Lunch Actually – Violet Lim

Story by Violet Lim – Lunch Actually

Actually, I did not set out to be an entrepreneur. Like most Asians out there, I have been groomed by my parents since young to study hard, get good results, get into a good university, and get a well-paid job. And that was the path I followed to a T. However along the way, I realized that employment does not really suit me. I was getting increasingly frustrated in my job as I feel that it is very functional. At that point, I came across a business concept – lunch dating that is very popular in the UK, States and Australia. This concept really struck a chord with me because I have realized at my work place that most of my colleagues were single and not dating. Even though they are actually quite attractive and eligible. The reason is because they are so busy, they were married to their job! I have always been active in community service work. Hence, this business idea really appealed to me as It is a business that makes money, but at the same time help people.

I actually started the business with my then boyfriend, now husband. We pooled in our own savings, and armed with our business plan, we managed to get some funding from a silent investor.

Some of the challenges that we faced:

• Securing an office space. We wanted to be in the Central Business District. However, some building owners were not so convinced of our business nature.
• Marketing. Difficulty in placing an ad in newspapers because the dating and matchmaking industry generally has a not-so-good reputation.
• Naysayers. People who say that our business model will definitely not work because dating services are for ‘losers’ or ‘desperados’.

We took the challenges in our stride. And by God’s grace, we managed to overcome most of these challenges. And sometimes, the answer is really easy. All you have to do is to ask. Many a times, we are just too afraid to ask for help, or to ask for advice. It’s easier to just tap on the advice and expertise of those who have gone through what you are going through. My husband are very grateful to our mentors and advisors who lent us a helping hand along the way.

As a mum, I think there are many advantages being an entrepreneur and business owner. You would have a lot of time flexibility. I love the fact that I can just decide to take the day off and bring my son to the zoo  just because it’s such a beautiful day. I can arrange my schedule to fit my family, rather than the other way round.

If you are starting out, things might be quite challenging in the beginning, and you might even think of giving up. However, if you are truly passionate about what you are doing, just hang in there, and eventually you will see the fruits of your labor.

Violet Lim
Founder of Asia’s Largest Lunch Dating Agency – Lunch Actually
http://VioletLim.com