Want to start an online business? All you need is one great idea.. and a Shopee account

What if we told you that becoming an entrepreneur could be as simple as having a great product – and a Shopee account?

At a recent Shopee panel discussion, Finding Your Niche Online, hosted by Her World – and moderated by the title’s contributing deputy editor, Amelia Chia – content creators and entrepreneurs Yeoh Mong Chin (@mongabong), Genecia Alluora Luo (@geneciaalluora), and Deborah Kwek (@debxrahkwek) came together to share their journeys with a group aspiring business owners and creatives.

Play

“Their stories really hit home. I have friends who want to start something, but the challenges feel overwhelming – they think they need to be the manufacturer, handle everything from scratch. Shopee really streamlines that process,” says writer Hailey Tay, 29, who attended the event with a friend.

Aqilah Adnan, 27, who runs a bath products label on Instagram, found the session very helpful. “I appreciated how candid the panelists were – sharing their real experiences and tips. Hearing three different perspectives – from a Shopee affiliate, a merchant, and someone who does both – opened up new possibilities for how I can fully maximise the Shopee platform as a business owner,” she says.

Meryl Lim, in her 30s, agrees. “Learning that Shopee also offers dedicated relationship managers further incentivises me to consider exploring the platform as a marketplace from my perspective as a brand owner.

“The opportunity to network with other women entrepreneurs was also invaluable – it was inspiring to learn from one another’s journeys and mistakes,” says the co-founder of Hedonist Tribe, a sexual health brand.

Here are the highlights of the event:

From everyday sharing to supporting businesses

Deborah, a mother and content creator, shared how a personal recommendation of a rash cream on social media unexpectedly revived a struggling small business and sparked an online community of mums. 

What began as a simple post turned into a partnership with Shopee, where she now spotlights great finds on the platform. Through authentic product storytelling, she became a top Shopee All-Star Affiliate.

“I realised that small businesses often struggle not because the product is bad, but because they don’t have the budget or platform to reach people,” she says.

Scaling made simple for entrepreneurs

Beauty influencer Mong Chin credits Shopee for helping her scale without burning out as a solo entrepreneur. She runs her own brand, That Letter M, which sells 100 per cent organic cotton sheets and beauty tools, while also sharing affordable finds – like $1 seamless underwear – through Shopee affiliate links. 

At one point, she was managing everything herself, from marketing and packing to customer service, often staying up past midnight after livestreams to fulfil orders.

“Eventually, I told my Shopee manager I couldn’t cope. That’s when I was introduced to Fulfilled by Shopee (FBS). They handle the packing and next-day delivery. It was life-changing,” shares Mong Chin.

Growing a 25K-strong community online

Genecia, founder of pigmentation skincare brand, ALLUORA, grew her business fivefold after joining Shopee in 2023. By livestreaming daily, she’s turned Shopee’s community-driven tools into a powerful engine for growth.

Today, she mentors a growing team of women across the region – including mums who are rediscovering confidence and gaining financial independence through livestreaming. Her advice for aspiring business owners? 

“Value your time and energy. If you’re serious, find mentors or people who’ve done it before. Technical tools are just tools – what matters is how you use them,” she says.

With Shopee’s user-friendly tools, women entrepreneurs are not only growing their businesses, but also uplifting other women along the way.

Stay tuned for Shopee’s next fireside chat, featuring three of Singapore’s top live streamers, on 6 November 2025. Sign up here!