From corporate to startup: How Fii Beauty's Fion Foo overcame adversity

"In my quest for success, I once found myself trapped in the corporate world, working tirelessly and hoping that my efforts would be recognised. But it seemed that no matter how hard I worked, I was under appreciated and overlooked. Some managers even tried to crush my dreams, casting doubt on my potential for success. I carried the weight of their scepticism, questioning whether I was meant to shine or forever remain in the shadows.

I remember my last day of work, a day filled with anticipation of kind words and well wishes. However, the manager I had dedicated five years to didn’t even acknowledge my departure. 

The silence spoke volumes, confirming my decision to leave the suffocating environment.

Leaving my corporate job wasn’t an impulsive act; it was a decision made out of self-respect and a burning desire for something more. A month before my wedding (to her husband Kennedy), I found myself trapped in a new role at a bank, drowning in a toxic work environment. Stress consumed me, and the spark within me flickered. It was during this dark period that Kennedy, my partner and confidant, saw my suffering and reminded me of our shared dreams, urging me to take a leap of faith. With unwavering support, I summoned every ounce of strength within me and walked away from stability, embracing the uncertainty that lay ahead.

The path to building Fii Beauty was not an easy one, but it was a journey that sculpted my character and taught me invaluable lessons. In the beginning, it was just Kennedy and me, stepping into uncharted territory. I felt the weight of my lack of experience, but I refused to let it define me. Instead, I embraced the challenge, and embraced the fact that growth would be my companion on this arduous journey.

Kennedy, with his wealth of entrepreneurial knowledge, became my guiding light. Together, we built the foundation of Fii Beauty, piece by piece, brick by brick. Each day was an opportunity to learn, to evolve, and to prove to myself that I was capable of achieving greatness.

Still, it wasn’t enough just for Kennedy to believe in me – I had to believe in myself. Doubt occasionally crept into my mind, threatening to derail my progress. But in those moments, I reminded myself of my worth, and the fire that burned within me. I refused to be silenced or diminished. I refused to let the doubts of others define my destiny. I was determined to create something extraordinary.

The journey of building Fii Beauty was not just about overcoming external challenges; it was an inner transformation, a rebirth of my spirit. It demanded resilience, tenacity, and unwavering faith in my vision. It required me to silence the voices of self-doubt and embrace the power within me. 

With every setback, I grew stronger. With every obstacle, I grew wiser. And with every triumph, I realised the infinite possibilities that awaited me.

Along the way, we faced countless challenges. Building a team that shared our vision was no easy feat, but we learnt to trust in others and delegate responsibilities. We stumbled, made mistakes, and faced moments of uncertainty. But in those moments, we chose to rise rather than fall. We saw each obstacle as an opportunity for growth, and we turned adversity into fuel for our determination.

Looking back on this transformative journey, I am filled with a sense of empowerment. I am no longer the person who cowered in the face of adversity; I am the person who rises above it. Fii Beauty stands not just as a testament to our hard work, but as a symbol of resilience and unwavering belief. It is a reminder to never underestimate the power within us, to never allow the doubts of others to dim our light."