Me & My Money: She started a pet grooming business while juggling a day job

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SINGAPORE – Consultant Michelle Lim always had a plan to leave her 9-5 job one day so she could focus on being a mother and balance that with a business of her own.

“I was determined to build a level of financial stability and freedom before that transition (of becoming a mother), ensuring I had the security to eventually move away from a traditional full-time role to do something more meaningful,” said Ms Lim, 39, who has 15 years of experience in public relations.

The turning point came when she adopted a chihuahua in the final years of the dog’s life.

Having spent eight years as a “breeding dog”, the dog, whom she called Lyla, could not walk on a leash, run in the park, or trust a human touch.

Lyla was also particularly sensitive when she saw a leash or a cage, as it reminded her of her years in captivity and forced breeding, said Ms Lim, adding that it took a full year for her to rehabilitate the animal so she could experience life as a pet.

While looking for a pet grooming salon for Lyla, Ms Lim realised that traditional, high-volume grooming salons were impossible for a dog that had suffered such trauma, as most salons use cages or other types of enclosures so that they can take in higher volumes of pets at one go.

She then teamed up with a childhood friend, Ms Lynn Ng, 37, and co-founded Fursclass Pet Grooming Salon in 2020.

Ms Lim now juggles the business with her career, where she has transitioned to a consulting role.

She said she spent eight years researching the pet industry before deciding to launch the first Fursclass salon in Owen Road in the Little India area with Ms Ng.

“It was a strategic time to introduce our ethical grooming concept as pet ownership was surging,” said Ms Lim.

Fursclass Pet Grooming Salon, which now has a second outlet in Kembangan, provides open playtime for pets after the grooming session.

“We are entirely cageless and enclosure-free,” said Ms Lim.

“Fursclass also doesn’t take in 10 to 15 pets at one time like most salons. More pets at any time means more profit. We keep it to a maximum of three or four pets at one go, and we also help traumatised pets by making special appointment slots for them such that there aren’t other pets around,” she said.

Ms Lim graduated with a master’s in mass communications from Nanyang Technological University.

She is married, has two daughters aged five and three, and lives in a condominium in East Coast.

Q: Do you invest in anything?

Business capital (Fursclass): My most rewarding investment. It is an asset I have direct control over and it reflects my personal values.

US stocks: These provided the growth phase of my portfolio during my late 20s and 30s.

Bonds and structured investments: My current focus for consistent dividend income and long-term risk management.

Today, my portfolio has matured; I focus on bonds and structured investments that pay a dividend. This provides the passive stability I planned for years ago, allowing me to be fully present as a mother while growing my business.

Q: What’s your biggest or most valuable asset right now?

My home, my structured investments, and the brand equity of Fursclass.

Q: What’s your approach when it comes to growing your money?

Always start with saving before you look into growing. The more savings you have, the more portfolios you can consider at once, which ensures you spread your risks while learning which investment style best suits your temperament.

Q: Do you invest in any tangible assets like art, crystals or collectibles?

I don’t, as I am a minimalist. I prefer my capital to be productive or liquid rather than tied up in physical collectibles.

Q: What was your first investment?

It was in silver, when I was 25 years old.

Q: What has been your biggest financial mistake?

During my early working years, I was intrigued by fashion and spent a lot on clothes and shoes. Relative to my income then, these were expensive. In hindsight, I should have redirected that money into my investment capital earlier.

Q: What has been your best financial decision?

The decision to prioritise disciplined saving. By my 30s, I realised fast fashion no longer mattered; it is how we live our lives and spend our time that counts. Redirecting those savings into property, stocks, bonds, and founding my own business was the catalyst for my current financial foundation.

Q: What was your childhood dream?

To be a diplomat.

Q: Did you do any part-time jobs?

I worked part-time from when I was 16. I interned at most of the major banks in Singapore, such as DBS, OCBC, Standard Chartered, Maybank and UOB.

Q: What were your money habits like when you were younger?

I was naturally entrepreneurial and started selling things at 14. When Birkenstocks were popular in the 1990s, I bought similar-looking sandals, hand-painted them, and sold them on LiveJournal for $20 (the cost was $8). They sold out in weeks! I also sold bedsheets at pasar malams at a stall my aunt set up. I’ve always been fascinated by the mechanics of business.

Q: What was your most memorable encounter with money?

When I was in university and no longer had an allowance. I had to pay for everything myself, from tuition to necessities like shampoo. That was when I truly learnt how to plan my earnings versus my spending.

Q: Where’s home for you?

I live in a 10-year-old freehold condominium in East Coast.

Q: What do you drive?

A Mercedes EQB 250+.

Q: What was your most frivolous or guilty pleasure purchase?

Investing in high-end, ergonomic home and office equipment. As a minimalist, I don’t buy often, but when I do, I prioritise quality that supports my health and productivity for the long term.

Q: What does work-life balance mean to you?

It is not about having “enough” time, because time with family is never enough. Instead, it is about maintaining a healthy nervous system and a positive mindset. This allows me to be fully present and engaged with my children and family from the moment I am with them.

Q: What would your perfect day look like?

A morning workout, eating well, having focused time for my business, and spending the evening with my kids after school. On week­ends, it would be anything outdoors with the family.

Money Matters

Q: What would you do if you suddenly had a windfall of millions?

I would invest in another property.

Q: If you suddenly had only $100 to your name, what would you do?

I would find work, tap my sales and public relations roots to provide a service, save aggressively, and start over. Resourcefulness is the one asset that remains when everything else is gone.