-faced college graduate: a plan.
“10 years ago after leaving university, I had no clue of what I wanted to do,” Teo says with a grin. “At the time, my then girlfriend (now my wife) and I loved visiting flea markets in Singapore.
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“Actually, the first thing we do in every country we visit is Google the best night markets, bazaars and flea markets. I’ve always felt that if you want to understand the culture of a town or city, visit its flea markets, interact with the locals and you’ll see the stories that shape the lives they lead and the products they sell."
Enchanted by this scene – and increasingly aware of its monetary potential – the couple rented a booth and started selling their pre-loved clothing. Soon, armed with a humble glue gun bought from Chinatown, Teo began crafting rings out of Scrabble keys, LEGO parts and guitar picks, selling them for 4 to 5 dollars a piece.
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Business was brisk, but it was time to think bigger. The idea of organising his first flea market sounded easy, until he was acquainted with the realities of the task when dealing with landlords, finding vendors and getting the word out.