The 2021 Retail & Ecommerce list of the 30 Under 30 Asia illuminates young innovators disrupting the traditional retail industry. Among these trailblazers, Yoomee Hwang, founder of YOLO, a digital marketplace for globally sourced goods, stands out.
During her studies at Yonsei University, Hwang explored the potential of selling unique, travel-friendly items sourced during her trips. These insights led her into the bustling arena of e-commerce and eventually spurred the creation of YOLO. However, the COVID-19 restrictions on travel challenged Hwang’s business model.
Responding to these challenges, Hwang developed an alternative e-commerce platform, Croket, in 2020. Today, Croket offers nearly 700,000 products from 25,000 suppliers across 89 countries. Undeterred by the pandemic, Hwang now aspires to expand YOLO beyond South Korea and tap into the market for second-hand goods.
Other young entrepreneurs making waves in the industry are Mandy Chan, of Bow, and the team behind LetsDressUp, a platform that bridges Indian weavers with global customers.
Youthful innovation reshaping Asian retail
Similarly, the co-founders of Abivin have made substantial strides in the logistics and supply chain industry. Also worth mentioning is Graviky Labs’ Akarsh Sanghi, who ingeniously converts soot pollution into a high-grade ink.
Fellow honorees Rizky Arief Dwi Prakoso, and Karina Innadindya Amron Naibaho have conveniently provided a platform for native Indonesian perfumes. Chia Pei Qi and Kenneth Kuan have introduced high-end watch straps to the marketplace, while Vanshika Kaji has transitioned from women’s professional attire to fashionable personal protective equipment. Another duo, Scott Brown and Elena Little, have innovated sustainable fashion, creating significant customer appeal.
In the health and wellness sector, Vaibhav Makhija disrupts with What’s Up Wellness. This health supplement gumdrop company, designed for modern consumers, began with a modest budget but has since attracted notable financial backing. The 30 Under 30 Asia list thus epitomizes youthful innovation, resilience, and success in retail and beyond.
