Faces of Asia: From Bangkok to Business Triumphs in Singapore

This is the extraordinary life of Ann Kositchotitana, a remarkable Thai woman who wears multiple hats with grace: she is a thriving businesswoman and also a dedicated mother of three.

Ann's journey took an extraordinary turn when she decided to sacrifice her dream career in business to champion her child's triumph over Down syndrome. Ann's saga is a tribute to her resilience amid the multiple challenges of life.

Ann’s odyssey

Ann's journey began in Bangkok, where her father ran a tourism company while her mother was a dedicated homemaker. At the age of nine, she embarked on a transformative journey to the United States to master the English language.

Her educational path led her to Cornell University, where she met her Singaporean husband before she relocated and settled down in Singapore permanently.

Upon her arrival in Singapore, Ann initially worked in marketing for a sports company. About a year and a half later, as she approached her thirties, she was overcome by a sense of urgency of "now or never”. Married but without children, Ann decided to pursue another dream.

In 2005, she founded "Front Row”, a concept store that occupied an entire building. The first floor housed a cafe, Dean and Deluca, while the second floor became a fashion haven showcasing small designer brands from Europe, Asia, and the US, all meticulously curated by Ann. The third floor was transformed into an art gallery, and the fourth floor hosted a rooftop space where fashion shows and even weddings unfolded. Front Row swiftly ascended to overnight success.

Following the success of Front Row, Ann's entrepreneurship skills expanded across seven companies, covering diverse industries such as consultancy, retail, technology, early childhood education, and educational toys.

Ann also became a key opinion leader, earning features in various media outlets across Southeast Asia and internationally. Her story is not just one of business success but also a testament to the resilience and determination required to navigate and conquer diverse industries.

The turning point

Ann's flourishing business faced an unexpected twist at its peak when her second daughter was born with Down syndrome. For her, it was the moment of reckoning, challenging the trajectory of her success.

"I knew what Down syndrome was, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. When it did, it felt like a brick had hit me in the face. I needed to recover and find out as much as I could. What could I do so that my little girl would have a normal life?" said Ann.

Despite both Ann and her husband being high achievers in their careers, they made the courageous choice to prioritise their daughter's well-being.

“At that time, both of us were at the peak of our careers, but even though there was little chance that our child would get better, we decided to do it,” Ann said.

Ann decided to close some of her businesses and went to the United States for specialised medical treatment for her child. This decision not only reshaped their family dynamic but also redefined their perspective on nurturing children's potential.

Natalie's IQ remarkably increased to 85–90 after receiving treatment in the US, which is on par with the average individual.

“Don’t let those old beliefs hold you back. For a child like Natalie, if you nurture her and give her the support that she needs, she can be well.”

Ann emphasises that we should never label any child, and she believes that every child has potential. It’s what you feed them. It’s how you nurture them, she says.

“For a child like Natalie, if you can do this, imagine what you can do with a regular child. If you give them your attention, if you give them that love and time, they always say the grass is greener on the other side. I want to tell parents that the grass is greener when you water it,” says Ann.

Upon their return to Singapore, her eldest child, Sofia, discovered a talent for archery during their time in the US. Ann is now committed to nurturing Sofia's newfound passion.

The mentor

In the next chapter of her life, Ann is taking on a supporting role, aiding charities, and mentoring young startups.

Werms Inc and Scent Journer — two of her standout mentees — have significantly benefited from Ann's strategic insights and unwavering support.

"Ann helped us see the bigger picture. She introduced potential clients and gave us a structure to plan ahead better,” said Aaron Chen, CEO of Werms Inc.

Joyce Lian, co-founder of Scent Journer, says: “She really helps us in terms of our pricing strategies. Because we are a very new brand, it is very important to be able to provide a range of products in different price ranges so that we can target consumers as much as possible.”

Through structured planning and introduction to potential clients, Ann has become an invaluable force in their entrepreneurial journey. Her mentorship extends beyond business strategies, encompassing the holistic development of these budding entrepreneurs.

A message of empowerment

Ann's story is not merely about overcoming challenges but also about leveraging personal experiences for positive change.

Ann Kositchotitana is not just a businesswoman; she is a trailblazer, weaving together the intricate threads of her life to create a narrative of empowerment and resilience.

"I feel content with my life, and I want to play a supporting role going forward. If I can inspire and support others, especially young entrepreneurs, that’s a fulfilling role for me," she said.

Ann’s story is a testament to the intricate dance of life, where she skillfully balances the roles of a businesswoman and a devoted mother.

Ann wants her story to be a message of hope for parents and to encourage them to provide their kids with greater attention, particularly those who require special assistance.