Celebrities love starting their own businesses as a side hustle (ka-ching!), just look at Ben Yeo and Chew Chor Meng and their galore of F&B ventures.
Now, it’s Xu Bin’s turn to call himself an entrepreneur too.
Last week, the 36-year-old Noontalk Media artiste shared on Instagram that he opened an aesthetics clinic, X Aesthetics, with his wife, Evelyn Wang, 33.
“Our shop is open! The idea of starting my own business was planted in my head many years ago and I’ve been looking forward to it. Now the day has finally arrived,” he said.
According to their website, the clinic, which is located in Oxley Rise, offers facial, skin, body and hair treatments as well as wellness and beauty services.
When 8days.sg got on a call with Xu Bin, he says he decided to start his own business in part because the entertainment industry is unpredictable with periods of uncertainty regarding production schedules and opportunities.
As much as Xu Bin, who’s now in Malaysia filming upcoming Mediacorp drama Fixing Fate, loves acting, he knows he has to explore other possibilities and plan further for his family’s future.
Xu Bin and Evelyn, who tied the knot in 2017, have two kids — son Ethan, five, and daughter Elyse, three.
Starting a business allows him to hone his skills in strategic planning, market understanding as well as communication, and build something sustainable while still maintaining his connection to the creative side of his work.
He tells us he’s invested a “six-figure sum” in this new venture.
Xu Bin has also been involved in a few other businesses since a few years ago, including renovations and yacht charter services, where he focused primarily on marketing aspects such as promoting products and services, brand awareness, and marketing strategies.
This time, he decided on aesthetics as he and his wife found the right partners who are their close friends and could bring extensive experience in the beauty and medical industries.
“We believe that looking and feeling our best has a significant impact on confidence and overall well-being,” he explains, adding that people are investing more and more in their appearance and self-care and that there’s a growing demand for services that enhance beauty and self-esteem.
“Furthermore, my wife and I always had a strong passion for beauty and aesthetics. We want to help people look and feel their best,” he says.
Working with a spouse definitely comes with its fair share of difficulties. Like, who gets to call the shots when disagreements arise?
Xu Bin says he and Evelyn both play different roles in the business, and they each bring their own strengths to the table, adding that trust and clear communication have helped prevent any major conflicts thus far.
His wife and their other partners are more involved in the day-to-day operations and it’s why they are the ones who typically make the final decisions.
He, on the other hand, focuses more on the marketing side of the business. We mean, what better time than now to put his fame to good use, right?
The actor also took this opportunity to debunk rumours about him owning a chain of dental clinics under Asia Pacific Dental Centre.
“The dental clinics are actually owned by a close business partner and friend. While we’re not the direct owners, we are very supportive of his business and its growth,” he clarifies, adding that he’s been planning for potential collaborations with that friend.
It’s no secret that Evelyn comes from a well-to-do family in China. Xubin previously also shared that his father-in-law is a shareholder of a real estate company.
So has his in-laws shown them any financial support for their business ventures?
“While [our families] have always encouraged us and provided emotional support, the business itself has largely been built through our own effort,” he stresses.
Since both Evelyn and Xu Bin were born in China, would they consider expanding their business there?
He first explains that since they both live in Singapore, it’s easier to take care of the business and be hands on as much as possible.
Their priority now is to do well here first and while they have no plans on expanding in China, they hope someday they can.
“China is a massive market and offers a lot of opportunities,” he adds.
On the topic of being hands on, Xu Bin tells us he’s tried and tested their products himself and would share it with everyone once he’s back from filming.
Customers could also potentially catch him at the shop while patronising as he’d “definitely be helping out there” when he’s free.
Now that he’s a bona fide boss man, will Xubin leave showbiz if his business flourishes?
Fans can be relieved to know his answer is: No.
Acting, for Xu Bin, is not just a job but something he loves doing deeply.
“I can’t imagine completely fading out of showbiz unless there ever comes a time when my fans or the audience no longer want to see me perform. As long as there is an audience that wants to see my work, I’ll continue pursuing it,” he says.