Before starting the multi-brand Singaporean beauty retail chain Novela back in 2013, its co-founders Ben Lin, aged 39, and Eugene Tay, aged 34, who were classmates at Temasek Polytechnic studying business information technology, didn't have any plans of carving out an entrepreneurial career based on skincare and perfumes. They started with a small side hustle selling fragrances during their polytechnic years, which grew into a significant business opportunity while Lin was interning in Shanghai. Novela, now with seven stores across Singapore, distinguishes itself by offering both popular and niche beauty brands.

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