How does a fainting spell on your first job lead to a lifelong commitment to a culinary career?

In this episode of Turn The Tables, host Debbie Yong explores this intriguing journey with Tamara Chavez. Tamara reflects on how a kitchen accident during her childhood in Mexico City ignited her passion for cooking and her leap of faith in uprooting her life and move to Singapore without speaking a world of English.

She candidly discusses the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and how she overcame them to become a successful restaurateur, co-running Peruvian restaurant Canchita and Spanish restaurant Tinto with her husband, Daniel. Tamara also shares her thoughts on mentorship, breaking gender stereotypes, and creating a supportive team environment.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:04 Early Influences and Family Background

03:46 Challenges and Triumphs in the Culinary World

09:57 A Life-Changing Move to Singapore

12:09 Finding Support and Building a New Life

16:43 Opportunities and Risks: The Peruvian Connection

19:26 Living in Peru: A Cultural Awakening

20:36 Opening a Restaurant: Challenges and Triumphs

21:31 Mentorship and Growth: A Turning Point

23:20 Exploring Global Cuisines

24:26 Being a Female Chef in a Male-Dominated Industry

28:25 Building and Leading a Diverse Team

34:53 Balancing Work and Personal Life

37:41 A Vision for the Future

Don’t miss out on more inspiring stories from trailblazing female leaders in Asia's hospitality scene — visit us at www.weturnthetables.com to join our vibrant community and share your suggestions for future guests on this podcast series. Your input helps us spotlight the incredible women shaping the industry. We look forward to hearing from you!

Featured speakers:

• ⁠⁠Tamara Chavez, chef-owner of Canchita and Tinto
• ⁠⁠Debbie Yong⁠⁠, veteran luxury lifestyle journalist and branding and communications strategist
  

Ever wondered how turning a dream into reality feels when you're breaking new ground?

In this episode of Turn The Tables, host Debbie Yong speaks with Jamie Koh, the visionary entrepreneur behind Brass Lion Distillery and Chupitos in Singapore. Jamie takes us through her adventurous journey — from launching her first bar in Clarke Quay after winning a competition, to developing The Beast, a Southern comfort food haven, and finally, establishing Singapore’s very first local distillery after eight years of navigating red tape.

She shares the highs and lows of her path, her passion for pioneering unique concepts, and the perseverance required to succeed. Plus, Jamie opens up about building a female-dominated team at Brass Lion and her distinctive leadership style.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:33 Entering the F&B Industry

02:14 The Birth and Evolution of Chupitos

04:20 The Beast: Southern Comfort Food in Singapore

05:27 Brass Lion Distillery: A Singaporean Spirit

07:31 Challenges and Triumphs in Distilling

14:31 Building a Strong Female Team

17:26 Leadership and Vision

21:34 Future Plans and World Domination

Don’t miss out on more inspiring stories from trailblazing female leaders in Asia's hospitality scene — visit us at www.weturnthetables.com to join our vibrant community and share your suggestions for future guests on this podcast series. Your input helps us spotlight the incredible women shaping the industry. We look forward to hearing from you!

Featured speakers:

• Jamie Koh, founder of Brass Lion Distillery and Chupitos
• 
  Debbie Yong⁠⁠, veteran luxury lifestyle journalist and branding and communications strategist
  

Ever wondered how to strike the perfect balance between creativity and business acumen?

In this episode of Turn The Tables, host Debbie Yong speaks with renowned Singaporean chocolatier, pastry chef, and entrepreneur Janice Wong. Janice recounts her journey from discovering the nuances of cheese-making to creating a pastry empire with ventures such as 2am: Dessert Bar, Soft Haus, and the Pure Imagination chocolate brand. The conversation delves into her passion for education, her efforts to grow cocoa in urban Singapore, and her focus on sustainability.

Janice also discusses her inclusive leadership style, the importance of positivity and growth in her team and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in to learn how she blends creative vision with practical business strategies and her hopes for nurturing community in the F&B industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:53 Janice's Journey into the Culinary World

03:03 Building a Pastry Empire

03:41 The Quest for Made In Singapore Chocolate

05:26 Challenges and Innovations

13:14 Leadership and Team Dynamics

16:09 Balancing Creativity and Business

21:58 Future Plans and Reflections

Don’t miss out on more inspiring stories from trailblazing female leaders in Asia's hospitality scene — visit us at www.weturnthetables.com to join our vibrant community and share your suggestions for future guests on this podcast series. Your input helps us spotlight the incredible women shaping the industry. We look forward to hearing from you!

Featured speakers:

• Janice Wong, founder of 2am: Dessert Bar, Soft Haus and Pure Imagination
• ⁠⁠Debbie Yong⁠⁠, veteran luxury lifestyle journalist and branding and communications strategist