Over the past several weeks, my co-facilitator Li Li Chen of SITI Network and I have been running a small-group series called Makers & Movers — designed specifically for women who want to explore their business ideas, understand market needs, and learn how to monetize their passions and strengths. (This is a community education program by Redbox Studio and SITI Network.)
Each session has brought together a circle of no more than 10 women. The intimacy of these small groups has allowed something truly powerful to unfold: a space where women feel safe enough to share, support each other, and grow together.
Not A Lecture But Co-creation
From the start, we set the tone: this is not a lecture — it’s a co-creation space. Everyone’s voice matters.
Both Li Li and I are HRDC-accredited trainers, but in this space, we step into the role of facilitators. We don’t teach from a pedestal. Instead, we guide, nudge, challenge, ask deeper questions, and invite stories, strategies, and reflections from everyone in the room.
Every woman who joins is a contributor — and each session becomes richer because of it.
Session 1: Understanding Market Needs and Opportunities
In our first session on 30 April, we explored how to spot real market needs. One participant — a Singaporean woman who had recently relocated to Penang — shared how she was looking for ways to market her clothing line. What made her work special was that her pieces were sewn by women from a refugee community.
She told us she was so grateful to have found this circle. Not only did she gain encouragement and clarity, but she also walked away with practical next steps — and a new local network cheering her on.
Session 2: Discovering Purpose Through Ikigai
Our second session focused on the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which asks four key questions:
- What do you love?
- What are you good at?
- What does the world need?
- What can you be paid for?
Many women admitted that it had been a long time since they paused to ask themselves these questions. Some found it challenging to identify their strengths, not because they didn’t have any — but because they had never truly acknowledged them.
As the session progressed, women began opening up. We talked about how important it is to name and own our value, without downplaying or brushing off compliments. We encouraged each other to simply say “thank you” when praised — and to believe it.
Entrepreneurial Struggles No One Talks About
One woman confessed that she finds it hard to appear on video, even though she knows it would help promote her business. Another admitted she was afraid to start teaching art, despite being passionate about it.
Instead of glossing over these struggles, the group leaned in. We brainstormed together, turning the session into a fun, organic consulting circle. Everyone offered ideas, support, and encouragement.
And here’s the magic: before the session ended, Li Li extended an invitation to the hesitant artist — to lead a workshop for her SITI Network, an initiative Li Li created to promote active ageing by getting seniors involved in teaching and sharing skills such as bread-baking, haircutting, painting, and basket-weaving. Her senior instructors earn a fee and feel a renewed sense of purpose.
Passion + Monetization = Sustainability
During our conversations, we emphasized that passion alone isn’t enough — you also need a sustainable way to earn from your work. Many women struggle with charging for their services or naming a price. This topic struck a chord with almost everyone.
We explained that monetizing your strengths isn’t about being greedy — it’s about creating a path that allows you to keep doing what you love, without burning out or giving up.
As I shared during the session, Nic and I started the TSN Book Adoption Center in 2016 because we love books — and hated seeing them discarded or recycled. What began as a tiny project turned into a huge six-figure revenue earner that now benefits the broader community. That’s the power of pairing passion with purpose and sustainable income.
You Don’t Have To Walk Alone
One participant worried she couldn’t launch her workshop because she’d have to be the instructor, the marketer, and the host — all at once. I told her something I’ve learned over and over again:
You don’t have to do everything alone.
Just like Li Li and I teamed up to create this program, you can collaborate with others to bring your ideas to life. In fact, business matchmaking has become a fun side benefit of these sessions — we’ve seen so many potential partnerships form, just from women openly sharing their goals.
Living Purposeful Lives
Every woman in our circle came with a different story. But they all shared something in common:
✨ A desire to do meaningful work
✨ A quiet doubt about their own value
✨ A hope that they didn’t have to figure it all out alone
Makers & Movers is a reminder that you don’t have to do this alone — and that when women gather, share, and support each other, real transformation happens.
Marketing Strategies In Our Final Session
We’re so excited for our third and final session happening on:
📍 Wednesday, 25 June 2025 (10am to 11.30am)
📍 Sama-sama Cafe, Penang
📍 Topic: Marketing Strategies That Work
Only 4 spots left — register HERE!
This is my favourite topic of all time — and I have a feeling it’ll be the most action-packed session yet.
If you’ve been curious about what we do, this is your last chance (for now) to join us.
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