Our “I Am Her” series features the female movers and shakers of the industry to learn how femininity and power coincide beautifully and seamlessly together.
Ever come across a person who felt like sunshine? These individuals aren’t afraid to ignite their inner spark. They radiate confidence and inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. Well, WeBarre’s co-founder Linda Tang is undisputedly one of them.
In short, Linda GLOWS. Maybe it’s due to the endorphins that she gets after teaching an intense, yet super satisfying Barre class. Or perhaps, it’s a result of her relaxing beauty routine (she tells us more below). Either way, Linda’s positive, infectious energy motivates you to try a little harder — because she believes you owe it to yourself to feel the best you can be.
WeBarre’s co-founder Linda Tang with her pups, Handa and Mei Mei.
Prior to founding the Singapore-based boutique studio WeBarre with her business partner Anabel Chew, Linda had worked in brand management at leading FMCG companies such as P&G and Unilever — and she loved every minute of it. However, she was also heavily inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and soon decided to take a risk and establish her own business, WeBarre.
Read on as Linda pours her heart out to us and tells us more about how community and empowerment are at the core of WeBarre’s philosophy, the business of being humble, and why living your most authentic self is the key to happiness.
Fill in the blank (be as creative as you like): I am a mother, a fitness entrepreneur and .
"... beneath all the labels, I am simply, authentically and unapologetically, me.”
Prior to founding WeBarre, you were managing global brands and working in a competitive environment. What spurred you to make the switch and pursue your own business venture?
“I was working in brand management for FMCG companies like P&G and Unilever and I absolutely loved what I did! My dad is entrepreneurial and from young, he had always influenced me to want to hustle it out on my own one day. I didn't know how, but the stars somehow aligned.
Linda left her corporate job and established WeBarre.
One day, I left my corporate life and took a massive risk to start my own gig. I'd like to think that it was the perfect timing with the perfect idea that I felt that pull towards — I always live life with no regrets and knew I had to give it a proper shot!”
You spoke about your business mantra of “underestimating yourselves and overestimating your competitors". Please tell us more about that.
“I'm a huge believer in being humble. There's no end point in life really — it's always a journey and we can always do better. I believe that this is a key trait in life to guide you to always reflect and always improve. There are so many inspiring businesses that do amazing things. There is so much to learn as long as we're willing to.
When you underestimate yourself, you can create contingency plans and cover all your bases. You don't let your ego affect your blind spots — or try not to anyway!”
Your relationship with your fellow co-founder Anabel began in quite an interesting manner — you started out as business partners before becoming “friends” and later on, trusted confidantes and even each other’s “work husbands”. What has this experience taught you?
“I love that Anabel and I started with professionalism and respect for one another (and still have of course!). We were pulled towards each other because we admired the other person's drive, ideas and passion for the industry. We are two very different people and I believe that’s our collective strength.
WeBarre co-founders Anabel Chew and Linda Tang.
We see each other's blind spots and we show up for each other. The one thing that binds us so strongly is our hustle mentality and how we can always get. things. done. We also both believe in the brand's purpose and values and see the positive impact it makes in our entire community — something that’s powerful and meaningful. Of course, we have our disagreements but what I’ve learnt is to pick our battles; to really listen and empathise, and to support each other in life, not just in our business!”
Community and empowerment are at the core of WeBarre’s philosophy. Why is this important to you?
“All we want, as human beings, is to be seen, appreciated and loved for who we are. This can be in the form of a big gesture or a collective of little things that cheer you on and support you in your journey. When people come to WeBarre, they always tell me that it’s their ‘happy place'. It’s where they come to feel good, to be lifted up and to walk out with their endorphins pumping and confidence elevated.
”We all need more cheerleaders in our life who tell us that we can do what we want, especially in those moments when we don't truly believe in it ourselves,” shares Linda.
Empowerment can be so damn powerful. We all need more cheerleaders in our life who tell us that we can do what we want, especially in those moments when we don't truly believe in it ourselves. That is the magic of WeBarre and the difference we make with our community and the reason why I feel so fulfilled doing what I do, every single day.”
Balancing a business, motherhood, a social life and more: What’s your favourite way to decompress after a stressful day?
“Netflix and skincare, at the same time! Haha! I like to take my laptop into the bathroom, close the door, put on a trashy show that doesn't require me to think and pop on a mask, do some guasha or just moisturise my skin from head to toe. It is mama's alone time and it makes me feel like I prioritised a little bit of my day for me and only me and it puts me right in the mood for bed!”
What’s one thing you hope everyone leaves with after attending a session with WeBarre?
“A smile and a boost of confidence. Because they just kicked butt in a tough Barre class. A class that burns and challenges your resilience. But you showed up, you conquered and you did something really amazing for your mind, body and soul. So celebrate that, and walk out feeling good, nourished and ready to slay the rest of your day!”
Linda with her daughter Ella. “Living my most beautiful life is about being completely present in every moment,” shares Linda.
What does living ’your most beautiful life’ mean to you?
“Simple. Living your most authentic life, whilst being completely present in every single moment. We're always chasing the next high, the next job, the next pay raise, but when is the last time you stopped to be grateful and content and just smelt the roses? We all need more of this!
I do feel like I am living my most beautiful life right now! It's not perfect; I’m not perfect but I've never felt more authentically me than at this stage in my life and that feels ah-mazing!”
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Feeling inspired? Read more empowering stories about women here.
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