Singaporean actress Jeanette Aw, renowned for her stellar performances in acclaimed dramas like ‘The Little Nyonya,’ has not only left an indelible mark in the world of entertainment but has also made significant strides in entrepreneurship.
In 2021, she ventured into the realm of baking and patisserie, unveiling her own brand, Once Upon a Time. Recently, this budding venture achieved a remarkable milestone as it made its debut with a pop-up booth at a chocolate fair in Japan, capturing the hearts of chocolate enthusiasts and creating a buzz that reverberated far beyond expectations.
The Sweet Success in Japan
Jeanette Aw’s Once Upon A Time made a grand entrance into the Japanese market at the JR Nagoya Takashimaya department store, participating in a 28-day chocolate fair named Amour du Chocolat.
This event, billed as the largest Valentine’s Day chocolate extravaganza in Japan, serves as a melting pot for brands from across the globe, drawing attention not only from chocolate connoisseurs but also from those eager to explore unique and delightful offerings.
A video shared by Jeanette on Instagram showcased the fervor surrounding Once Upon A Time. Shoppers formed long lines, eagerly anticipating their turn to experience the magic of Jeanette’s patisserie.
The enthusiastic response translated into a sold-out status on the very first day, a testament to the brand’s irresistible allure.
Source: @jeanetteaw on Instagram
A Humbling Experience for Jeanette
Jeanette Aw, ever the diligent entrepreneur, expressed her gratitude in an Instagram caption, deeming the entire experience as “humbling.”
The emotional resonance was palpable as she shared her journey from conceptualizing the brand to facing the challenges along the way.
The ‘Sold Out’ sign on the inaugural day was not just a business triumph but a personally significant moment for Jeanette, evoking a sense of accomplishment and, as she admitted, even a touch of emotion, as she shed a tear when asked about how she felt on the first day of her pop-up booth.
Source: @bao_peektures on Instagram
Onward to Osaka: Ready for the Next Chapter
Undeterred by success, Jeanette embarked on the next leg of her chocolate journey, traveling to Osaka for the continuation of her pop-up booth.
In a post shared on 19 Jan, she declared herself “ready for Osaka” and revealed the location on the ninth floor of Hankyu Umeda, setting the stage for another round of sweet offerings and delighted customers.
Following Osaka, Jeanette’s final stop will be at Seibu, a department store in Tokyo. This marks the pinnacle of a two-year endeavor, a journey filled with determination and hard work.
The challenges encountered along the way, as mentioned in an Instagram Story, underscore the significance of launching in Nagoya and the subsequent triumphant response.
