When Yin Meets Yang in the Boardroom
Working side‑by‑side with someone who’s practically the polar opposite can feel like a sitcom script in real life. For mother Jo Yong and her daughter Ashley Yong, the partnership is both a powerful business engine and an emotional roller‑coaster.
From Beauty Boss to Vegan Visionary
Ashley’s journey began with a flourish of her mother’s star‑studded résumé—managing iconic brands like Bobbi Brown and Estée Lauder at a top cosmetics firm. That legacy sparked Ashley’s dream of launching a cruelty‑free, plant‑powered line called Two Halves.
The Initial “No‑Go”
- Jo, wired for classic beauty industry hustle, felt a little skeptical. “It seemed a bit…dreamy,” she joked.
- Ashley pulled out a jaw‑dropping business plan, showcasing market gaps and a clear revenue strategy.
- One late‑night brainstorming session turned model‑mock‑ups into a vibrant, sales‑ready pitch.
Dad? Mom? Definitely the Magic Behind the Curtain
Fast forward: Ashley, now happy and assured about the under‑served niche, is Prof. Lee Kim (a.k.a. “professional consultant”) with 20+ years of insider wisdom. The two now share weekend calls, coffee brainstorming, and the occasional burnt toast that fuels their laugh‑hard moments.
Why it’s Winning for Business AND Bonding
- Dual Perspectives: The mother’s seasoned polish meets the daughter’s fresh, sustainability‑driven edge.
- Celebrating Tiny Wins: From the first influencer shout‑out to the first eco‑friendly batch produced, every milestone feels like a small, personal marathon.
- Team Camaraderie: Articulating brand vision and quality standards became both love lab and entrepreneurial playground.
- Real “Cheerleader” Role: Instead of just financial backing, Mum becomes the hype‑machine for product launches.
In a world where entrepreneurship can feel cold and lone, this mother‑daughter duo proves that front‑line collaboration, even with contrasting edges, can turn business into shared joy.
Tell us about yourselves and your brand
Meet the Dynamic Duo Behind Two Halves
Ashley Yong – The CEO Who Juggles Skincare & Baby Cuddles
Hey there! I’m Ashley, the brains behind Two Halves, a local vegan skincare line that’s a lifesaver for anyone battling sensitive or “sensitized” skin in our Singaporey heat.
Growing up with a mom who had a decade‑long run in the beauty industry, I practically grew up in a basket of kale smoothies and cucumber baths. That family magic sparked my love for skincare and gave me the courage to step into the scene.
After years behind the scenes for global marketing giants, I decided it was time to launch my own brand. I spotted a glaring gap – no one was catering to sensitive skin warriors in a climate that feels like a sauna. So I took the plunge, rolled up my sleeves, and brewed a brand from scratch.
Fast‑forward to today: I’m a mom to a 6‑month‑old bundle of joy, juggling business emails by day and diaper changes by night. Trust me, the parenting circus is real, but it keeps my hustle fresh!
Jo Yong – The Mentor, Business Boss, & Weekend Nanny
Hey! I’m Jo Yong, Ashley’s mother and the steady hand steering Two Halves as a business advisor. Outside the company, I’m the Group HR Director for a holding group of SMEs.
Before my HR role, I spent 26 years leading the cosmetics & skincare industry. That experience served as my Rosetta Stone for building a brand that truly understands what sensitive skin needs.
And yes, I moonlight as a part‑time nanny. I swoop in on weekends to babysit my grandson, so Ashley can take a breather, and I get priceless snuggle time with my youngest.
- Innovative Vision: Creating vegan products tailored for Singapore’s humid environment.
- Family‑Friendly: Balancing business with the joys (and chaos) of parenthood.
- Industry Insight: 26 years of front‑line experience in cosmetics.
Why did you decide to work together?
Bringing the Family Into the Brand Fold
When I first thought about launching my own line, I imagined a stylish team of dreamers—and I knew who the MVP was: my mom. “You’re a girl, you can’t just sign up for this,” she once said, wary of the whole self‑employment scene. It took a ton of convincing, a sprinkle of charm, and a dash of “because I love you,” before she finally agreed. Turns out moms can be great investors, especially when the grocery list is replaced with a shopping list of chic fabrics.
My Bonus Sleeping Partner
Then there was my boyfriend—now my hubby—who went undercover as a sleeping partner from day one. He was the first person to say, “Let’s do this,” and he even pounded the first $1,000 like a kid buying a flash drive at a garage sale. His belief in me was pure and plain, and that helped keep me on track when the “real business” feels like a never‑ending group project.
The “Mom Month” & “New‑Mom Dilemma”
As Two Halves slowly grew, the challenge of juggling a full‑time hustle and the excitement of a newly born kid became the real test. My husband recently re‑entered the picture to work on sales and ops, which gives me a little breathing room to focus on the creative side: product build‑outs and marketing magic. Every time I think I’ve got it all sorted out, I realize there’s always a new piece to fit into the puzzle.
Passion, Perspiration, and a Business Plan
JY’s initial reaction was the classic “nope.” The reason? “I’m not sure you’ve got the grit for cosmetics.” The cosmetics world’s a tough carousel—fast, fierce, and full of glitter. When my smooth-sounding persuasion didn’t cut it, JY asked for a one‑page plan. Seeing my vision, step by step, finally convinced him that I wasn’t just chasing a dream; I was building it.
Final Takeaway
- Mom’s love turned into the first loyal investor.
- Boyfriend/husband became the sleeping co‑founder who actually invests.
- New mum + business = a recipe for chaos and creativity.
- Business plans: the ultimate “proof” that you’re serious.
It’s a wild ride, a mix of glitter, sleepless nights, and sheer determination. But every time I fall in love with my product line, I know the family’s support—and a little humor—help keep the ship sailing smoothly.
What do you love about working with each other?
When Mother‑in‑Law Moves Into the Skincare Scene
Two Halves isn’t just another indie brand— it’s a family affair. Ashley Leong dug deep into a mother’s love and a wife’s business acumen to super‑charge her skincare line.
Free Dinners, No Consulting Fees
“I know my mum puts my interest first before the business,” says founder Ashley. “She backs every goal I set for Two Halves, and—best of all—she didn’t charge me for her consultancy. The only cost was her signature, free‑food dinners.”
Brainstorming That Feels Like a Family Huddle
For Juang‑Yong, the weekly meetings with the team are “a dialogue we love.” While their partnership cements the brand’s vision, it also stitches a new bond in the family.
Learning from Two Sides of the Same Coin
“Ashley brings her cosmetics expertise and my experience together. I’m learning what drives her passion and, in return, she’s learning what motivates me,” explains Juang‑Yong. It’s a two‑way street of inspiration.
Trust & Freedom: The Secret Sauce
“Giving her the freedom to run Two Halves skincare and supporting her when she needs it is the best way to promote trust in the relationship,” says Juang‑Yong. Trust, after all, is the foundation of both a brand and a family.
What Next? A Close Look at Local Gems
- Explore five local skincare brands worth sniffing out.
- Find out which ones have that home‑grown charm and proven results.
What’s your least favourite part of working together?
When Mom Plays Business Partner
Perfectionism on the Front Desk
Picture this: a mom who thinks everything should sparkle just like her name. She’ll stop at nothing to make sure every detail screams perfect.
Why It Can Feel Like a Circus
- Mismatched Experience – She’s a seasoned pro, while I’m just learning the ropes. That mismatch can lighten the mood or turn a coffee chat into a full‑blown showdown.
- When Rules Meet Reality – Arguments arise when she insists on the same old “right” line, and I, with my fresh perspective, only see a fresh approach.
- Finding the Middle Ground – I’m stuck juggling mom‑support, goofy business nerd vibes, and those obvious generational missteps.
Mom’s Persistence, My Patience
She loves zero compromises—like a magician who refuses to let even a single card slip away. But she’s not a mind‑reader: let’s tell her to pause. “Only when I’m at my wit’s end does she actually listen.”
Key Takeaway
Juggling business and breeding the fine art of being both a parent and a partner is a hamster wheel that gets slightly better each lap… as long as you remember, humor + healthy debate = victorious teamwork.
Has going into business together changed your perception of each other?
Partner Dynamics: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Look at Career & Legacy
AY
So, if you see me humming the “Difficult People” theme song whenever I cross paths with her, it’s not because you’re the only one who gets it. I’ve known her long before we hit the office floor—she’s always been the queen of “It’s going to have to be better than last time.” When I first started at Mom’s department, a fellow printer, who had no idea I was her kid, left me with the perfect one‑liner: “Good luck, Jo’s a tough one.” I almost laughed so hard I had to wipe my tears.
Now, side‑by‑side with my mother, I’ve seen all that hard‑edge first hand. That demanding attitude isn’t just a personality quirk; it’s the razor‑sharp tool that tempers my own brain‑process when I think about the business. Speaking of which, I can barely get her to smile when I say “Let me handle the numbers” and then laugh at my own chaos of spreadsheets.
I’m most proud of her for building a legacy that still cha‑ins up the industry. Even after she pulled back and hung her badge, people still whisper her name when they’re stuck on a tricky design problem.
JY
From our partnership, I’ve seen the whole of her and, honestly, it’s been a “yes, I’m with you” kind of vibe. I used to sweat about Ashley in the early days—felt like she was a firecracker who only cared about the fun part. Fast forward to today, and she’s struck that rare combo: business sense coupled with a demeanor that can calm a storm.
And that’s exactly why I earn her a solid five‑star rating for nurturing a brand that’s both punchy and thoughtful.
Quick Takeaway
- When a boss is demanding, it’s the knife that makes the blade sharper.
- Legacy isn’t just a term—it’s the echo that survives after retirement.
- Business partners can challenge each other to grow from the inside out.
Also, check out:
- Sustainability in Singapore: All‑natural local beauty brands that are kind to the environment.
Have you had disagreements, and how do you hash it out?
Two Halves: The Funny Dance of Mom and Co‑Founder
Let’s dive into the daily drama of Ashley (AY) and her business‑savvy mom, JY. Their partnership? A delightful clash of styles, with a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart.
Meet the Characters
- Ashley: The radio‑active type. Loves to brainstorm, juggle ideas, and keep the creative spark alive.
- JY: The no‑fuss, straight‑to‑the‑point kind of mom. She runs her business like a well‑programmed robot.
What’s the Problem?
In the grand theatre of Two Halves, the differences in their working styles often put them at odds. Ashley’s free‑form vibes clash with JY’s methodical approach.
“Your Talking Bee” – From the Desk of Ashley
AY: “Picture this: Mom’s voice is a whistle‑blowing drone. She asks questions left and right, taking big bites out of my ideas. I feel cornered sometimes, but the good news? She’s also the first to push the conversation forward when she’s done with the interrogation.”
After the showdown, both of them secretly agree: Two Halves’ success matters most. And that’s fair: Mom wants the best for the business, and she wants the best for Ashley too.
“Chill, Mom” – From the Desk of JY
JY: “I’ve wrestled with a classic double‑role: loving mom, savvy business advisor. Ashley’s got her vision, her own playbook. She opens her ears for advice, yet she shies away from micro‑management.”
I’ve learned one golden rule: Let her have the freedom to make big decisions. And when she needs a solid direction, I’ll step in with a gentle nudge.
The Takeaway
Behind the sharp exchanges is a bond stronger than a double elixir. Even though they’re feeling like “role conflict,” they’re learning to remix their workflow, turning friction into fireworks.
So, if you’re navigating the tricky waters of family‑business dynamics—expect judgment, expect humor, and most importantly, expect love. That’s the magic sauce making Two Halves go from “she’s too direct” and “I’m a basket of ideas” to a full‑on creative powerhouse.
What’s one lesson you’ve learnt from your mother?
My Mom’s Swan‑Stories on the Beauty Stage
“Passion and perseverance are the real power‑ups in this hustle‑fest,” my mother always repeats. She paints her journey like sliding on a lake of glamour, swans gliding smoothly on the surface, their tiny webbed feet working away, unseen but relentless.
Why It Seems Like a Low‑Key River Ride
- Elegance on top: Think photoshoot lighting, perfect poses, and that silver sparkle on a perfectly chosen lip‑stick.
- Grave work underneath: The constant swish of brushes and the buzz of product testing – the unseen part that actually makes the beauty world tick.
- Ruffling the feathers: Every trend change is a chance to polish up skins, sharpen formulas, and reinterpret what “gloss” means.
Then vs. Now – The Beauty Scene in a Blink
Back in the days my mom was a self‑made miracle, Hollywood makeup artists did everything by hand. Today, we’ve got AI trick‑skin tech, science‑controlled pigments, and cloud‑based imaging. But the core of the hobby remains the same: keep wheels spinning, keep the canvas fuss‑free, and keep your eyes pop‑pinch!
Our Feathers Stay Untouched—For the Outside World
Even when the market gets as fancy as a shiny runway, the baby swans inside us keep paddling like champs. The surface? Still smooth. The reality? Turning drought seasons into rivers of trending successes.
Your advice for young entrepreneurs starting out in the business
Keep the Fire Lit: How to Celebrate Wins and Stay Energized
Feeling the burn? Don’t sweat it—bounce back by turning every little victory into a celebratory moment. Whether you’re sprinting toward a promotion or tackling a marathon‑level project, a simple habit can keep those blues at bay.
Why Celebrations Matter
- Boosts Confidence: Big or small, each win tells your brain it’s okay to keep moving.
- Builds Resilience: Repeated celebrations train you to stay upbeat even when rocks hit the road.
- Keeps the Journey Fun: Turning progress into a party prevents the initial spark from fading.
Running Business Like a Marathon
Think of your career as a marathon, not a sprint. Your success doesn’t come from blowing a horn and doing it all in one go. Here’s how to pace yourself:
- Set Mini‑Milestones: Smash them one by one—each is a mini celebration.
- Track Your Wins: Keep a “Victory Log.” One small victory a day keeps the burnout far away.
- Reward Yourself: Treat your hard work with a small pleasure—coffee, a favorite playlist, maybe a pizza.
Ready for More Inspiration?
Want to learn how brands are sprouting beyond borders even during the pandemic? Check out these Singapore beauty giants taking on the world.
Remember: Celebrate every win, no matter how tiny. Those moments build a shield of optimism that keeps your drive alive even when the road gets rough.
