COMPANY - LIM JIU

Darren Lim

@limjiusg

I met Darren in my recent pop up event and he was very nice to let me try his blueberry wine which gave me a lasting impression because the taste was 10/10, something that I haven't tried before. He was a chef previously and now an entrepreneur in F&B selling wines. His wine selections are curated and fine, caters to those who are looking for premium wines and it is something that is not very common in Singapore that you can find in any store. He's a multi-preneur who has done many businesses at a very young age! He runs beer & wine tasting events at his office if you are interested. On top of. that, he is also a really good mentor to his employee, let's meet the Master Curator, Darren Lim! 

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Q1. What is behind the company's brand logo? 

Lim Jiu used to start as a craft beer company. Previously it was called Darren's wine shop and meant to only cater for private clients. I want Lim Jiu to be a lifestyle brand and not just for drinking and my starting based was mainly foreigners and not locals. Also, I'm Hokkien by blood (Lim - drink and Jiu - Alcohol) and Cantonese when I grew up and realised I should embrace that part of me.  My kind of drinking is to Stay Tipsy, if you get drunk, you won't enjoy it. I wanted it to be more of a street vibe and I skate as well, hence the skeleton skating but I'll be rebranding it. I want to upscale it and I want people to still have fun and not be so uptight. 

Q2. What kind of businesses did you run?

I studied as a pastry chef when I was doing my diploma. I ventured into different types of businesses like selling Tiramisu, Computer Business (Custom Gaming), Fashion business distributing Korean activewear in Singapore, Candles and even selling Durian. 

I hate Durians but I just wanted to try this opportunity before I reach 30s. I do want to bring the fashion business back and make Lim Jiu a lifestyle brand because I do enjoy doing the sports wear. 

Q3. Did you have baking interest since you were young?

I would say food interest because Singapore is so expensive to dine out. I could do it cheaper at home by trial and error. 

Do you like watching Hell's Kitchen? No, those are people who don't join the industry. Ha Ha!

Q4. How long have you been running this business?

Since Nov 2022, it's been 1.5 years!

Q5. What are the challenges and how did you overcome it?

Storage space because alcohol requires a bit of space especially temperature control. I need the space to keep the alcohol in a fridge 24 hours but that is expensive and you have to buy equipments and stuff. 

Finding customers was also a challenge because all these alcohol is very niche and not everyone understands and it takes a while to convert. 

PS: Darren does workshops at his place too 🙂 

Q6.What are your advice being an entrepreneur?

  1. Try everything once and if it's too hard, you decide if you want to pull out. 
  2. Follow your gut feeling!
  3. Find your own beliefs. 

Q7. Which is your favourite part of the office?

I'll say this room because I like the top part of the different types of beer cans aligned like an art piece.

Plus, I would say the fridge as well with the beer logos.

Q8. What is your favourite drink?

I like Whiskey and Wines. My favourite will be Sunday Spirits Whiskey which is made in Japan.  It's very easy to drink on it's own. They even have drinking method and by the time you watch the video, it's already sold out.  🙂

Q9. What advice would you give to those who are just starting out?

  1. Find what you're good at and focus on the basics of the business.
  2. Find a good product or make your own product.
  3. Improving and Keep Learning (upgrade).
  4. Meet new people.

Q10. What is the most important factor in running a business?

I would say you have to be motivated everyday and to have foresight on how to make sales, where to distribute your money, branding and customer retention.

Q11. What are your most memorable moments?

I would have to say constant support from my regulars when they come for events and host parties with my alcohol, take photos and share with people. I want Lim Jiu to be a lifestyle brand and make a discussion group for people to join to talk about how to enjoy Lim Jiu's alcohol. 

Thank you so much Darren for taking so much time to film this and for sharing with us your wine experience and have us visit your crib! It was an honour to have interview you as a young entrepreneur who has multiple business experience and we're excited to see what's next!

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