Cover Frederick Yap (left) wears a Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in White Gold. Velda Tan (right) wears a Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in Rose Gold (Photos: Darren Gabriel Leow)
Frederick Yap (left) wears a Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in White Gold. Velda Tan (right) wears a Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in Rose Gold (Photos: Darren Gabriel Leow)
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How does the dynamic duo balance personal and professional pursuits, while making the most of family time? Velda Tan and Frederick Yap reveal how they make it work
How I’m Making It is a series in which Tatler speaks to influential individuals about their unique journeys and what keeps them going.
Just like the hands of a clock that work seamlessly in tandem, Velda Tan and Frederick Yap have mastered the art of synchronicity in both business and love.
Individually, they are accomplished entrepreneurs in their own right. Tan is the founder and creative director of local lifestyle label Our Second Nature, while Yap runs an apparel manufacturing factory and a transportation business. But together, the couple keep each other on track, not just in a professional capacity, but also in the quieter, more intimate moments of their shared life.
Having known each other for nearly two decades (and married for 11 years), they consider themselves two sides of the same coin—inseparable counterparts that complement and complete one another in harmony. “When we first met, Fred and I were complete opposites; he was an extrovert while I was an introvert. Over the years, we seem to have rubbed off on each other and I’d say we’re both extroverted introverts now,” says Tan.
Read more: How I’m Making It: This hospitality veteran is changing our perception of caviar
“We lean on each other’s strengths when it comes to parenting and running the household. Likewise, we complement each other when it comes to our skill sets. Fred is financially trained so he handles our family’s finances and investments while I am more adept in the creative side of things. We go to each other for business advice.”
Yap adds: “Running different businesses allows us to bounce ideas off each other on ways we can improve in our respective fields. Velda’s creative nature gives me perspective on things that I may sometimes overlook.”
On set, it is easy to see the duo’s palpable chemistry and ease around each other. Relaxing at home in their elegant, light-filled living room, they effortlessly strike poses that mirror the comfort of their connection as the photographer quickly snaps away. Adorable one-year-old Eleyna even toddles over to join her parents during their photoshoot, completing the picture-perfect vignette of domestic bliss.
Amidst a long and challenging fertility journey, the whirlwind of entrepreneurship and the joyous chaos of raising two young children (their older daughter Ellery is five years old), one might ask: how do Tan and Yap gracefully navigate the delicate balance while nurturing a lasting marital connection? Their secret: recognising and honouring each other's love languages.
“Fred and I share the same love languages: quality time and acts of service. Quality time, in my opinion, is the foundation of any meaningful relationship!” Tan shares. “The key is understanding that marriage is not always 50/50 and there will be seasons where one of us has to step up and take on more. Over time, we’ve learnt how and when to fill each other’s cups.”
For this dynamic and ambitious couple, their personal and professional aspirations are only just beginning. Our Second Nature has built a steady following in the past eight years and Tan hopes to branch out into new regions and markets—having recently introduced Atlas Kind, a new sustainable label, into her company’s group of brands. Yap, on the other hand, is excited about growing his new private chauffeur enterprise, AVFLimo, as the demand for personalised transportation in Singapore flourishes.
And will their family continue to grow? Tan shares with a chuckle: “We haven’t come to a conclusion on whether we’d like to have another child. I’m for the idea but Fred is very happy with two. So that is still in discussion!”
Below, we catch up with the duo as they share more about their working styles, making the most of family time and how they make it work.
Above The couple with their adorable one year-old daughter, Eleyna
The couple with their adorable one year-old daughter, Eleyna
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What is your morning routine?
Velda Tan (VT): For now, it’s about spending as much time as I have with the kids before getting ready for the first meeting of the day. I don’t usually have breakfast–just a cup of water, green juice, and a few supplements. My first meal of the day is usually lunch!
Frederick Yap (FY): I have a daily routine of making my own coffee and reading the news before starting the day. My usual breakfast consists of something hearty: a ham and egg mayo sandwich, or sausages with eggs and hash brown.
What does a standard workday look like for you?
VT: It’s different every day except on Tuesdays when I’m in the office for our weekly townhall. I get updates across all functions of our company then, so it’s my favourite work day.
FY: My workdays are never fixed. They usually revolve around conference calls with overseas clients and partners throughout the day, occasional business lunches or dinner meetings.
And what is the last thing you do before going to bed?
VT: Read a devotional and pray. Sometimes I indulge in supper and Netflix.
FY: Hopefully have a short conversation with Vel before she falls asleep (too quickly).
Above Tan wears a Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in Rose Gold
Tan wears a Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in Rose Gold
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How would you describe your working style?
VT: My business partner and I lead with a democratic style where there is open communication, collaboration, and transparency with all members of our team.
FY: Hands-on. While technology has given us the flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere, I personally like being on the ground with an engaged approach toward my work.
Risks: should you take them?
VT: As business owners we have to have a certain appetite for risk! That means risking a comfortable 9-5 job, risking the returns on our investment…
FY: I believe everyone has different levels of risk tolerance, which changes through the different phases in life. Some might be content with a day to day job, whilst others might be willing to start their own business and not be guaranteed a steady income. The most important thing before taking any risk is to be prepared for failure.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
VT: It’s always been about stewarding my business and my team well, while having a clear mission of creating products and services that would enrich people’s lives. I take joy in how a piece of clothing can transform a person’s day in an instant.
FY: Starting my manufacturing business from scratch 13 years ago with a small seed investment. Seeing how it has grown and enriched the lives of my partners and employees has been very rewarding.
VT: To add on, having gone through a very challenging journey in trying to conceive, we are both very grateful to have two beautiful and healthy children, and a home that suits our needs.
Above Yap wears the Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in White Gold
Yap wears the Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton in White Gold
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How do you balance the personal and professional aspects of your lives?
VT: As entrepreneurs and owners of our own individual businesses, work is very much integrated in our personal lives. When things get overwhelming, I take a pause to reflect and recalibrate. I value rest as it helps me function at my best.
As a couple and as parents, Fred and I have learnt to set boundaries. For example, no work-related matters during our time with our daughters. We intentionally take a couple of hours in the evening to be present with them—whether it’s having dinner together, taking them to the nearby park, or putting them to bed. We also keep our Sundays free for church and family time. When we need to unwind from a heavy day, Fred and I take a long walk together to catch up.
FY: When I clock off from work, I dedicate time for exercise as it helps take my mind off things, allows me to regroup my thoughts and reduce stress. We also have a no-phone policy at the dining table. Time with family means no distractions and being fully present with them.
Finally, what advice would you give to other couples?
FY: Don’t let work get in the way of your relationship. It is important to set boundaries and time outside of work.
VT: Above all, understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and help each other to grow and improve. Even as partners, we all inevitably go through different seasons as individuals. It is key to acknowledge that we are all a work in progress in this journey of life.
Credits
Photography: Darren Gabriel Leow
Photography Assistant: Rex Teo
Hair: Leong
Make-Up: Cheryl Ow
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