{"id":42250,"date":"2020-02-14T13:16:28","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T05:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imoney.my\/articles\/?p=42250"},"modified":"2020-02-14T13:26:35","modified_gmt":"2020-02-14T05:26:35","slug":"couplepreneur-managing-money-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imoney.my\/articles\/couplepreneur-managing-money-together","title":{"rendered":"Interview: APOM\u2019S Chantelle & Kelvin Share What It\u2019s Like To Be Couplepreneurs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Find a dream that means more than money- Chantelle & Kelvin, Founders of APOM<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What happens when a dreamer and executor work together? Even better, build a business and family together? Something as wacky, funny and amazing as apom.my<\/a> is born!<\/p>\n

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APOM, short for A Piece Of Malaysia<\/em> is a home-grown brand that proudly highlights the essence of Malaysian culture and all things Malaysia via a range of products such as tee-shirts, rompers, caps, bags, stickers, souvenirs, and mugs.<\/p>\n

What sets APOM apart from other merchants in Malaysia? It embraces all things quintessentially Malaysian, throws in a pun and has a kick out of the product. APOM is fast becoming popular among locals and tourists who are attracted to the gutsy puns and illustrations which has become its trademark.<\/p>\n

For instance: Lingos such as Lah, Alamak, Aiseyman, On The Way, Cun, Chup, Wa Lao, Macam Yes, Kantoi, Buaya Danger, Syok Sendiri<\/em> and typical Malaysian characterisations such as Mak Cik Bawang, Mr Dato, Encik Bedal, Mr Thani and Little Miss Sombong<\/em>.<\/p>\n

There are also delightful parodies of famous brands such as Huat Wei, Mahalbro, Supweh, Mamypokai, Samseng and Just Duit<\/em>.<\/div>

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Chantelle and Kelvin are the founders of APOM. Apart from building a business from scratch, the couple also raised a family with two kids simultaneously.<\/p>\n

And, there couldn\u2019t be a better time to know more about being partners in life and business than this Valentine\u2019s Day! So, get ready for some tips on #businessgoals and #relationshipgoals!<\/p>\n

<\/span>Meet the dreamer Kelvin and executor Chantelle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Interview<\/p>\n

Name: Chantelle Teoh<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Age: 36<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Education: BA Communication Design (RMIT Australia)<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Origin: Melaka<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Interview<\/p>\n

Name: Kelvin Victor Long<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Age: 44<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Education: Advertising, Industrial Design<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Origin: Kuala Lumpur<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Fun Fact: They met on Facebook through a dating group that Kelvin and his friend started!<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Surprisingly, APOM is not the couple\u2019s first business venture. Earlier, Kelvin was running an advertising agency while Chantelle was managing her family\u2019s printing business.<\/p>\n

Soon after they started dating, the pair worked on a side project to pursue their entrepreneurial passion. Doof Industries<\/a>, which sells beanbags were their first retail brand. Launched in 2007, Doof gave them the kick start needed for APOM.<\/p>\n

Amidst expanding Doof, starting and expanding APOM, Chantelle and Kelvin got married and had kids. So, they are now full-time entrepreneurs and parents!<\/p>\n

When asked what led to the decision to dive into entrepreneurship together, Kelvin revealed that he has always wanted to be in a business with his wife. As someone who looks at career and life as the same thing, he is glad that he gets to spend most of the day with his wife who is also his best friend.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Chantelle is all business as she had previously handled a family business with other family members. Her love to create added oil to her journey through two business ventures and seeing the demand for APOM, she dived straight in!<\/p>\n

<\/span>Couples in business need synergy <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

But, of course, not all is breezy when it comes to business. The couple faced challenges right from Day 1. On dealing with the constant challenges, Chantelle said, \u201cIt\u2019s taking those progressive steps, knowing each other\u2019s strengths and leaning on each other when we need emotional support. We definitely wouldn\u2019t have made this far alone and we have been lucky to have our breaks, a great team and taking chances when opportunity arises.\u201d<\/p>\n

Intrigued, we probed further on what they consider a good day and bad day at work.<\/p>\n

Kelvin elaborated that a good day involves brainstorming and seeing ideas coming to life while a bad day is when expectations are not met.<\/p>\n

Chantelle put it in simple words: A good day = good sales. A bad day = bad sales.<\/p>\n

It is obvious that the team of two has a synergy between them that works like a charm!<\/p>\n

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Their 5-year plan includes:<\/p>\n