Kasia Dietz
Updated on: October 9, 2024 10:50 am GMT
From Flight Attendant to Hawker Stall Owner: The Journey of Cherry Tan
Cherry Tan, at age 19, had her heart set on becoming a flight attendant. After several rejections from Singapore Airlines, she pivoted her career to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality business at the Singapore Institute of Technology. However, her aspiration never faded, and she continued to try for her dream job.
Tenacity Pays Off
It took Tan ten attempts over four years to finally secure her position as a cabin crew member at Singapore Airlines. The experience of flying around the globe was exhilarating for her. “Being a cabin crew member was the best time of my life,” Tan shared.
The Call for Change
After six fulfilling years, the routine of flying started to feel monotonous. Concerned about job stability and career growth, Tan, alongside her husband Duncan Hsu, envisioned a new path—one that involved opening a hawker stall.
Opening a Hawker Stall
In May, the couple invested SG$30,000 (approximately $23,000) to launch their stall, named Kiang Kiang Taiwan Teppanyaki. Their menu offers traditional Taiwanese dishes inspired by Hsu’s culinary heritage, focusing on dishes cooked on an iron plate.
Financial Adjustments
- Previous monthly earnings as a flight attendant: SG$6,000 (~$4,600)
- Estimated pay cut after the career switch: 50%
Despite the financial sacrifices, Tan remained optimistic: “This is not our end goal.” She expressed confidence in the potential for their business to grow.
Challenges of the Hawker Lifestyle
Transitioning to the hawker business was not without its difficulties. Tan noted the physical demands of operating a 147-square-foot stall, especially during peak hours. She faced skepticism from her parents, who questioned why she would leave a stable job.
Market Dynamics
The hawker business is notoriously competitive, requiring extensive homework and menu preparation to thrive. As food critic KF Seetoh pointed out, “If you don’t study your menu, you will fall very fast.”
Building a Brand
Initially, business was slow, but Tan’s TikTok videos showcasing her life as a hawker began to gain attention, drawing in customers and local media interest due to her unique backstory.
Skills from the Skies
Tapping into her background as a flight attendant, Tan applied her communication skills to enhance customer interactions at her stall. She handled cashier duties, administrative work, and marketing while Hsu focused on cooking.
The Pride of Preserving Culture
In 2022, Singapore’s hawker culture was recognized by UNESCO, emphasizing the importance of this culinary heritage. Tan believes young entrepreneurs can make a significant impact on keeping this culture alive.
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for the evening dinner rush, Tan reflects on the challenges of hawker life but remains resolute: “The hawker lifestyle is challenging, but if more youngsters are willing to go through this process, it’s rewarding.
Hawker culture is really interesting! It’s all about the street food stalls where people sell delicious meals. You can learn a lot by exploring this tasty tradition!
