Female Founder Name: Grace Seah-Tan
Business Name: Okuru Gift Card App
Website: www.okuru.app
Tell us about your business. What products or services do you offer?: Okuru is a digital gift card platform that helps people discover and support local businesses through gifting. When someone purchases a gift card for a friend or loved one, they’re also introducing that person to a business they may never have discovered otherwise. It’s a simple way of connecting people while helping small businesses reach new customers.
What inspired you to start your business?: Having worked closely with small businesses throughout my career in finance, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for them to attract customers and grow.
I originally started Okuru because I wanted to make gifting easier and more meaningful. Along the way, I realised that a gift card could be much more than a gift. It could also be a way of introducing new customers to local businesses. That became a big part of what drives me today.
How long have you been running your business?: Since 2023. Officially launched in 2024
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business, and how did you overcome it?: I had a few things going against me when I first started. I was 63, from a non tech background and nobody wanted to take a senior Asian female non tech founder seriously. But I persevered.
What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?: Seeing Okuru grow from an idea into a real platform that people and businesses can use has been incredibly rewarding.
Every time a local business joins us or someone purchases a gift card, it reminds me why I started. It’s particularly rewarding knowing that something we’ve built could help a small business gain a customer they might not otherwise have reached.
What strategies have helped you grow your business?: Networking, networking. I always believe people buy from people.
What tools or resources have been game-changers for your business?: ChatGPT, Claude AI for a billion uses, Framer for website, HelpScout for Knowledge Base, Crisp Live Chat for customer support
Can you share one key lesson you’ve learned about managing finances as a business owner?: Know where your money goes to. And understand the basics of profit and loss and the balance sheet.
How do you balance the demands of your business with your personal life?: My husband and I are empty nesters. We have done our fair share of parenting and domestic duties. Our main responsibilities now are ourselves and the grandkids. So no conflicting demands to balance with my business
What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for running a successful business?: Sincerity, integrity and the willingness to support others along in your journey
How do you motivate and manage your team?: I work with a remote team - my development team and my VA. We work well within our own boundaries respectfully of each other. I have a wonderful relationship with everyone. I make sure I pay them on time. Praise and acknowledge their efforts constantly.
What role does mentorship or networking play in your business journey?: Quite a bit. I currently work with a mentor and he has opened my eyes to different possibilities that I would have missed on my own
What trends do you think will shape your industry in the coming years?: I believe digital gifting will continue to grow as people look for more convenient, flexible and meaningful ways to give.
I also think we’ll see greater interest in supporting local businesses and choosing experiences over material gifts. Technology will make it easier for small businesses to reach new customers without needing large marketing budgets.
How do you stay ahead of the competition in your industry?: I do try and keep up with what is happening within the industry and what competitors do and adapt my offerings to meet the market needs.
Who or what inspires you in your business journey?: I’m inspired by everyday small business owners who work incredibly hard to build something of their own.
I’ve met so many passionate and talented people who put their hearts into their businesses, often with limited resources. Their determination reminds me why supporting local businesses matters so much.
What books, podcasts, or resources have had the biggest impact on your professional growth?: LinkedIn posts have taught me more than university ever did.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?: I’m actually quite an introvert, which might surprise people considering that running Okuru involves meeting and connecting with so many business owners!
I’ve had to push myself outside my comfort zone, but I’ve discovered that I genuinely enjoy getting to know people, especially over a good cup of coffee.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business?: I wish more people understood that a gift card isn’t just a gift. It’s also an introduction to a business that someone may never have heard of.
When you give someone a gift card from a local business, you’re not just making the recipient happy. You’re also supporting a small business owner and potentially bringing them a new lifelong customer.
Reflecting on your time in business, what is one piece of advice you would give to another woman to help her on her business journey?: Don’t let the fear of not knowing enough stop you from starting.
You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly how everything will work out. Be willing to learn, ask for help and take one step at a time.
And perhaps most importantly, don’t compare your journey with someone else’s. We all start from different places, and success doesn’t have to happen overnight.
How can people connect with you or learn more about your business? (e.g., website, social media, etc.): www.okuru.app
www.instagram.com/okurugiftcards
www.linkedin.com/in/grace-seah-tan
Anything you want to add that we might have missed?: One thing I’ve come to appreciate on this journey is that it’s never too late to learn something new, take a chance or pursue an idea you believe in.
Building Okuru has challenged me in ways I never imagined, but it has also given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people and hopefully make a small difference to other businesses along the way.
If my journey encourages even one woman to believe in herself and give her idea a go, that would mean a great deal to me.
