A vision turned into reality: Meet Allstar Keziah (Keis), Regional Social Media Lead at AirAsia MOVE. She answers brewing questions in the Hot Seat about what it takes to be an entrepreneur while running our social feed.

1. Lead the way Keis - three fun facts about you, go!

• I’d describe myself as an ambivert — leaning towards introversion lately. Nowadays, I prefer some time alone, just spending time with my pets, family and friends.

• I'm particularly drawn to specialty coffee, emphasising the intricacies of coffee beans and the unique brewing process.

• I currently own a coffee shop and we’ve actually just opened up our second branch!

2. How did your love for coffee begin, and what motivated you to turn it into a business?

Like many, I’ve had the fleeting dream of owning my very own coffee shop. One night while catching up with a former colleague, our usual chit-chat turned into the idea of opening a coffee shop. I just knew I had to do something about it and saw it as a great opportunity. Well, one thing led to another; my first venture took shape in Pampanga, the Philippines.

I guess the passion grew even bigger when I enrolled in a two-month coffee class. I spent full days completely immersed in learning the intricacies of coffee beans, brewing techniques and the unique characteristics that define each type of coffee.

So, you could say that it wasn't a passion that turned into a business — it was the other way around. My business led me into a passion for coffee.

3. How’s the journey been so far?

It’s definitely been challenging and tiring, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every effort put into planning and making the venture work was worth it. I grew alongside the business too. I’d say that the experience has been filled with new learnings and so much personal growth.

I mean, it all started with a dinner-table conversation and then the next thing I knew, I was hiring staff, ensuring we had the right ingredients and overseeing the ongoing construction of our physical store.

It was the starting point of an unforgettable journey. The challenges only added to the sense of accomplishment because we’ve come such a long way.

4. As a Social Media Manager, how do you manage your time effectively to run a coffee business?

Balancing the demands of being a Social Media Manager while running a coffee business has been a unique challenge — one that I've embraced and learned from.

Effectively managing my time involves being physically available for my team, ready to guide and address any questions they may have. Delegating tasks has proven to be the most efficient way to navigate the demands of both roles.

I also find that my workflow and time management have been both seamless and effective through my habit of meticulous note-taking.

5. Do you think being a Social Media Manager has helped you as an entrepreneur?

Absolutely! My role as a Social Media Manager has played such a big role and enriched my approach as an entrepreneur. One key skill that seamlessly translates is the art of effective marketing.

In business, a substantial portion — around 80%-90% — revolves around marketing. Having this role has played a huge part in honing my marketing skills. I’ve learned the nuances of crafting compelling narratives and engaging content that resonate with diverse audiences. I’m grateful that my experience has not only equipped me with the know-how to effectively market products but has also broadened my network.

6. What was the most challenging moment in your entrepreneurial journey?

It can get especially challenging balancing a full-time job that requires extensive travel and managing both my mental and physical health. I think the most significant hurdle when running a business is the unpredictability of high and low seasons. It goes without saying, there’ll be phases where profits soar, followed by months where the numbers may be less favourable.

I recall one particular incident during a low season when one of our staff had been stealing from us. It was emotionally difficult to process the entire situation, as it was such a breach of trust considering the amount of time and investment we had dedicated to this individual.

After the incident, I believe managing various responsibilities can be overwhelming, but being resilient in the face of adversity comes in handy. I guess it’s all about acknowledging the challenge and learning from it.

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7. What’s something you can’t go about your day without?

I cannot recommend this enough; I’ve so much love for journaling – it’s a habitual part of my morning routine. I've learned to acknowledge and process my emotions, giving myself a designated timeframe to feel and reflect.

The first thing I do when I wake up is record my thoughts in my various journaling apps. It helps me to stay focused and declutter my mind. I also have a gratitude journal, financial journal and many more. I guess it acts as a humbling reminder, bringing me back to why I started. It's a nice way to see my progress and how far I’ve come.

8. Do you have any words for women looking to venture into entrepreneurship?

To my fellow women out there, it’s simple: sometimes, you don't need to overthink it — just go for it. Needless to say, there’ll always be questions and uncertainties, but remember, don't be afraid. If you've been contemplating the idea of starting a business, I say to take that leap!

Take it as a learning curve. During the journey, there’ll be moments when you might feel like giving up or succumbing to laziness. In those times, remind yourself that you're doing it for you, not for others.

Regardless of the business' size or the outcomes it yields — whether it becomes a resounding success or faces challenges — you'll always have valuable lessons to carry forward. Both in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, every step is an opportunity to learn and grow.

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