Young hustlers share the key lessons learned on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Let me be upfront: I’m no expert on entrepreneurship. It’s astonishing to see peers—some even younger than me—embarking on ambitious ventures in an already saturated start-up landscape.
For many young individuals, simply staying employed is a challenge. The idea of launching a business from scratch can feel overwhelming. Perhaps it’s our cultural tendency toward kiasu-ism, or maybe it’s our inherent pride. Regardless, we’ve largely been taught to play it safe, and the notion of accepting failure has seldom appeared in our narratives.
The most daunting aspect of the entrepreneurial journey, as I’ve gathered, is the struggle to step out the door while battling self-doubt. How do young entrepreneurs find their footing in the first place? More importantly, what does it take for them to sustain their businesses? In their own words, several young hustlers reveal the most significant lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Suzanna Tang (29), Founder of Urban Origins
The empty supermarket shelves during 2020 inspired Suzanna to enhance local food security. Urban Origins is an online platform that connects communities to accessible sources of local produce, partnering with Singapore’s farmers and food producers.
Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, I worked as a full-time primary school teacher. While it was rewarding, I couldn’t envision myself in that role long-term. I often asked myself if I’d be content 30 years down the line—and the answer was a resounding no. My teaching role required educating students on various topics, including food waste and composting, but these lessons often felt confined to textbooks. I yearned to make a tangible impact beyond classroom walls.
As a mother of two, quitting my job in 2020 to pursue my business dreams required immense courage. It meant sacrificing the security of a stable income. Entrepreneurship is a different ballgame, filled with self-doubt, but gaining an initial $50,000 grant through a youth competition boosted my confidence. We’ve also leveraged resources from organizations like *SCAPE for mentoring and event opportunities.
Lesson #1: Be wary of being too nice.
As a naturally cheerful person, I had to learn how to present myself in business contexts. I realized the importance of setting boundaries. For instance, when a significant client payment was delayed, it negatively impacted our cash flow and team morale. While I strive to be authentic, I’ve come to understand that in the business realm, maintaining a protective barrier is crucial.
Lesson #2: Acknowledge your privilege and luck.
While hard work is vital, luck also plays a significant role. Coming from a supportive household, I recognized that I could take risks knowing my parents would help if needed. This safety net allowed me to pursue my aspirations—something not everyone has. Many successful entrepreneurs I’ve spoken with echo this sentiment; timing and opportunity often dictate success.
Lincoln Lin (28), Founder of Filmplace
Filmplace is a digital platform designed to help creatives easily source and book filming locations.
Rather than seeing myself as a natural entrepreneur, I’ve always preferred unconventional paths. I started at 15 by teaching myself web design while simultaneously offering my services for income. I questioned the necessity of adhering to Singapore’s standard career trajectory, which ultimately led me to entrepreneurship.
Through *SCAPE’s Creative Fellowship accelerator program, we gained a year of free workspace at HubQuarters—a relief considering the exorbitant rent we previously paid.
Lesson #3: Develop a thick skin; don’t fear failure.
Our society often stigmatizes failure, but what I fear most is not trying at all. Mistakes are often stepping stones to success. Early on, I pitched to over 300 individuals and faced countless rejections. However, each “no” is an opportunity to learn and refine your approach. Venture capitalists often seek out those who have faced setbacks and successfully bounced back.
Bryan Se To (27) and Maryann (25) Se To, Founders of Lexly
Lexly is a digital wellness platform connecting users with verified experts for various health concerns.
At 24, I was diagnosed with a spine condition that aged me prematurely in the eyes of my doctors. The realization sparked my passion to help others suffering from similar issues. My sister, Maryann, was initially skeptical when I pitched the idea of Lexly to her. However, after several key opportunities, she recognized its potential.
We’ve been fortunate to receive an SG Founder grant and participated in a *SCAPE-backed entrepreneurship program, which boosted our confidence significantly.
Lesson #4: Your team is everything.
Servant leadership has been a guiding principle for me. If I could advise my younger self, I’d stress the importance of prioritizing people. Without your team, you have nothing.
I dedicate significant time to building our team, ensuring that their personal goals align with the company’s. As the company grows, it’s essential that everyone involved shares in that growth.
Lesson #5: It’s okay to admit you can’t do it all.
One of my greatest lessons has been to “fail fast.” My brother and I learned much on the fly—everything from HR to management. In the beginning, roles were often blurred, leading to numerous disagreements.
Yet, over time, we’ve learned to appreciate each other’s working styles. What reassures me most is our unbreakable bond.
Opportunities: To Seize or Not to Seize
The relentless pursuit of prestigious titles can lead to unfulfilling accomplishments. Like Suzanna, Bryan was once confined to the corporate world, yet he felt compelled to quit and pursue Lexly to modernize the healthcare landscape.
These lessons highlight the struggles many young entrepreneurs face, including crippling self-doubt and the fear of not measuring up. Success hinges not only on financial backing but also on creating a supportive environment and network. Most importantly, it’s evident that these young hustlers experience a greater sense of fulfillment when they live life on their own terms.
