When the pandemic disrupted routines, one Singaporean woman saw it as a sign to follow her true passion for wellness.
Formerly an aeronautical engineer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Melinda Khor chose to leave that life behind and went on to co-found Sommar Beauty Spa. She shares how she made the bold career switch and built a brand rooted in holistic beauty and women’s wellbeing.
Turning her passion into her career
Wellness has always been close to Melinda’s heart. While Melinda thrived in the structured, high-stakes world of aeronautical engineering, performing years of shift work on top of staying fit, she eventually realised the toll her demanding lifestyle was taking on her and was confronted with the realities of ageing.
As such, she dedicated her free time to reading up on beauty and wellness tips, applying her knowledge to her daily self-care routines.
But when the pandemic hit, it was what gave her the biggest nudge to pursue her interest in wellness full-time.
Her decision wasn’t made on a whim. Melinda dedicated time to researching and studying the industry and adopted a “game on” mindset before making the leap.
“I attended beauty and wellness classes during my free time to learn new skills and knowledge, and I would practise on myself and my loved ones,” she says. What ultimately solidified her decision was seeing the transformation in her own mother.
“Seeing the drastic transformation in my mum’s appearance and how she looked visibly younger made me see that I had done something right,” shares Melinda. She realised that her drive to establishing a beauty and wellness business wasn’t just a hobby. It had the potential to help others.
Remaining resilient through challenges
Despite the growing passion, leaving a stable, salaried job wasn’t easy. “Starting afresh in a brand-new industry felt as if I had to be a beginner again,” reveals Melinda.
Over time, she learnt to embrace the vulnerability of starting over. She became comfortable with failure and built resilience through the ups and downs of running a wellness business. Her past experiences in the RSAF gave her a crucial edge. “From my former bosses and colleagues, I learnt to be resilient when difficult situations arise, to always be open-minded, and to be willing to learn new things.”
Her learning journey never stopped either. To stay competitive and relevant, she continues to upgrade her skills through courses, practice, and client feedback. She is currently certified in facial and body treatments and is pursuing a postnatal care course.
“After giving birth, I relied heavily on my team during recovery. The support I received inspired me to dive deeper into postnatal wellness, so I can empower other mothers too,” she says.
Teamwork makes the dream work
For Melinda, the most rewarding part of her career journey as a wellness entrepreneur is working with a trusted team of wellness specialists and witnessing the positive impact on her clients. “Helping women feel confident, empowered, and cared for at Sommar, and knowing that we are making a positive impact is extremely rewarding,” she says.
One thing she wishes she had known before starting her business is the importance of building a strong support network early on. When she first started, she underestimated how much she would need mentorship, advice, and a reliable team to help her navigate challenges.
“Over time, I’ve learnt that having a strong network — whether it’s for emotional support, expertise, or partnerships — can really make a difference. I am now proud to say I have a strong team of ladies who are well-versed in the wellness field, while also being strong and capable in their own ways!”
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“Don’t be afraid to be a beginner again”
When facing tough days throughout her career journey, it was this quote from Miyamoto Musashi that kept Melinda grounded: “It may seem difficult at first, but all things are difficult at first.”
Melinda understands the fear and uncertainty that come with switching careers, but she also believes in the power of courage. She stresses that the key is to embrace the discomfort of starting over. “I would recommend anyone to not be afraid to be a beginner again, to have faith in their efforts and not give up.”
