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To raise its international profile, Risis is also in talks for product placements in a globally popular Netflix series. \u201cWe are doing all these little things to show that we have evolved into a fashionable and iconic jewellery brand,\u201d said Ng.<\/p>\n
But the road ahead is not without its challenges. Global economic uncertainty has weighed on consumer spending, particularly in recent months. \u201cSpending power has dropped in March, but we are still hopeful as March is usually our lull period. We are hopeful that spending will pick up again in May for Mother\u2019s Day, and later on in December for Christmas gifting,\u201d shared Ng.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The more immediate pressure, however, comes from soaring raw material costs, particularly for gold and other precious metals such as silver which have had a direct impact on the business. But rather than passing on those costs to customers, the company is looking inward at its manufacturing efficiencies to keep prices accessible. \u201cWe cannot keep increasing our prices as eventually, we will end up alienating our customers,\u201d Ng acknowledged.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Leading a heritage brand is no easy feat, especially for someone with no background in jewellery. An accountant by training, Ng admits she knew little about the industry before joining Risis. Yet under her leadership, the brand has expanded beyond its roots in orchid souvenirs, entered new markets and repositioned itself for a younger, more fashion-conscious audience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve taken this [role] as a challenge, and I got to start with a fresh piece of paper. Yes, I didn\u2019t know much about jewellery, but I like brands, I like fashion and I like beautiful things,\u201d said Ng. \u201cI am also a fast learner and I\u2019m not afraid to ask questions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n