In Conversation with Boon Joo of YOUnique

Next up in our feature of the top 10 finalists of the Martell VSOP The Ultimate Start-Up Space challenge is Boon Joo of YOUnique. Let’s hear what he thinks of his idea and the competition.

(For a quick overview of the prizes the ultimate winner stands to gain, read this.)

Describe your idea and how you think it stands out from all the finalists.

YOUnique provides a professional makeover service for you to doll yourself up with different make-up, hairdo, scents and fashion wear for every function/party! Express makeover services for party goers or premium makeover services for function goers are provided, ensuring a UNIQUE you for every event!

Most of the business ideas from the finalists are involved in the F&B industry. But the F&B industry is already so saturated in the area, this will result in serious competition and a risk of splitting and depleting the market share.

YOUnique enters the market with the aim of targeting the crowd that is attracted to this location. With all the marketing, advertising, promotion and public relation efforts contributed by all the retailers (diners, clubs, bars etc) due to competition, YOUnique can leverage on these efforts by providing a totally different service/product to the crowd.

Rather than sharing the already saturated market share in the F&B industry in Clarke Quay, YOUnique will be able to capture a whole new market segment and being the pioneer in the location, YOUnique will be able to lead and dominate this particular segment with almost zero competiton.

[View his 60-second video submission for TUSS.]

How did you come up with this idea? Did you already have this idea before hearing about this competition?

I did not have this idea before the competition, because I have never considered setting up a business in Clarke Quay before, due to the high rental rates. But upon hearing about this competition from my friend, I thought to myself that this is a great opportunity to start a business in such a premium location!

I started to crack my head and think of something that is not already in the location to minimize competition, a business that targets the crowd of the area and a business which has the ability to grow, not only in Clarke Quay but also in Singapore and the region. YOUnique is the result of all the factors above combined.

Why do you think you should win the top prize for The Ultimate Start-Up Space?

The creativity and innovation of the business idea is one of the main reasons why I should win the competition. The other reason is that the result for being one of the top 10 finalists is not because of team’s effort like some of the finalists. It is the result of creativity and effort from an individual.

The most important reason is that YOUnique is not just another business competition model. YOUnique is a platform to increase the fashion knowledge of Singaporeans and also, a place to show the world that Singapore is also a place filled with fashion people.

Tell us your background and what you are doing now.

I am a normal being like most of the young people in Singapore. I worked in the event industry previously and did my degree at that same time. Currently, I am working as a marketing executive for an International School in Singapore. But with the many ideas and hunger for starting a business of my own, I am very grateful that Martell provides commoners like me, an opportunity to raise above.

If you win, tell us your plan moving forward to turn your idea into reality. And would executing on this idea be a full-time commitment on your part?

If I win, I will definitely put in my full time commitment to executing the idea! This is going to be a chance in a life time, who wouldn’t?

Besides turning the idea into a running business, I will also start to seek collaboration with big fashion players in Singapore so as to create a big announcement to the world that Singapore is becoming big on its fashion side.

If you don’t, what are your plans then?

If I don’t win, I will seek other means in executing the idea as well! Because I truly believe with idea of such, it will definitely succeed. You just need to find people who share the same view. If I don’t win and if anyone here believes in this business plan, do feel free to contact me, we can work something out together!

Do you think the space offered at Clarke Quay by Martell VSOP is a differentiating factor for your idea’s success? Why or why not?

Yes, because the target market perfectly fits to the crowd in Clarke Quay. And also, the initial startup capital will be greatly beneficial to the business because of the free 6 months leasing. Like most great business ideas from young commoners like me, what eventually kills the business idea will be the initial startup capital.

But of cause, this business idea can work in other locations as well, but a brand new set of marketing strategies etc, will be needed for the success of the business in another location.

Thank you, Boon Joo! All the best.

You can also check out his radio interview.

Check out all our interviews with the TUSS finalists:

Bon Soir – Dark Dining

All Things Green And Beautiful

The Chupitos Bar

Amnesia

Hemeryx

OliveScreens

YOUnique

The Chocolate Museum

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