#whresident

While previously working in the IT sector for large multinational companies, Eric Pang always knew he wanted to start something he could call his own. With a keen eye for the market and a burning passion, he managed to find like minded partners and together they founded Thoughts Igniters.

“Working in MNCs was stifling,” Eric recounts. “It took ages for an initiative to get approved. I wanted the freedom to make changes that would impact the business.”

Working on creating mobile apps with a focus on connecting customers to merchants, Eric has worked with an array of clients from fashion brands, FnB services and the travel industry. Laying down the foundation, Eric designed a pre-build which encompasses all the core functions and he is able to customise the application to their clients needs. By building off an existing base, Eric is able to provide cost effective solutions to his clients application needs and have it prepared in one month.

Working together with Bali tourism board and Wonderful Indonesia, one of Eric’s pet projects is the Bali Coupon application. Providing a “mobile tour desk”, Bali Coupon offers many unique experiences at discounted rates. The activities are also linked to Tripadvisor, giving users an ease of mind with reviews and avoiding the hassle of dealing with dubious tour desks.

“We always help clients build their applications with the end user in mind,” Eric says. “That’s why Bali Coupon even has an emergency contact function. It’s everything a tourist in Bali would need for a full, safe holiday experience!”

Traveling often, Workhouse has been convenient and flexible base of operations for Eric and his team.

“The flexibility of the workspace, community events and especially the 24/7 access has really made Workhouse a great coworking environment that fits our needs,” Eric shares. “We were initially using Workhouse while on transit looking for another workspace but we’ve really grown to like it here.”

Thoughts Igniters has been doing well but as part of the IT industry, Eric understands he can never rest on his laurels.

For eight years, Edmund Liew worked as an industrial designer in companies such as Shimano Singapore, Akar de Nissim and Why Brand Design, helping companies to design & visualize the products they were trying to create, ranging from mobile phones to furniture.

“Working for my previous French bosses was very inspiring,” He recalls. “Watching them start their own business gave me the courage to explore what I enjoy doing.”

Edmund struck out on his own in February 2014 and started his own design consultancy called 5 Squares Studio. Helping clients with branding, product design and providing consultation services, Edmund has worked with a range of SMEs and Singapore brands by giving their aspirations shape.

“I wanted to give this a go while I’m still young,” Edmund chuckles. “Being my own boss gives me the flexibility to do what I want.”

As one of the first few residents of Workhouse, Edmund has seen Workhouse go through many transformations.

“I’ve seen everything that Workhouse has faced and I love that it steers away from the conventional,” He shares. “The energy here is creative and inspiration which is really important to me!”

Edmund has dreams of becoming a creative leader and one day, inspiring and mentoring young individuals. While he’s not busy competing in design competitions and working on concept furniture, he likes to unwind by defeating worthy adversaries in Street Fighter VI. If you think you are up for it, Edmund is ready to take on all challengers.

Every week, we will be featuring one of our Workhouse residents in our #WHresident articles. This week, we have a nutrition coach that has been operating out of Workhouse over the last few months.

Aqilah Norazman, founder of 15PAW Nutrition is the picture of health. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, she eats healthy, enjoys running and is constantly pushing to best her personal record of 102kg on the deadlift. However, just five years ago, Aqilah weighed in at 86kg and was struggling in a torrent of diet and nutrition information looking for a plan that worked for her.

While Aqilah was able to lose weight early on, she found that her problem was keeping to her diets and often found herself putting the weight right back on.

“Losing the weight is hard,” Aqilah shares. “But maintaining the weight loss is so much harder!”

After going through a roller coaster of emotions and weight loss and gains, she managed to shed and maintain her weight loss of over 20kg. Aqilah has attributed her success story to her education and training in nutrition and is now leading her own clients on a path of sustainable wellness.

Her program has evolved over time. While starting out as a 15 week program, she now has a year long whole food habit-based coaching program where she tracks her members progress through consultations and online updates.

“When it comes down to it, keeping the weight loss is really about one’s habits and having a supportive mentor,” Aqilah recalls her own experiences. “That’s why I value educating and mentoring my clients on how to craft fitness and health goals.”

Today she operates from Workhouse, meeting clients and holding seminars for her followers in their meeting rooms. Looking for a place away from home to base herself at, Workhouse was a perfect fit for her needs.