Lost and Founded Series – Eason Chan

Eason Chan, Founder of ALADY, a female-centric promotion and coupon marketplace, preaches finding a good co-founder who can really complement you. His choice partner in crime? His girlfriend and life partner, Audrey (as pictured).

People say you are "Eason Chan, Founder of ALADY". Who do you say you are?

Eason, a Founder, a Creator and a Dreamer who strives eagerly to mark his name in this market. At the same time, I also have my personal life which inspires me to be another Eason who is a responsible brother, obedient son, life-long lovable husband-to-be and a Manchester United fan.

I work with my team, pursue my dream and make an example for others.

Best moment in your startup life. It was so good you wanted to fly BusinessClass somewhere with someone, and pop open the most expensive bottle of champagne there.

Now, my business is very new, so, I believe there will be many best moments yet to come. But there were some cases we believed are good to remember, like when we got the first inquiry from a brand asking us about ALADY because there was a customer who called them and asked about their promotions. I treasure every moment when I commit a mistake, because I know I will learn something new.

What secret did you hide from your co-founder or partner or parent for the longest time? Why?

Luckily, my Life Partner is my Business Partner. Since we spend majority of our daily time together, there are literally no secrets between us. But we both know that there is some hidden desire inside us which is good for the company.

To my parents, well, I think every child in this world does hide something from their parents; it is just a matter of how big or small a secret it is, haha. I do hide some things from them to keep them worry-free but they always do find out eventually.

What secret did you hide from your co-founder or partner or parent for the longest time? Why?

Luckily, my Life Partner is my Business Partner. Since we spend majority of our daily time together, there are literally no secrets between us. But we both know that there is some hidden desire inside us which is good for the company.

To my parents, well, I think every child in this world does hide something from their parents; it is just a matter of how big or small a secret it is, haha. I do hide some things from them to keep them worry-free but they always do find out eventually.

What's the most eccentric thing about you? If VCs found out, they wouldn't have signed the term sheet then. But hell with that now.

Well, I have no idea. I think I am serious in business.

Have you ever cried? Or what was the lowest, crappiest moment in your start-up life. You wanted to give up everything. You wanted to kill someone. (During your startup career of course) Tell us more!

People cry or are discouraged when their aspirations don’t become a reality. For me, I measure my expectations so that will not make me cry or discourage me from my endeavors. Never cry and never give up! Everyday, I tell myself to move on and get better and better. I have made a lot of mistakes along the journey since when I was 18 years old when I first started my business. I founded a web design company during university. Then, my business partner left us; it was pretty unacceptable.

What are you up to today? What gets you up in the morning?

I wake up every morning with a passion to pursue my dream and get better everyday; my unfinished work keeps me on my toes. 2015 has been a tough year for us because we have been doing transitions. Next year will be our flourishing year. We recognize that the beauty industry lacks an ecosystem creator, we aim to be one of the key players in the beauty industry in this region.

How do you keep yourself physically and mentally fit for start-up life?

I am lucky to have my partner Audrey who takes care of my diet. I exercise at least 3 times a week. And some credit goes to my competitors to make me mentally fit - hopefully this line explains the whole thing, hahahaha.

Offer a life hack (or two) to a young founder

Well, to me, I still have a lot more to learn before I can really offer a life hack to a young founder. But for first time entrepreneurs, here’s some advice:

-Do more research about your competitor.

-Identify customers who will pay for your service.

-Try to equip yourself to find the product-market fit.

-Get a good co-founder who really can complement you.

-Start lean.

-Read Zero to One - by Peter Thiel

Movie or song that best describes you.

I like every movie produced by Pixar, each of them has a very strong storyline. Just like how I do my business, there is a story and mission behind it.

Favourite quote.

Do what you love and the rest will come.

Mistakes make you strong.

Who and what inspires you?

My parents and Elon Musk.

Tell me about Eason Chan in 2030.

A successful businessman who also helps young zealous entrepreneurs to inspire and launch their companies. To launch a foundation with my partner Audrey. A good husband with 2 kids (a boy and a girl). Have my parents travel the world. And prepare for 2050 to conquer more challenges to reach successes.