SINGAPORE – In an inspiring story of friendship and entrepreneurial spirit, best friends Ms. Wang Jing Fang and Ms. Khor Ning Min turned a humble you tiao hawker stall into a thriving snack chain generating over $2 million in annual revenue. Their journey began in 2019 when Wang, after investing $10,000 in Khor's emerging you tiao business, never anticipated the remarkable path their venture would take.

Now boasting eight outlets under the brand You Tiao Mei, which translates to "fritter little sisters" in Mandarin, the duo has successfully positioned their offerings as iconic local snacks. Their menu features the classic you tiao priced at $1.20 each and a sweet tau suan at $2.20.

The two women, both accomplished athletes who played on Singapore's national softball team from 2009 to 2015, bonded over their shared love for business after leaving the sport. Wang held a degree in computational biology and had experience running a modest e-scooter business, while Khor, with a diploma in sports science, gained insights from her aunt's clothing store and the gig economy.

Khor's journey began when she stumbled upon a dough fritter franchise opportunity and opened her first hawker stall in 2016. The venture quickly broke even, and by 2019, Wang joined Khor as a co-owner, using their combined $20,000 investment to open a halal-certified outlet that became an instant success.

The business grew rapidly with the opening of multiple outlets, expanding to five takeaway kiosks located in MRT stations across Singapore. However, with the joys of entrepreneurship came the harsh realities of long working hours and the struggles of maintaining profitability. Wang experienced a workplace accident due to exhaustion, highlighting the intense demands of running their business.

The duo faced significant challenges, particularly after a central kitchen setup aimed at producing their fried snacks went awry, which caused delays and financial strain. As external challenges like declining revenue due to the end of pandemic restrictions started weighing heavily, the pair drew from past successes to revitalize their approach.

In a twist of fate, a new outlet launch in November 2023 at Buangkok Hawker Centre brought fresh life with innovative menu items like banana sesame balls and carrot cake sticks, delighting customers and turning profits within months. This resurgence allowed them to offer bonuses to their staff in 2024 for the first time in two years.

Their latest outlets introduced unique varieties like you tiao stuffed with yam paste, appealing to the evolving palate of local customers. With a dedicated workforce of 40 employees and plans to explore a franchise model, Wang and Khor are poised for further expansion in Singapore's competitive food scene.

Both women acknowledge the power of their partnership, citing their shared values and calm disposition in resolving conflicts as key elements of their success. This journey has transformed Wang from a casual food enthusiast into a passionate connoisseur who actively seeks new dining experiences.

Their story not only highlights the successful entrepreneurial spirit within Singapore's culinary landscape, but it also underlines the profound impact of friendship, highlighting how support and collaboration can turn a dream into a thriving business. As they look ahead, the future promises exciting possibilities for You Tiao Mei and its beloved founders.