Going Global

Introduce yourself!
My name is Jodi and I run a creative agency called 5050Collective. We’re based in Singapore, but we have clients in New York and Paris as well. It’s a fairly new agency that I started last year, but it’s my passion, and I thought since I have the client resources, why not just do it?

Cool! So you started off with a bunch of clients before deciding to take the plunge and start up the company?
Yes, the clients came to me first, so I was like “You know what? Let’s properly set this up as a business.” Now, I’m really focused on scaling the business globally. It seems to be quite stable for now.

That’s so good to hear! And in such uncertain times at that. Can you tell us about some of the more memorable or craziest projects you’ve worked on since the company’s inception?
We actually just did a shoot for Paris Fashion Week this year! We were working on art and creative direction for this Asian brand, pushing the Asian narrative. Obviously, the money wasn’t great lah (laughs), but you know, we did it for the branding. And also, it was something that I never saw coming. If you told me a year ago that I would be shooting at Paris Fashion Week, I wouldn’t believe you!

Amazing! As a relatively new boss and business owner, what’s been the toughest part of the job?
Managing people, be it clients or my own team. I don’t think money is the toughest part — it’s really the managing and knowing what you should and shouldn’t do that’s toughest. Plus, being a creative agency in Singapore, where it’s not the best fit for creative souls, because here, money is our religion. This is why next year, I plan on heading to New York to build part of the business there.

Why New York?
I studied in the States previously, at the Rhode Island School of Design, which is very close to New York, so I naturally spent a lot of time there. So I’d say I still have a lot of ties and connections to the city. Plus when I was overseas, I met a lot of Singaporeans who were doing creative work.

Ahh, so what made you decide to come back and start up your business here in Singapore first?
Well, I mean, my family’s here! And also it was more strategic for me to scale my business from Singapore, but I’ve reached a point where I feel I need to expand elsewhere.

Well, here’s wishing you all the best! But before that, what’s been the most fulfilling part of your journey as a creative director thus far?
Doing what I want and making people pay for it (laughs). And having the freedom to choose the projects that I work on, and what I want to do moving forward.

On that note, are there any particular brands that you hope to work with next year?
Hmm, for me, it’s more about the people behind the brands, and not the brands themselves. I think a lot of brands can be great if they start working with us (laughs), but yeah it’s more about the people behind them. I’d love to work with anyone whose vision aligns with ours.

Honestly so true! After all, brands are nothing without the people behind them. Speaking of brands, we love what you’re wearing! Can you tell us more about your personal style?
I feel like I thrift a lot these days. I don’t believe that having good taste equals paying more for huge brand names. I’ve seen so many people who have great style, with zero brands on them—everything’s thrifted. I feel like this tests your taste way more, so I wouldn’t say I’d vouch for any brand.

I mean, I do love Bottega and Hermes—nice things with good quality—but I think good quality can come out of any small brand as well!

Amen to that! Finally, as we wrap up the year, what’s one lesson you’ve picked up in 2025?
This year is shit (laughs)! This year is chaos! But if I had to name one lesson, I think it would be to love myself and put myself first, because then everything else will come and flow smoothly if I align my heart with my vision.