I started this internship as a way to pass time during my gap year and gain some marketing experience before university. After reading about The Social Space and the community behind it, I went in with zero expectations, planning to simply go with the flow. Still, I had a feeling it would be different, especially knowing I would be surrounded by people who treated one another like family.

My first week was a whirlwind. I was learning new systems, platforms and technical skills almost every day, from managing inventory and understanding the point-of-sale system to restocking and trying out visual merchandising. With Farhana and Cheryl's step-by-step and patient guidance, they created a safe space where I could ask questions freely, though nothing was spoon-fed. It was a process of trial and error, which I believe is the best way to learn.

Joining in the second half of the year meant stepping straight into the busy season. From preparing booth setups for my first corporate event to packing countless catering and gifting orders, it was all hands on deck. Even as a small team, the impact felt big. The strong sense of teamwork made the hustle meaningful and manageable. I quickly felt part of the TSS family, not just within retail but with the café team too. Long days felt lighter because of shared laughter, random conversations and small celebrations.

Internships often have a reputation for “sai-kang” work, the tasks no one wants to do. That was not my experience here. I was treated as an equal and trusted with real responsibility, including planning components of a major community event. Being given the freedom to make decisions and represent the company was both nerve-wracking and deeply fulfilling. Seeing everything come together successfully gave me confidence in my own abilities, and I am definitely leaving more tech-savvy than when I arrived.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway was understanding how challenging it is to run a social enterprise. Profit is never the only priority. Every decision considers the mission of brand partners, the communities they serve, operational capacity and then sustainability. Working alongside our inclusive family also taught me the importance of adaptability, recognising that everyone learns and works differently. Knowing that each person carries their own story and still shows up daily to give their best is something I deeply respect.

This internship gave me more than marketing and retail experience. It offered perspective on community, purpose, and meaningful work, as well as the chance to create content for social media that now serves as a personal keepsake of memories.