Why Fit In When You Can Fit Out?

We meet a trailing spouse who moved to Singapore for her husband’s job, only to start her own global venture fitting out hotels and more. Now they both work for the business!

- DINESH AJITH

In 2008, after studying and working in New York for almost two decades, ARCHANA VELUKUTTY came to Singapore with husband Bharat Vijayan and their twin boys. While the move was precipitated by Bharat’s job in private banking, it was in Singapore that she saw the opportunity to create a business that fulfilled her vision of connecting people across cultures.

We chat with Archana and find out a little more about how she grew her brands, and why Singapore was an ideal place for an expat to start her own business.

What’s the story behind The Varisan Group?

Majoring in psychology and economics in New York, I developed a deep understanding of both people and business. I then spent a decade working with an international firm in New York that dealt with fashion and home furnishing. My experience helped me understand the harmony between people, objects and spaces – this is what enabled me to create uniquely beautiful living experiences.

My passion has always been to bring people together through food and events. So, during my early years in Singapore, I began consulting on a friend’s seaside villa renovation. During this project, I saw an opportunity to launch a business here that offered a complete design and procurement solution.

Was Singapore a good place to get started?