An inductee to this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, 30-year-old Singaporean Salina Chai is a fashion entrepreneur. With a substantial Instagram following of 158,000, she has established herself as a formidable presence in the fashion industry. Her entrepreneurial journey, marked by a keen eye for style and an astute use of social media, culminated in the founding of Margo & Smith, a bespoke luxury handbag and shoe restoration atelier, in 2023.
Chai’s path to this venture was paved by diverse experiences in retail, e-commerce, and F&B. “Having spent the past decade in the fashion industry, and being an avid bag collector, I noticed a gap in the market,” she recalls.
Margo & Smith is not merely a business endeavour, but a passion project driven by the desire to redefine luxury restoration. “Our goal was to create a more tailored and elevated approach to leather restoration, showcasing it as an art form,” she explains.
Guided by her husband John Chung’s expertise—he is the founder of the award-winning artisanal leather care and shoe restoration store Mason & Smith—Chai brought an artisanal touch to her business, filling a niche that emphasises craftsmanship over quick fixes.
Her inclusion on Forbes’ prestigious list marks a career milestone and is a testament to her dedication. “Making the 30 Under 30 Asia list is my greatest accomplishment… being able to represent the leather restoration industry and the hard work of my team is an incredible honour,” she remarks.
“Small ideas can sometimes lead to great results. Margo & Smith started as an idea during Covid-19 and took years of planning to actualise. We did not realise then that this would turn into meaningful restoration projects, especially those involving items from loved ones who had passed on.”
Salina Chai
However, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As an entrepreneur, she’s learned to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. “I’m a perfectionist. It was challenging to accept rejections, failures, and obstacles.
I now view these challenges as life’s gifts that have shaped who I am today,” Chai elaborates. Looking ahead, she remains committed to expanding her horizons and the scope of Margo & Smith. As she prepares to attend the Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, her story continues to evolve, driven by a passion for style, quality, and craftsmanship.
Style Director Chia Wei Choong
Photography Belle Chew
Hair Sean Ang
Makeup Keith Bryant Lee
