{"id":24613,"date":"2021-03-13T03:04:12","date_gmt":"2021-03-13T03:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/?p=24613"},"modified":"2021-03-13T03:04:12","modified_gmt":"2021-03-13T03:04:12","slug":"interview-a-gentlemans-tale-co-founder-lyn-chan-on-innovating-and-building-a-successful-start-up-in-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/interview-a-gentlemans-tale-co-founder-lyn-chan-on-innovating-and-building-a-successful-start-up-in-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"[Interview] A Gentleman\u2019s Tale co-founder Lyn Chan on innovating and building a successful start-up in Singapore"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>People often associate tailoring as an antiquated trade. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.a-gentlemans-tale.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A Gentleman\u2019s Tale<\/a> is breaking such misconceptions by breathing life into the trade with their bespoke mobile tailoring services. Known for its innovative twists and fine craftsmanship, A Gentleman\u2019s Tale brings a whole new definition to the meaning of convenience in the tailoring world.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_24644\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_-1.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_-1.webp 300w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_-1.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C550&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"550\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_-1.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_-1.jpg?resize=300%2C161&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_-1.jpg?resize=768%2C413&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-24644 size-full sp-no-webp\" alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24644\" data-wp-editing=\"1\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\"> <\/picture><p id=\"caption-attachment-24644\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: A Gentleman&#8217;s Tale<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/interview-a-gentlemans-tale-co-founder-lyn-chan-on-innovating-and-building-a-successful-start-up-in-singapore\/#Born_out_of_love\" title=\"Born out of love \">Born out of love <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/interview-a-gentlemans-tale-co-founder-lyn-chan-on-innovating-and-building-a-successful-start-up-in-singapore\/#Staying_on_top_of_the_game\" title=\"Staying on top of the game\u00a0\u00a0\">Staying on top of the game\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/interview-a-gentlemans-tale-co-founder-lyn-chan-on-innovating-and-building-a-successful-start-up-in-singapore\/#Overcoming_challenges_at_the_start\" title=\"Overcoming challenges at the start\">Overcoming challenges at the start<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/interview-a-gentlemans-tale-co-founder-lyn-chan-on-innovating-and-building-a-successful-start-up-in-singapore\/#Never_give_up_on_chasing_your_dream\" title=\"Never give up on chasing your dream\">Never give up on chasing your dream<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/interview-a-gentlemans-tale-co-founder-lyn-chan-on-innovating-and-building-a-successful-start-up-in-singapore\/#Looking_ahead\" title=\"Looking ahead\">Looking ahead<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Born_out_of_love\"><\/span><strong>Born out of love <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The idea for the start-up began when co-founders Lyn Chan and Kenneth Chia had a simple sit-down in 2015. \u201cA Gentleman\u2019s Tale started from a conversation that were along the lines of what we were both doing, what we used to do, and what we would love to do,\u201d Chan revealed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFew months down the road from that conversation, we started A Gentleman\u2019s Tale with considerations of how do we bring convenience to our customers while keeping a low start-up cost. A Gentleman\u2019s Tale is born out of love: love for having someone look good which would give them confidence and gives us a sense of fulfilment, love for design and creation that we can share with others, [and] love for growing a seed of an idea into a business.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This idea took off, with research and careful planning forming the start-up\u2019s success. \u201cWhen we first starting planning the business model for A Gentleman\u2019s Tale, it was targeted at the male population,\u201d said Chan. \u201cWe researched and got feedback from our friends on what were the top three considerations for them while searching or engaging a tailoring service. Convenience came up as the top consideration repeatedly and we designed our business around that.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Staying_on_top_of_the_game\"><\/span><strong>Staying on top of the game\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Part of A Gentleman\u2019s Tale success factor can be attributed to their endless creativity when it comes to their business. The trailblazing start-up is not afraid to experiment and set forth new innovative ideas.<\/p>\n<p>Chan reminisced: \u201cWe started off as mobile tailors bringing our cabin luggage and travelling on public transport to visit our clients. From there, we planned out the finances of our business and worked out the amount we required to put a deposit on a van, thereafter working towards the first goal of purchasing a van. Once the van was purchased and customised to our needs, we became Singapore\u2019s first mobile tailoring showroom.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_24642\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-5.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-5.webp 300w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-5.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C550&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"550\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-5.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-5.jpg?resize=300%2C161&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-5.jpg?resize=768%2C413&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-24642 size-full sp-no-webp\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24642\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\"> <\/picture><p id=\"caption-attachment-24642\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: A Gentleman&#8217;s Tale<\/p><\/div>\n<p>To Chan, it\u2019s also important to have a unique twist in order to stand out from a sea of competitors. \u201cWe believe that we stand out not just of the mobile tailoring service that we offer but also our style(s) and personality. Our clients dubbed us or introduced us as the \u2018hippie\u2019 tailors as we are known for our quirkiness and fun elements found in the smallest details. We are able to customise anything that a client wants (within construction means), as we tailor everything from scratch without the use of any templates or pre-existing moulds.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Amplifying the unique selling point (USP) of the business and building a cohesive brand identity is definitely crucial for success as well. A Gentleman\u2019s Tale\u2019s USP factors in through \u201cour mobile service and the sense of cosiness when you step into our premises\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Chan elaborated: \u201cEvery business should identify how they are different and stay true to that without conforming to what society [has] deemed is the norm and trying to keep up with what everyone else is doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overcoming_challenges_at_the_start\"><\/span><strong>Overcoming challenges at the start<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The road to success is never a straightforward path, and A Gentleman\u2019s Tale has had its fair share of challenges as well. \u201cWhen we first started being mobile tailors without a physical space, fabric suppliers were hesitant to work with us as we didn\u2019t have the credentials and a fixed location,\u201d said Chan.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe had to purchase our fabrics at a higher price. This provided us a lesson in building relationships, in sharing with others our ideas, and building their confidence in us.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_24641\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-4.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-4.webp 300w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-4.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C550&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"550\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-4.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-4.jpg?resize=300%2C161&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-4.jpg?resize=768%2C413&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-24641 size-full sp-no-webp\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24641\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\"> <\/picture><p id=\"caption-attachment-24641\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: A Gentleman&#8217;s Tale<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The co-founder also recalled the gritty early days of the start-up. \u201cAt the beginning, our time management and schedule planning were very important as we only relied on public transport and had to be mindful about that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>But instead of viewing the hardship as misery, Chan perceives it as a learning opportunity. \u201cThat was a challenge as we had no control over certain delays, but it was also a lesson in time management which we are grateful for up till today.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the beginning, the start-up relied on word-of-mouth instead of social media. Whilst it was tough, it also allowed them to master the finer details of the business.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNew customers were always referrals from existing customers, which taught us to value quality and service above anything else. We think challenges are opportunities to learn; it is [a form of] training, to listen to what is going on and adapt and grow the business with those lessons in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Never_give_up_on_chasing_your_dream\"><\/span><b>Never give up on chasing your dream<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Citing courage, tenacity and entrepreneurial stamina as the most important elements for a successful start-up, Chan urges new business owners to consistently be on the ball. \u201cAlways listen to what the market wants and constantly tweak to meet the needs of the market,\u201d she quipped.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEstablish a set of guiding rules for the business, for the partners, and for the staff in the business that will guide everyone through daily operations and expansion plans. Most importantly, have compassion; do not chase for success, chase for excellence [and] the rest will follow.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_24640\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-2.webp 1024w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-2.webp 300w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-2.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C500&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"500\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-2.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-2.jpg?resize=300%2C146&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-2.jpg?resize=768%2C375&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-24640 size-full sp-no-webp\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24640\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\"> <\/picture><p id=\"caption-attachment-24640\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: A Gentleman&#8217;s Tale<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Looking_ahead\"><\/span><strong>Looking ahead<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On exciting things to expect, Chan teased an exciting new aspect of the business: an online collection of ready-to-wear outfits. The initial launch of the capsule collection of fabrics from Italy took place late last year, garnering well-received fanfare.<\/p>\n<p>The business seeks to launch a new collection soon, this time made up of \u201coutfits that would be suitable for work purposes, [are] able to work for a date, or a night out with friends and even appropriate for special occasions\u201d. The new collection will launch on their new platform, <a href=\"https:\/\/agtbasics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGT Basics<\/a>, where orders are tailored and made on-demand.<\/p>\n<p><em>You can shop all the exciting forthcoming collections from <a href=\"https:\/\/agtbasics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGT Basics<\/a>, or experience <a href=\"https:\/\/www.a-gentlemans-tale.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A Gentleman&#8217;s Tale impeccable tailoring service<\/a>. Keep an eye out for more news on A Gentleman&#8217;s Tale on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/luskgmt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/agentlemanstale\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Feature image from A Gentleman&#8217;s Tale\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People often associate tailoring as an antiquated trade. A Gentleman\u2019s Tale is breaking such misconceptions by breathing life into the trade with their bespoke mobile tailoring services. Known for its innovative twists and fine craftsmanship, A Gentleman\u2019s Tale brings a whole new definition to the meaning of convenience in the tailoring world. Born out of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[168],"tags":[587,52,588,590,589],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/butlermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/butler-AGT-1_featured.jpg?fit=960%2C1000&ssl=1","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24613"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24613"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24768,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24613\/revisions\/24768"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/butlermag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}