#HumansOfFyreflyz (ft. Nick) – Alumni Edition

This round of HOFF Alumni Edition brings us Nick, who was with us from February 2013 to June 2015.

Nick imparts invaluable lessons that he has learnt in Fyreflyz, shares what goes on behind-the-scenes in our office, the trials and tribulations of being an entrepreneur.

1. Share with us how you came to join Fyreflyz then! Was this your first full-time job?

I joined Fyreflyz as a part-timer. I was holding a part-time admin and accounts position. Subsequently, Lao Da (老大, also known as the leader of a group) offered me a full-time position with the company and I decided to come onboard!

2. We heard that you left Fyreflyz to be an entrepreneur. What made you realise that you wanted to be in the tailoring industry? What are some difficulties you face being an entrepreneur?

Actually, I fancy nice suits for menswear. Thus, I decided to embark on this journey into the tailoring industry. Being an entrepreneur taught me that the journey to a small start-up can be pretty tough – you will need to learn how to manage your costs (Profit & Loss), manage the hiring for team members and manage customers’ expectations for their apparels, to name a few. Currently, I am focusing on tailored menswear apparel like shirts/pants, jackets and vests.

Editor’s note: Click here to check out Esquire Atelier’s website and Facebook page!

3. Did being in Fyreflyz change your perspective of the working environment, or helped you in your current career? How so?

Yes, being in Fyreflyz definitely changed my perspective of the working environment. Lao Da has always given me very important advice when it comes to sales. I remember when she trained me to give strong sales pitches in order to get customers for our (Fyreflyz) business. She taught me to have a never-say-die mentality and attitude and to always keep going, even with tough times ahead.

… have a never-say-die mentality and attitude and to always keep going…

via GIPHY

4. What advice would you give to the younger generation who will work in Fyreflyz? Can you share your most important lesson that you learnt in Fyreflyz?

My advice would be to enjoy the culture and embrace what comes along. Take it as an experience for learning and growth, because you will be able to face other challenges in the future, be it in your work or personal life.

Here are some of the most important lessons that I have learnt during my time in Fyreflyz:

Teamwork: a small but strong-bonded team can really move mountains.
Trust your team: have trust between each other to believe we can do it.
Acceptance: learn to embrace each member’s flaws and their assets.
Communication: do share if you face any issues, be it personal or work-related, because our boss will give you advice to guide you along. I have never forgotten her advice for me. Still my first Lao Da!

My advice would be to enjoy the culture and embrace what comes along.

5. What do you miss most about your time in Fyreflyz?

Two things:

Chicken Rice
Sleeping on the sofa in the pantry

Editor note: We used to have a sofa in the pantry in our old office at Jalan Sultan. We moved in 2018 to Aliwal Street, a 3-min walk from the old office. During crunch time/busy periods, we take short naps in between long work days to maximise mental efficiency. 😛

6. What was the most memorable thing you did or experienced in Fyreflyz?

Rushing for SASA project…. Wait for Azimah until morning 6am.. Go back shower then deliver the CD to Orchard ION in the morning!!!!!!!!!!

Editor Note: We did not add the additional dot-dot-dots… or the exclamation marks…

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