Fashion Insider: Paul Khor

Owner of ACTUALLY, ActuallyActually and Very Wooonderland, Paul Khor has added another project to his impressive portfolio last year: founder of independent magazine ActuallyMAG. The retail entrepreneur has been keeping himself very busy indeed. By bringing in cool and highly covetable international brands like Jeffrey Campbell, Wear and Tear and S2VS, ACTUALLY has became the go-to store for discerning local fashionistas. We picked his brain over a short chat, where he dished out advice for aspiring boutique owners.

Has it always been your dream to start a store like ACTUALLY?

It was more of a calling to start a store like ACTUALLY in 2005. After almost 15 years in the corporate world, I have decided to try something on my own. The concept of Actually did not come from thin air, but through 2 years of research.

How do you choose the brands that are stocked at ACTUALLY?

We select brands and products that match with the theme of each shop. It is a balance between what we think customers like and what we think will be trendy.

You just opened an ACTUALLY store in Kuala Lumpur. Are there upcoming plans of further expansion in the region?

You never know!

What is your most memorable experience since opening the store?

There have been many memorable experiences. In the past 6 years, we have always tried new things, and new things are always challenging and memorable to me.

What are some of the struggles you have experienced?

Like any small retail business in Singapore, we faced many challenges.

Do you have any advice to aspiring multi-label boutique owners? What do you think are the key factors someone should possess before starting a boutique like yours?

Stay true to your self. Be original, be creative, and have fun. Its all about passion, passion and passion!

You started AcutallyMAG in 2011. What are your future plans for the magazine?

The goal of ActuallyMAG when we started it in January 2011 was to share stories with our customers. I am very happy that the response has been very good and it is very encouraging. We have also decided to go independent as stand-alone magazine. After one year of setting up the magazine, we hope to have more new contents and events.

What is your daily wardrobe like?

I am a pretty casual person. I wear what is comfortable to me.

Who are your favorite designers?

I like designers who are innovative.

Last question. Do you have any grand plans for ACTUALLY?

We are entering our 7th year in 2012 and there are so many things I want to do for Actually! Most importantly, we are launching our online shop this month!

Tweet