Meet the Expat

INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE MAK, DECOR REPUBLIC

Design, Decor and Determined Dedication

“This has been a really weird year. Nobody wanted this to happen, but this period has actually given me an opportunity to get closer to my dream.” – Jamie Mak

Jamie Mak was born and raised in Hong Kong. After studying stage design and graduating from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, she worked as a gallery assistant, with responsibility managing the gallery and hosting events. From an early age, she had developed a keen interest in interior design, and this led her to take courses in design software. A year later, she found her first interior designer job in a small firm in Hong Kong. Now based in Lombok, Jamie is determined to take what has been a passionate hobby and transform it into a successful business venture.

When did you first become interested in interior design?

I’ve been interested and involved since I was about 6 years old. My dad was an engineer and a construction worker, and we always refreshed our home together, by rearranging the layout and even creating new furniture, as he has carpentry skills, too. We would also try new wall paints and decorations, and I was the one who took charge of the visual 'quality controls', in terms of how my parent’s home looked.

To be honest, I had never thought about starting my own business before, but this pandemic gave me an opportunity to learn more design skills and about how to run a business, so I gave a lot more thought to starting one.

Have you been inspired or influenced by anyone in particular?

My parents inspired me a lot, and encouraged me to be a creative person. They took me to art fairs and galleries, and sent me to art workshops all the time while I was growing up. They also provided the space and the materials for me to be creative. My home was my canvas. I was allowed to paint or draw everywhere in the house and was always given art supplies as presents. My dad would make my imagination come to life, and I had so much encouragement to create new ideas. It made me an unrealistic dreamer, in a way, but now I know more about the technical aspects as well, so I can actually turn something possible into something real.

And now you’re considering turning your hobby into your own business?

Yes. Last year, I quit my job and moved to Lombok with my partner. When I first arrived I was a bit confused, and everything around me was so new and unfamiliar, I was wondering what I should do next.

Obviously, I loved interior design, and I wanted to keep my career continuing in that direction. First, I gathered together all my previous work and created my online portfolio. Not long after that, people started to ask me, online, about my services. That's when I began to think an online business would be a good idea.

Have you made some progress? Tell us about the steps you had to take.

I am still a newbie in business. In the beginning, I totally had no idea where to start, so I kept searching online and set up my first website. I spent a lot of time on social media engagement, and finally people started to reach out to me.

Then I started to take the business aspect more seriously. I attended some business trainings and found my first business mentor. The business world is so much bigger than I thought. And it’s so much fun, but maybe that's because I'm just starting out.

Right now, I am building a foundation. I just need to keep improving and stay consistent. Things are getting more exciting every day!

After doing a few projects online, I have more confidence in accepting more challenging projects and communicating better with clients. In the last six months, I have had new opportunities and projects so I have decided to keep going.

For now, I offer an online service. For projects in Hong Kong, I have a contractor partner so I can offer a full design service, from design consultation to construction, until the day of the handover. Because I am in Lombok now, I can visit sites and have meetings in person, around here and in Bali.

What have been the obstacles or challenges you’ve faced?

Everything. actually! Starting a business is definitely not easy. At the moment, I think the hardest part is focusing on doing one thing at a time. There are so many things to do, I always want to finish them all, but I know I’m not the kind of person who can try to manage multi-tasking. I’m getting so much better now I have my daily, weekly and monthly plans scheduled – and I have help from my virtual assistant.

Another challenge is getting people to trust you and buy your services. It’s not easy at all – especially as I’m doing virtual business. Clarity and transparency are very important. If you want to gain people’s trust, you have to show them your values first; that’s what I am doing every day.

Meeting deadlines and chasing furniture manufacturers during this pandemic period is a major challenge, too. In many cases, production is delayed, and they have to postpone the handover dates. I’m so grateful to have very understanding clients.

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of starting up a business?

I enjoy every part of it. The most enjoyable aspect is communication with new people who are doing the same things as I am, or who are interested in what I am doing. Some conversations really surprise me, and a lot of them inspire me.

What’s your most popular service?

Most of my clients from Hong Kong prefer the full design service. When I first started, I never thought I could actually offer a full design package if I were not actually in Hong Kong but, thanks to technology, my experience, and my connections with the people in this industry, I am confident I can handle the whole design project – another thing that surprised me.

Tell us about your typical day at work.

Usually I set my alarm for 8am, and then I check my phone and plan my to-do list for the day. Some mornings, I spend a few moments with my dog and make my coffee before starting the day. I love to reply to messages first, and then start my work according to my list. In the evening, after dinner, I will just jump back into bed to enjoy my Netflix time. Not an exciting life but happy and enjoyable.

What is your advice about good customer service?

I think the most important thing is take note of everything customers say to you. Listen to any problems they have and work out the best solutions for them. Clients will hire you because they want you to solve their problems, and if they can erase their concerns, they will be very happy to work with you.

Can you tell us something about your Torok Villa project in Lombok?

This is a luxury villa, surrounded by greenery and with an ocean view. That was my inspiration. I would like to bring nature in and connect it with modern luxury, to create a peaceful mood and a sense of comfort.

We are trying to do it phase by phase; we started with the kitchen and then the rest will follow. We are still in the process of searching for furniture, but soon it will be a beautiful and luxurious holiday villa. I will let you know when it’s done!

What has been your proudest moment?

The proudest moment was when I earned the trust of clients I had never even met. We just had a phone call and they said ‘Yes!’ I think it was because I said what I meant; they could feel confident, so they were willing to accept my offer.

Are you planning to expand your business later, or move in a different direction?

Yes. After I created my first e-workbook, Your Home Your Way, which showed people how to decorate their homes step by step, I realised I quite liked to educate people. There are many people who are interested in interior design and want to be part of it but have no idea where to start. I am thinking about creating an online course about how to become an interior designer. This will definitely not be an easy task for me, but I’m gathering more information now and working on it.

What is your dream for the future?

My dream is to live in a house that I have designed. It will have a huge glass window in the kitchen, so I can see my dogs playing around at the beach, and a balcony where I can sit and listen to the sea and watch the stars at night with my loved one. Kinda dreamy, but I am a dreamer. We’ll see….

What would you say were the most important skills in building a successful business?

I can’t say I have a successful business yet, but I think to build a healthy business, the most important skills are communication, time management and having the right mindset. If you are not willing to take advice from other people, if you are not organized, and if you are negative, you cannot do business – at least you won’t enjoy it.

Which of your skills have you found most valuable as you developed your business?

I think my creativity and my curiosity. Creativity gave me the idea for this business and curiosity made me continue, and keep learning. It’s also about the mindset I was talking about. I get rejections all the time but I don’t feel upset, because I understand it’s normal when doing business. I cannot let emotion affect my motivation to move forward.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

If I have more time, I will do my painting. I love to draw animals or interior design sketches.

Any ‘secrets of success’ you would like to share with other people who are starting up a business?

I’m just starting, so I need advice as well, but so far I think the secret is to set daily and weekly goals, reach as many people as you can, then follow up with them. You need to build your audience first.

What’s the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Be consistent! No matter if you face rejections or ignorance, keep doing what you are doing. One day, people will know your value.

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