Millennial Fishmonger Speaks Many Languages, Has A Tourism Management Degree | On The Red Dot

Key Concepts

• Fishmongering as a profession
• Customer relationships and service
• Social perceptions of manual labor
• Challenges in the seafood market
• Transition from corporate to family business
• Impact of COVID-19 on essential services
• Salary uncertainty in the fishmongering business
• Leveraging social media for sales (TikTok live streams)
• Sense of accomplishment and pride in the work
• Building a brand from a family business

Transition from Corporate to Fishmongering

The speaker, who holds a degree in Tourism Management, initially worked in the government sector in procurement. Seeking overseas opportunities, they then took a role in the food business in the Philippines as a regional manager overseeing operations with a team of 20 people. This role was enjoyed but had to be left due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Entry into the Family Business

With the business in the Philippines closing due to COVID-19 and the speaker being stuck in Singapore, job applications and interviews were impossible due to lockdowns. Their father's fishmongering business, deemed an essential service, was still operating and needed workers. The speaker stepped in, initially viewing it as a temporary job, but the worsening COVID situation and the business's continued operation led them to stay. This decision was met with initial hesitation from their mother, who questioned the value of their education for such work, but she ultimately supported their decision to help.

Challenges and Realities of Fishmongering

Daily Operations and Workload

The fishmongering business requires a significant commitment, with the speaker driving 45 minutes to the fishery six days a week for at least three to four years. The work is demanding, often exceeding 14-15 hours a day, which is longer than their previous corporate job. The first task upon arrival is checking with suppliers for available fish, and a challenging aspect is finding the desired fish, which can be a "headache" if supplies are scarce.

Technical Skills and Learning Curve

Fishmongering involves specific techniques for handling different types of fish. Basic skills include scaling, which requires facing the fish correctly for the scales to come off easily. More advanced skills like cutting and filleting require "many more years of experience." The speaker rates their current skill level at "six or seven out of 10," acknowledging they are still learning.

Market Competition and Customer Service

The market is highly competitive with numerous seafood stores. To stand out, a fishmonger needs to focus on service, trust, and quality. Understanding the customer is crucial, and the speaker enjoys building relationships with them.

Social Perceptions and Personal Doubts

Despite the dedication, the profession faces social stigma. Customers sometimes express surprise, asking why someone with a degree would do "dirty work." This can lead to feelings of frustration, demoralization, and self-doubt about choosing the right path.

Financial Aspects and Salary Uncertainty

The salary in fishmongering is directly dependent on customer volume and sales on any given day. Fewer customers or orders directly impact earnings. The speaker notes a significant difference, with their current salary being "half of the previous salary." Salary uncertainty is identified as "one of the biggest issues."

Building Relationships and Finding Fulfillment

The speaker describes their store as "multi-racial" due to serving a diverse customer base, with a significant portion being the Filipino community, with whom they can communicate in their language, having picked it up during their previous work in the Philippines.

Despite the challenges, the speaker finds a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. They highlight the "Kong spirit" – a sense of community and mutual support – which they find lacking in the corporate world. Customers express their reliance on the speaker, with some stating they only know how to buy from them and hoping they will take over the business if their father retires.

Embracing Technology and Future Aspirations

To adapt and increase sales, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, the business introduced live streams on TikTok to sell fish. This initiative has been significantly helpful, contributing "about 20% of the sales itself" and sometimes even performing better than in-person sales, particularly on rainy days when people are less inclined to go out.

The speaker is focused on making the business more sustainable and is taking "a step at a time." They are motivated by the desire to continue their honest work, make it meaningful, and potentially build the family business into a recognized brand. They feel a strong connection to the work and a desire to continue what they are doing.

Conclusion

The video chronicles a personal journey from a corporate career to taking over a family fishmongering business, driven by circumstances and a growing appreciation for the profession. It highlights the demanding nature of the work, the technical skills involved, the competitive market, and the persistent social stigma. However, it also emphasizes the profound satisfaction derived from customer relationships, the unique community spirit, and the successful integration of modern sales techniques like TikTok live streams. The speaker's commitment to their honest work and their aspiration to elevate the family business into a brand underscore a deep sense of purpose and pride.