Pearlin Siow is a published author, ghost writer, yogi and amateur boxer. As the founder of Boss Of Me, a boutique publishing agency, she speaks of the journey she went through to face her fears and push through with her vision to get to where she is now.
Tell us a little more about what you do.
I’m a published author and “book mama” at Boss Of Me, a boutique publishing agency where I help clients ranging from billionaires to stay-at-home mums fulfill their dreams of having a book.
How long had the idea been brewing before you started Boss Of Me? What made you finally start the business?
I didn’t really set out to create a boutique book publishing business. My business grew very organically, and it was largely due to the demands of my clients (which is what I love about it!).
Backstory: After writing my trilogy of books (Boss Of Me, Sleep & Get Rich and Secrets Of Asia’s Most Successful Internet Gurus), one of the entrepreneurs from the last book approached me to write his biography. He then referred his mentor to me and before I knew it, I was getting a steady flow of clients who wanted to write books.
Then my clients asked if I could help them self-publish and that’s when I started the production side of Boss Of Me — working with designers, printers and book distributors for my clients who wish to self-publish.
How can you tell when a project is worth doing?
When I get goose pimples!
You say that “writing is a path where we delve and become intimate with ourselves”. What are some lessons learned from this journey you’ve been on?
In the beginning, I wasn’t even sure that this could support me, much less be a business. After all, how many books can one write, and is there even a market for this? It took me about six months to face my fears and push through with my vision. Unwavering certainty in myself worked, and I have been working on eight books a year consistently for the last four years!
Also, learn to let go. It doesn’t mean doing shoddy work, but freeing yourself up to do what you’re strong at and finding people who are better than you at things that are holding you back from achieving your long-term goals. That was the best thing I did for my business.
What motivates and inspires you every day?
Tim Ferriss, my favourite author, says that the best jobs are the ones that you created for yourself — this couldn’t ring more true for me. I’ve never admired celebrities, instead I seek out entrepreneurs and devour their rags-to-riches stories, struggles and achievements like a star-struck fan. This is my dream job and my network is now worth billions.
#ChangeBeyondTextiles is…
The way forward. I believe that we should all do our part to make the world a better place, be it with a pair of pants resulting in a sustainable clothing business or going vegan. Start small and see where it takes you!
What is one thing you stand for and believe in, and why?
I’m against cruelty to all living things and have a soft spot for cats and dogs because I love them to bits. In my spare time, I help out at Hope Dogs, writing for their social media and spending time with their rescues.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who lived her best life and made everyone feel good about themselves 🙂
There’s a lot of people who have a great ambition to go after their dreams but don’t know how and where to start. What would be your advice for someone with those questions?
Don’t follow your passion. Instead, find a skill that people will pay you good money for. You don’t even have to like it, just be the best in the industry. Hone your specialised skill and over time, it will bring opportunities and work that will allow you to pursue your passion.
We are inspired by Pearlin’s unwavering certainty and are proud to have her as Fieldtesters, a group of inspiring individuals that test MATTER products in their everyday journeys of passion, to help us improve durability and design. Pearlin is wearing the Cross-Back Top + Charcoal and Side Lunghi + Kirana in Size 1, the Pyramid Top + IChing Jade Pearl in Size 2, and the Classic Wideleg + IChing Jade Pearl in Size 1.
Grounded on the kinship of this philosophy, we collaborated with MISCHA, a travel brand known for their timeless bags with an iconic kame design that pays tribute to its Japanese inspiration from the sea tortoise shell. Together with MISCHA, we’ll be giving away two curated outfits – with accessories included. Enter below from now until April 9th to stand a chance to win.