Rising Above: The Grit Filled Journey of Two Female Singapore Entrepreneurs
Story of friendship, resilience and learning from mistakes
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on our co-founders, Rachel Pereira and Sandee Goh, two women with pioneering-spirits who traded corporate stability for a foray into entrepreneurship.
Back in 2017, both women took a leap of faith, leaving their desk jobs to dive into the uncharted waters of the fresh pet food industry. With no prior experience running a company, they launched The Grateful Pet, a venture fuelled by their shared love for animals and a knack for marketing. What started as a bold risk has blossomed into a testament to resilience, friendship, and the power of women supporting women.
The journey to building The Grateful Pet wasn’t easy. From decoding pet food regulations to designing a commercial kitchen and learning how to manage cash flow, Rachel and Sandee faced a steep learning curve. “Successes felt huge, but so did the failures,” they admit, reflecting on the lessons and experiences in the early years.
For these two, building a company together has been a test of grit, sacrifice, and unshakable trust in each other.
As women founders, they’ve dodged stereotypes—think “too emotional” or “not ruthless enough”—and debunked the myth that friends-turned-business-partners are doomed to fail. “We had to figure out how to communicate constructively,” Sandee shares, noting how the chaos of startup life could easily derail their dynamic. Yet, rooted in mutual respect and fearless honesty, their partnership thrived. They tuned out the naysayers, leaned on each other’s strengths, and sought wisdom from seasoned entrepreneurs, proving that humility and collaboration are key ingredients to success.
By their mid-30s, life threw curveballs beyond the confines of work. “Opening up to each other helped us grow—not just as partners, but as friends,” Sandee says. With a rock-solid support system of family and friends, they learned to prioritize well-being—a value they’ve woven into The Grateful Pet’s DNA. Their team enjoys the freedom to work remotely; balancing work with family, self-care, and everything in between. “When you feel good, you show up better—at home and at work,” said Rachel.
As The Grateful Pet celebrates its 8th year in 2025, the pair are as passionate as ever. Their mission? To boost pet health across Singapore while building a legacy they’re proud of—one that reflects the strength and spirit of women who dare to dream big. This International Women’s Day, their story reminds us that success isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about lifting each other up, embracing challenges, and creating something meaningful.