Why 67-year-old beauty mogul Jean Yip says she’s never worked a day in her life

Before Jean Yip became Jean Yip Group—her eponymous beauty and wellness empire— she was a hairstylist operating out of a humble salon in Katong Square. Now, after over four decades, the Jean Yip Group has since expanded to include over 60 outlets in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China.

With her sharp business acumen and wealth of experience in the beauty and wellness industry, she also made her foray into the hotel business five years ago with JY Suites in Japan, a bed-and-breakfast-style establishment. Ahead, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jean Yip—her early beginnings, her philosophy on success, and how she turned a passion into an empire.

What motivated you to enter the beauty industry?

I’ve always enjoyed the process of getting dolled up. Even in my adolescent years, I would attend beauty seminars. Growing up in the Bugis area (that was demarcated as a rest and recreation site for the US troops during the Vietnam War), I was exposed to foreign influences and styles. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I was privileged enough to pursue my passions.

How did you get your start in the industry?

My aunt, who was eight years my senior, had been to London to study beauty. After my O levels, I enrolled in a hairdressing course on dramatic cuts in London with Vidal Sassoon following a course at the Singapore Supreme School of Hairdressing, with the support of my parents. I was very much inspired by how Vidal Sassoon developed the hairstyling scene in London and New York.

After my return from London two years later, my father supported my aunt and I in opening a salon at Marine Parade called ‘The Image’. Since there weren’t many London-trained hairstylists at that time that offered affordable haircuts, I was able to amass a steady stream of customers which led me to establish Jean Yip salon in 1982.

What do you think is the secret of your success?

I love what I do. I’ve always felt like I’ve never worked a day in my life because I enjoy it so much. I’m a firm believer in starting versus following trends. Back then, I popularised the “firefly” haircut (long-short style with lots of layers and body). This brought a lot of business to the salon.

Together with my husband Mervin Wee, we started setting up shop in more locations. Rather than making a handsome profit, our philosophy has always been to extend our services to more people at a reasonable price and I think this resonated with our customers. Additionally, it’s important to groom the team and provide them with the training they need to help them build their careers.

Photography Lawrence Teo
Art Direction & Styling Adeline Eng
Hair Aung Apichai/Artistry Studios, using Kevin.Murphy
Makeup Lasalle Lee using Shiseido

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.