Simonboy's wife embarks on first business venture, sets up helper agency

Plenty has been going on in the lives of content creator Simonboy (whose real name is Simon Khung) and his wife, Chloe Eong (also known as Simongirl). 

The couple tied the knot earlier in July and announced that they will be having a child in a few months' time. 

Now, they are celebrating Chloe's first business venture — a helper agency.

Simon announced the news in an Instagram Reel on Thursday (Dec 5). 

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/DDMO_zvB_VP/?hl=en[/embed]

The agency, which is called No.1 Helper Agency, is located at Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre. 

In the clip, Chloe shared that her company provides helpers from countries like the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and Northern India. 

"I will personally hand pick and filter out those with good employment records and hardworking mindsets," she said. 

Apart from promising low agency fees and quality service, Chloe shared that her business provides 24/7 customer service with regard to enquiries or existing issues related to their helpers. 

'This is a new industry for me' 

Speaking with AsiaOne, Chloe revealed that Simon was the one who had come across the opportunity for her to open a helper agency and had asked her to assist with the company's setup.

They started planning for the agency in January this year, and the business officially opened in September.

It took them around four months to understand the industry and to decide if it was a business worth investing in.

"At that time, I was still working full-time. The process of setting up the company was lengthy as I had to pass a required exam," she shared.

She studied and took the exam during her notice period in April and admitted that during this period, she was "uncertain" about her next steps.

"However, I recognised the seriousness of this industry and understood the importance of proper qualification. So, I chose to grab the opportunity and move forward with it."

Setting up the company involved developing standard operating procedures (SOP) on job training, securing office space and the renovations.

While setting up her first business venture is a significant, Chloe said she has not had time to process her feelings until now.

"To me, it feels like a job where I'm responsible for everything, yet at the same time, I don't feel fully accountable for anything yet," she explained.

"This may be because I don't have a staff to manage, which gives me some freedom and flexibility in setting up the SOPs. However, my goal is to get the company on track within the next three years."

She also shared that running a business on her own has been a "challenge".

"I used to work for others in a different industry. This is a new industry for me, which involves dealing with people who need to live with a family from different backgrounds and cultures," she said.

"There are often communication issues, conflicts, and differing expectations, so we have to manage their emotions and keep people motivated and engaged."

Other struggles include decision-making, time management and maintaining work-life balance.

Managing pregnancy and work

And through all this, Chloe has to take care of herself during her pregnancy.

"Especially during my first trimester, my body went through significant changes. There were many things I wanted to speed up, but physically and mentally, I couldn't keep up," she said.

Nonetheless, she is determined to make this work.

"I understand that balancing the responsibilities of running a company and caring for a newborn will be a big challenge, but I already have a plan to ensure a smooth transition," she said told us.

After giving birth, Chloe plans on working remotely on the business to support its backend processes.

She also is working with her sister and setting up systems to allow the company to run smoothly even when she goes on maternity leave.

Prior to No.1 Helper Agency, Chloe set up a business with Simon in 2022 called Chance, which sells apparels. 

Simon himself is an entrepreneur. 

Back in 2023, he co-founded a funeral parlour, 24 Filial Funeral Services.

In June this year, he also opened a chicken rice stall called Singabola Chicken Rice with local actor Peter Yu. 

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melissateo@asiaone.com