International Women's Day: Shining the Spotlight on RISIS CEO, Verene Ng
In celebration of International Women’s Day, a momentous occasion to commemorate women across the globe as impactful changemakers, RISIS launched the campaign BeYoutiful, sending an uplifting message to all women ‘To Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful’, a reminder of a woman’s confidence and an embodiment of their strength and individuality.
Shining a spotlight on women’s success, we invited Verene Ng, CEO of RISIS, to share with us her story when she first took over the brand, what International Women’s Day means to her, the challenges she has met along the way throughout her journey as a female leader, and how her passion led to where the business is today.
“Passion never goes out of style, and it starts from home. We resonate in celebrating the exceptional Singapore spirit with meaningful storytelling through our crafts.”
- Verene Ng
1. What was your earliest memory of RISIS?
It was our iconic Vanda Limbata orchid slider, and it was a Christmas gift to me from my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. I have owned it for close to 10 years now and this is such a versatile piece of jewellery as I can wear it in 6 different styles!
2. Kudos to women power. How did you embark your journey when you took over as CEO?
I first took over as CEO during the pandemic and it was a very refreshing experience for me as I came from a vastly different industry. When I first knew of this brand years ago, I was amazed that the brand was actually born out of a love story. In 1976, a young Singaporean scientist discovered a unique method of immortalising nature and encapsulated it in 24K Gold as a token of his love.
This journey has been a meaningful one, having to work alongside with the team to further expand on RISIS’ legacy as the brand heads into a new direction. We have since evolved and revitalised the Iconic orchids into more contemporary wearables that are multi-functional for every woman suitable for everyday styles.
3. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your journey thus far?
Steering the new brand direction of an established brand of over 47 years has been one of my biggest challenges. It was challenging to reposition the brand to be compelling to today’s women around the world as I wanted to shake off consumers preconceived perceptions of RISIS as just a gifting brand.
As a resilient individual, I believe in working hard to make things happen. It is important to have faith and trust the process. With that mantra, came along a window of opportunity in this journey. We got to kickstart our first collaboration with local fashion designers to materialise the new brand direction for RISIS. The collaborations have really opened doors for us as a brand over the years.
4. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
More than just a day, it is a reminder of how far we have come. It is about celebrating our journey collectively as women as we inspire and empower one another. We seek to honour the contributions women made to society and how we have rosed above the challenges to achieve success.
5. Who is the most inspirational woman in your life?
My Mother. She is my role model and has always been the family’s protector and pillar of strength. Despite going to great lengths and enduring hardships by taking on several jobs during the early days of my childhood, she has always embraced a never give up attitude and strived to provide the best for my siblings and I. She is a devoted mother who leads by example and has inculcated these important values in us by having a never give up attitude which is an essential value that I hold dear as a leader today.
6. What do you think is the key to success?
Quite simple, do not give up easily and always possess a positive mindset!
7. What is one piece of advice you have received and would give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. You just have to have faith in yourself and trust your ability, and always strive for your best. With every obstacles bring new experience and new opportunities, so we need to persevere and give our best!
8. Last but not least, what’s your favourite Orchid, and why?
It has to be the Phalaenopsis orchid. A charming breed also known as 'The Butterfly Orchid’, it is full of life and comes in a butterfly-like shape in tons of exciting colors that brings about a very joyful appearance. I also love this breed for its resilience, they are easy to care for and can produce many beautiful blooms that last for a longer time.