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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image              = Melissa Koh profile.jpg
| image              = Melissa Koh.jpg
| birth_name        = Melissa Celestine Koh
| birth_name        = Melissa Celestine Koh
| birth_date        = 16 May 1989
| birth_date        = 16 May 1989
| education          = CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School, National University of Singapore (Bachelor in Business Administration)
| education          = Degree in Business Administration
| spouse            = James Chen (m. 2017)
| spouse            = James Chen (m. 2017)
| children          = Noah Tobias Chen (b. 2019)
| children          = Noah Tobias Chen (b. 2019)
Line 9: Line 9:
https://somedaysathome.com/
https://somedaysathome.com/
https://runafter.love/
https://runafter.love/
}}
|alma mater=CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School, National University of Singapore (NUS)}}


Melissa Koh is a Singaporean lifestyle blogger and YouTuber ([https://www.youtube.com/user/melissacelestinekoh/featured YouTube channel]). She is the founder of the fashion label 'Run After' ([https://runafter.love/collections/horizon-1?page=2 official website]) and owner of the online retail store 'Some Days at Home' ([https://somedaysathome.com/ official website]). As of March 2019, she has more than 265,000 followers on Instagram and more than 10,000 subscribers on YouTube. As an influencer, Melissa has worked with lifestyle, beauty and fashion brands on advertorials. This includes names like Tiffany & Co, Swarovski and Singapore Airlines. In 2017, she was an ambassador for Fujifilm.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "FUJIFILM INSTAX SQ10". ''Melissa C. Koh.'' May 12, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.melissackoh.com/fujifilm-instax-sq10/</ref>
Melissa Koh (born 16 May 1989) is a Singaporean lifestyle blogger and YouTuber ([https://www.youtube.com/user/melissacelestinekoh/featured YouTube channel]). She is the founder of the fashion label 'Run After' ([https://runafter.love/collections/horizon-1?page=2 official website]) and owner of the online retail store 'Some Days at Home' ([https://somedaysathome.com/ official website]). As of February 2020, she has more than 267,000 followers on Instagram and more than 11,000 subscribers on YouTube. As an influencer, Melissa has worked with lifestyle, beauty and fashion brands on advertorials. This includes names like Tiffany & Co, Swarovski and Singapore Airlines. In 2017, she was an ambassador for Fujifilm.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "[https://www.melissackoh.com/fujifilm-instax-sq10/ FUJIFILM INSTAX SQ10]". ''Melissa C. Koh.'' May 12, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref>
[[File:Melissa Koh Shape Magazine 2015.jpg|thumb|''Melissa Koh on the front page of SHAPE magazine in 2015.'']]


== Background ==
==Background==
The oldest of 4 siblings, Melissa has two younger sisters and one younger brother.<ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “Old Wives’ Tale & Pregnancy Myths | Melissackoh”. March 6, 2019. Accessed on 11 March 2019. ''YouTube''. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5X3_ywwxtE&t=321s </ref> When Melissa was 2 years old, her father passed away. Melissa, her grandmother and mother relocated to Switzerland due to her mother’s work commitments.<ref>melissackoh. “Day 43”. ''DAYRE''. February 12, 2014. Accessed on 11 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://dayre.me/melissackoh/xXvP5kuFDu </ref> The family came back to Singapore where Melissa enrolled into CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School.


===Family===
The oldest of 4 siblings, Melissa has two younger sisters and one younger brother.<ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5X3_ywwxtE&t=321s Old Wives’ Tale & Pregnancy Myths | Melissackoh]”. ''YouTube''. March 6, 2019. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref> Her father passed away when she was 2 years old. Melissa, her mother and grandmother relocated to Switzerland due to her mother’s work commitments at the time.<ref>melissackoh. “[https://dayre.me/melissackoh/xXvP5kuFDu Day 43]”. ''DAYRE''. February 12, 2014. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref> She is Catholic and attends the Church of the Risen Christ where she was engaged and married to her husband James Chen.<ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CyrDvl-9p0 THE PROPOSAL: I SAID YES!]”. ''YouTube''. October 9, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019.</ref> Melissa has a son, Noah, who was born in May 2019.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "[https://www.melissackoh.com/my-birth-story/ BABY NOAH’S BIRTH STORY]". ''Melissa C. Koh.'' June 27, 2019. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref> She had publicly announced her pregnancy on 8 January 2019.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "[https://www.melissackoh.com/we-are-pregnant-%F0%9F%8E%8A/ SOMETHING’S BAKING! 🎊]". ''Melissa C. Koh.'' January 8, 2019. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref>


In the National University of Singapore, she majored in Finance and graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration in 2011.<ref>"Melissa Celestine Koh". ''Linkedin.'' Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-celestine-koh-79190531/</ref> After completing her studies at NUS, she worked as an equities associate at Credit Suisse for 2 years.
===Education===
Melissa enrolled into CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School when her family moved back to Singapore. She then furthered her studies in the National University of Singapore (NUS) where she majored in Finance and graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration in 2011.<ref>"[https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-celestine-koh-79190531/ Melissa Celestine Koh]". ''LinkedIn.'' Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref> After completing her tertiary studies, she worked as an equities associate at Credit Suisse for 2 years.  


 
===Blogging===
Melissa started blogging at about 15 years old and continued to do so throughout her time at Credit Suisse.<ref name=":0">Er, Carrie. "Top Blog: Getting to Know Melissa Koh from Melissackoh.com". ''ALVINOLOGY.COM''. April 12, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://alvinology.com/2017/04/12/top-blog-getting-know-melissa-koh-melissackoh-com/</ref> She juggled her banking career and blogging on the side for campaigns before she decided to blog full-time.<ref name=":0" /> As of August 2019, Melissa's site consists of entries about motherhood tips based on her own experiences, home and living posts and style diaries, to name a few.
Melissa started blogging at about 15 years old and continued to do so throughout her time at Credit Suisse.<ref name=":0">Er, Carrie. "[https://alvinology.com/2017/04/12/top-blog-getting-know-melissa-koh-melissackoh-com/ Top Blog: Getting to Know Melissa Koh from Melissackoh.com]". ''Alvinology''. April 12, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref> As of August 2019, Melissa's site consists of entries about motherhood tips based on her own experiences, home and living posts and style diaries, to name a few.  
 
== Personal life ==
Through her social media platforms and her blog, Melissa has collaborated with brands such as Moët & Chandon, Hera Beauty, Revolve, Dior, Coach, Kate Spade, Tods, Carolina Herrera, Tiffany & Co, Swarovski, Singapore Airlines, The Belmond Group and various hotels and tourism boards. Over the years, Melissa has been featured in publications such as ''The Straits Times'', ''The New Paper'' and ''Her World Singapore''. In 2015, she was the cover girl for ''SHAPE magazine''.
==Personal life==
[[File:Melissa Koh andJames Chen Wedding.jpg|thumb|''Melissa and James' church wedding ceremony. Photo from Benjamin Barker.'']]
[[File:Melissa Koh andJames Chen Wedding.jpg|thumb|''Melissa and James' church wedding ceremony. Photo from Benjamin Barker.'']]
During a university exchange programme at the University of Washington in 2011, Melissa met Jonathan Raedeke. The couple were in a long-distance relationship for about four and a half years before splitting up in July 2015.<ref>melissackoh. “Day 320”. ''DAYRE''. November 16, 2015. Accessed on 11 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://dayre.me/melissackoh/HKR9Sq96ye </ref>
During a university exchange programme at the University of Washington in 2011, Melissa met Jonathan Raedeke. The couple were in a long-distance relationship for about four and a half years before splitting up in July 2015.<ref>melissackoh. “[https://dayre.me/melissackoh/HKR9Sq96ye Day 320]”. ''DAYRE''. November 16, 2015. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref>
 
 
In October 2015, Melissa uploaded a YouTube video featuring her childhood friend and new boyfriend, James Chen.<ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “Couple Q&A: You asked, we answered”. February 10, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. ''YouTube''. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBIuT1gJ8lA </ref> In an interview with Her World, James revealed that he resigned as a finance analyst to be Melissa's paid photographer. At the time of the interview in 2016, James had just started in a marketing role.<ref>Loh, Aretha. “WANT TO BE AN INSTA-STAR? YOU NEED AN INSTA-BOYFRIEND!”. ''Her World''. September 28, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.herworld.com/celebs-men-sex/mensex/want-be-insta-star-you-need-insta-boyfriend </ref> The couple were officially engaged at Church of the Risen Christ in September 2016.<ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “THE PROPOSAL: I SAID YES!”. October 9, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019. ''YouTube''. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CyrDvl-9p0 </ref>
 
 
Melissa and James flew to Paris, France for their engagement shoot in collaboration with The Wedding Scoop. They were photographed by Claire Morris and filmmaker Chris from Zen Film Works.<ref>“PARIS PRE-WEDDING PHOTO-SHOOT COLLABORATION WITH THE WEDDING SCOOP”. ''Claire Morris Photography''. December 5, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://clairemorrisphotography.com/paris-pre-wedding-photo-shoot-collaboration-with-the-wedding-scoop/ </ref> In 2016, the couple held a private engagement event in Bali, Indonesia.<ref>“MELISSA C. KOH AND JAMES CHEN'S ENGAGEMENT PARTY IN BALI”. ''Bride Story''. May 2, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.bridestory.com/blog/melissa-c-koh-and-james-chens-engagement-party-in-bali </ref>  


=== Wedding ===
===Marriage to James Chen (2017)===
Melissa and James were married in August 2017. Their two-day wedding comprised of a church wedding ceremony, gatecrash and dinner banquet at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore.<ref>Leviani, Karina. “MELISSA C. KOH AND JAMES CHEN’S MAGICAL WEDDING IN SINGAPORE”. ''Bridestory''. August 15, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.bridestory.com/blog/melissa-c-koh-and-james-chens-magical-wedding-in-singapore </ref><ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “Our Wedding Day | ..of 14 years in the making”. August 16, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. ''YouTube''. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR_sg0xLZok </ref><ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “GATECRASH HIGHLIGHTS | Officially Married to The LOVE of My Life”. August 19, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. ''YouTube''. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGGUTS8dfjw </ref><ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “Our Wedding | A Celebration of Our Union”. October 6, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. ''YouTube''. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbEzC2rOT_E </ref>  Melissa and James faced backlash for their "sponsored wedding". However, Melissa revealed that although there were sponsorships, the couple still spent a hefty amount on the wedding.<ref>Singh, Bryna. "Sponsored weddings are on the rise but should guests still pay the hongbao price?". ''The Straits Times''. September 7, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/anger-over-influencers-sponsored-wedding</ref> On 8 January 2019, Melissa publicly announced that she was pregnant.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "SOMETHING’S BAKING! 🎊". ''Melissa C. Koh.'' January 8, 2019. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.melissackoh.com/we-are-pregnant-%F0%9F%8E%8A/</ref> She gave birth to her son, Noah, in May 2019.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "BABY NOAH’S BIRTH STORY". ''Melissa C. Koh.'' June 27, 2019. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.melissackoh.com/my-birth-story/</ref>
In October 2015, Melissa uploaded a YouTube video featuring her childhood friend and new boyfriend, James Chen.<ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBIuT1gJ8lA Couple Q&A: You asked, we answered]”. ''YouTube''. February 10, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref> In a 2016 interview with ''Her World'', James revealed that he resigned as a finance analyst to be Melissa's paid photographer.<ref>Loh, Aretha. “[https://www.herworld.com/celebs-men-sex/mensex/want-be-insta-star-you-need-insta-boyfriend WANT TO BE AN INSTA-STAR? YOU NEED AN INSTA-BOYFRIEND!]”. ''Her World''. September 28, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref> The couple were officially engaged at Church of the Risen Christ in September 2016.<ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CyrDvl-9p0 THE PROPOSAL: I SAID YES!]”. ''YouTube''. October 9, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref>
[[File:Run After 2018.jpg|thumb|''Melissa at her Run After Launch Party in March 2018. Photo from Melissackoh.com.'']]


== Career highlights ==
Through her brand name and her blog, Melissa has collaborated with brands such as Moët & Chandon, Hera Beauty, Revolve, Dior, Coach, Kate Spade, Tods, Carolina Herrera, Tiffany & Co, Swarovski, Singapore Airlines, The Belmond Group and also hotels and tourism boards. Over the years, Melissa has been featured in publications such as The Straits Times, The New Paper and Her World Singapore. In 2015, she was the cover girl for SHAPE magazine.


=== Some Days at Home (2018 - Present) ===
Melissa and James flew to Paris, France for their engagement shoot in collaboration with ''The Wedding Scoop''. They were photographed by Claire Morris and filmmaker Chris from Zen Film Works.<ref>“[https://clairemorrisphotography.com/paris-pre-wedding-photo-shoot-collaboration-with-the-wedding-scoop/ PARIS PRE-WEDDING PHOTO-SHOOT COLLABORATION WITH THE WEDDING SCOOP]”. ''Claire Morris Photography''. December 5, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref> In 2016, the couple held a private engagement event in Bali, Indonesia.<ref>“[https://www.bridestory.com/blog/melissa-c-koh-and-james-chens-engagement-party-in-bali MELISSA C. KOH AND JAMES CHEN'S ENGAGEMENT PARTY IN BALI]”. ''Bride Story''. May 2, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref>  
Melissa launched her home and lifestyle brand 'Some Days at Home' in 2018. Described as her passion project, Some Days at Home is a site for Melissa to curate local brands and promote their products. The project is a way for her to feature smaller brands with high-quality products that she can vouch for.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "THE BIG REVEAL: MY VERY OWN HOME AND LIFESTYLE BRAND – SOME DAYS AT HOME". December 21, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.melissackoh.com/the-big-reveal-some-days-at-home/</ref> As of August 2019, the site features products ranging from up-cycled wood earrings to soaps made by single mothers.


===Wedding===
Melissa and James were married in August 2017. Their two-day wedding comprised of a church wedding ceremony, gatecrash and dinner banquet at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore.<ref>Leviani, Karina. “[https://www.bridestory.com/blog/melissa-c-koh-and-james-chens-magical-wedding-in-singapore MELISSA C. KOH AND JAMES CHEN’S MAGICAL WEDDING IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Bridestory''. August 15, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref><ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR_sg0xLZok Our Wedding Day | ..of 14 years in the making]”. ''YouTube''. August 16, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref><ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGGUTS8dfjw GATECRASH HIGHLIGHTS | Officially Married to The LOVE of My Life]”. ''YouTube''. August 19, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref><ref>Melissa Celestine Koh. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbEzC2rOT_E Our Wedding | A Celebration of Our Union]”. ''YouTube''. October 6, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019. </ref>  Melissa and James faced backlash for their "sponsored wedding". However, Melissa revealed that although there were sponsorships, the couple still spent a hefty amount on the wedding.<ref>Singh, Bryna. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/anger-over-influencers-sponsored-wedding Sponsored weddings are on the rise but should guests still pay the hongbao price?]". ''The Straits Times''. September 7, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref>
==Run After (2015 - Present)==
[[File:Run After 2018.jpg|thumb|''Melissa at her Run After Launch Party in 2018. Photo from Melissackoh.com.'']]


Melissa revealed that the profits made from the online store will be donated to The Assisi Hospice.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "THE BIG REVEAL: MY VERY OWN HOME AND LIFESTYLE BRAND – SOME DAYS AT HOME". December 21, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.melissackoh.com/the-big-reveal-some-days-at-home/</ref>
===Launch (2015)===
In 2015, Melissa launched the first collection of her fashion label 'Run After' at Digital Fashion Week Singapore.<ref>Bruce, Niki. "[https://www.herworld.com/shopping/melissa-celestine-koh-launching-her-very-own-fashion-label MELISSA CELESTINE KOH IS LAUNCHING HER VERY OWN FASHION LABEL]". ''HER WORLD''. October 22, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref> Melissa partnered with ELLE for Digital Fashion Week Singapore where the 'Cruise 2016' collection walked the runway.<ref>Digital Fashion Week. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wZO1JRbBXg Run After by Melissa Koh presented by ELLE | #DigitalFashionWeek Singapore 2015 (HD)]". ''YouTube''. January 26, 2016. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref>


=== Run After (2015 - Present) ===
This first collection was available for purchase on Zalora and at the Buro pop-up in Scotts Square.<ref>Sim, Andrea. "[https://www.buro247.sg/fashion/insiders/buro-pop-up-meet-melissa-c-koh-run-after-cruise-20.html Buro pop-up x Run After: Discover the collection and meet founder Melissa C. Koh]". ''BURO 24/7''. November 6, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019. </ref>
In 2015, Melissa launched the first collection of her fashion label 'Run After' at Digital Fashion Week Singapore.<ref>Bruce, Niki. "MELISSA CELESTINE KOH IS LAUNCHING HER VERY OWN FASHION LABEL". ''HER WORLD''. October 22, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.herworld.com/shopping/melissa-celestine-koh-launching-her-very-own-fashion-label</ref> Melissa partnered with ELLE for Digital Fashion Week Singapore where the 'Cruise 2016' collection walked the runway.<ref>Digital Fashion Week. "Run After by Melissa Koh presented by ELLE | #DigitalFashionWeek Singapore 2015 (HD)". ''YouTube''. January 26, 2016. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wZO1JRbBXg</ref> This first collection was available for purchase on Zalora and at the Buro pop-up in Scotts Square.<ref>Sim, Andrea. "Buro pop-up x Run After: Discover the collection and meet founder Melissa C. Koh". ''BURO''. November 6, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.buro247.sg/fashion/insiders/buro-pop-up-meet-melissa-c-koh-run-after-cruise-20.html</ref>  


===Relaunch (2015)===
Melissa relaunched the brand in 2018 after a one-year hiatus from the business.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "[https://www.melissackoh.com/run-launch-party/ RUN AFTER LAUNCH PARTY]". ''Melissa C. Koh''. March 4, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref> To her, the name Run After symbolises the act of pursuit and the vision of the fashion label to inspire customers to chase their dreams.<ref>Leong, Ashleey. "[https://alvinology.com/2015/12/02/interview-with-melissa-koh-the-launch-of-run-after/ Interview With Melissa Koh: The Launch of Run After]". ''Alvinology.'' December 2, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref> The fashion label prioritises high-quality fabric and textiles for its apparel range.<ref>Bruce, Niki. "[https://www.herworld.com/shopping/melissa-celestine-koh-launching-her-very-own-fashion-label MELISSA CELESTINE KOH IS LAUNCHING HER VERY OWN FASHION LABEL]". ''HER WORLD''. October 22, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref> The label features a range of tops, bottoms and dresses ranging from S$79 to S$149.
==Some Days at Home (2018 - Present)==
Melissa launched her home and lifestyle brand 'Some Days at Home' in 2018. Described as her passion project, Some Days at Home is a site for Melissa to curate local brands and promote their products. The project is a way for her to feature smaller brands with high-quality products that she can vouch for.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "[https://www.melissackoh.com/the-big-reveal-some-days-at-home/ THE BIG REVEAL: MY VERY OWN HOME AND LIFESTYLE BRAND – SOME DAYS AT HOME]". ''Melissa C. Koh.''  December 21, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref>


Melissa relaunched the brand in 2018 after a one-year hiatus from the business.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "RUN AFTER LAUNCH PARTY". ''Melissa C. Koh''. March 4, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.melissackoh.com/run-launch-party/</ref> To her, the name Run After symbolises the act of pursuit and the vision of the fashion label to inspire customers to chase their dreams.<ref>Leong, Ashleey. "Interview With Melissa Koh: The Launch of Run After". ''ALVINOLOGY.COM.'' December 2, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://alvinology.com/2015/12/02/interview-with-melissa-koh-the-launch-of-run-after/</ref> The fashion label prioritises high-quality fabric and textiles for its apparel range.<ref>Bruce, Niki. "MELISSA CELESTINE KOH IS LAUNCHING HER VERY OWN FASHION LABEL". ''HER WORLD''. October 22, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.herworld.com/shopping/melissa-celestine-koh-launching-her-very-own-fashion-label</ref> The label features a range of tops, bottoms and dresses ranging from S$79 to S$149.


== References / Citations ==
As of August 2019, the site features products ranging from up-cycled wood earrings to soaps made by single mothers. Melissa revealed that the profits made from the online store will be donated to The Assisi Hospice.<ref>Koh, Melissa. "[https://www.melissackoh.com/the-big-reveal-some-days-at-home/ THE BIG REVEAL: MY VERY OWN HOME AND LIFESTYLE BRAND – SOME DAYS AT HOME]". ''Melissa C. Koh.''  December 21, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2019.</ref>
==References / Citations==
[[Category:People of Interest]]
[[Category:People of Interest]]
<references />
[[Category:Internet Personalities]]

Revision as of 13:52, 12 February 2020

Melissa Koh
Melissa Koh.jpg
Born
Melissa Celestine Koh

16 May 1989
EducationDegree in Business Administration
Alma materCHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School, National University of Singapore (NUS)
Spouse(s)James Chen (m. 2017)
ChildrenNoah Tobias Chen (b. 2019)
Websitehttps://www.melissackoh.com/

https://somedaysathome.com/

https://runafter.love/

Melissa Koh (born 16 May 1989) is a Singaporean lifestyle blogger and YouTuber (YouTube channel). She is the founder of the fashion label 'Run After' (official website) and owner of the online retail store 'Some Days at Home' (official website). As of February 2020, she has more than 267,000 followers on Instagram and more than 11,000 subscribers on YouTube. As an influencer, Melissa has worked with lifestyle, beauty and fashion brands on advertorials. This includes names like Tiffany & Co, Swarovski and Singapore Airlines. In 2017, she was an ambassador for Fujifilm.[1]

Melissa Koh on the front page of SHAPE magazine in 2015.

Background

Family

The oldest of 4 siblings, Melissa has two younger sisters and one younger brother.[2] Her father passed away when she was 2 years old. Melissa, her mother and grandmother relocated to Switzerland due to her mother’s work commitments at the time.[3] She is Catholic and attends the Church of the Risen Christ where she was engaged and married to her husband James Chen.[4] Melissa has a son, Noah, who was born in May 2019.[5] She had publicly announced her pregnancy on 8 January 2019.[6]

Education

Melissa enrolled into CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School when her family moved back to Singapore. She then furthered her studies in the National University of Singapore (NUS) where she majored in Finance and graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration in 2011.[7] After completing her tertiary studies, she worked as an equities associate at Credit Suisse for 2 years.

Blogging

Melissa started blogging at about 15 years old and continued to do so throughout her time at Credit Suisse.[8] As of August 2019, Melissa's site consists of entries about motherhood tips based on her own experiences, home and living posts and style diaries, to name a few.

Through her social media platforms and her blog, Melissa has collaborated with brands such as Moët & Chandon, Hera Beauty, Revolve, Dior, Coach, Kate Spade, Tods, Carolina Herrera, Tiffany & Co, Swarovski, Singapore Airlines, The Belmond Group and various hotels and tourism boards. Over the years, Melissa has been featured in publications such as The Straits Times, The New Paper and Her World Singapore. In 2015, she was the cover girl for SHAPE magazine.

Personal life

Melissa and James' church wedding ceremony. Photo from Benjamin Barker.

During a university exchange programme at the University of Washington in 2011, Melissa met Jonathan Raedeke. The couple were in a long-distance relationship for about four and a half years before splitting up in July 2015.[9]

Marriage to James Chen (2017)

In October 2015, Melissa uploaded a YouTube video featuring her childhood friend and new boyfriend, James Chen.[10] In a 2016 interview with Her World, James revealed that he resigned as a finance analyst to be Melissa's paid photographer.[11] The couple were officially engaged at Church of the Risen Christ in September 2016.[12]


Melissa and James flew to Paris, France for their engagement shoot in collaboration with The Wedding Scoop. They were photographed by Claire Morris and filmmaker Chris from Zen Film Works.[13] In 2016, the couple held a private engagement event in Bali, Indonesia.[14]

Wedding

Melissa and James were married in August 2017. Their two-day wedding comprised of a church wedding ceremony, gatecrash and dinner banquet at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore.[15][16][17][18] Melissa and James faced backlash for their "sponsored wedding". However, Melissa revealed that although there were sponsorships, the couple still spent a hefty amount on the wedding.[19]

Run After (2015 - Present)

Melissa at her Run After Launch Party in 2018. Photo from Melissackoh.com.

Launch (2015)

In 2015, Melissa launched the first collection of her fashion label 'Run After' at Digital Fashion Week Singapore.[20] Melissa partnered with ELLE for Digital Fashion Week Singapore where the 'Cruise 2016' collection walked the runway.[21]

This first collection was available for purchase on Zalora and at the Buro pop-up in Scotts Square.[22]

Relaunch (2015)

Melissa relaunched the brand in 2018 after a one-year hiatus from the business.[23] To her, the name Run After symbolises the act of pursuit and the vision of the fashion label to inspire customers to chase their dreams.[24] The fashion label prioritises high-quality fabric and textiles for its apparel range.[25] The label features a range of tops, bottoms and dresses ranging from S$79 to S$149.

Some Days at Home (2018 - Present)

Melissa launched her home and lifestyle brand 'Some Days at Home' in 2018. Described as her passion project, Some Days at Home is a site for Melissa to curate local brands and promote their products. The project is a way for her to feature smaller brands with high-quality products that she can vouch for.[26]


As of August 2019, the site features products ranging from up-cycled wood earrings to soaps made by single mothers. Melissa revealed that the profits made from the online store will be donated to The Assisi Hospice.[27]

References / Citations

  1. Koh, Melissa. "FUJIFILM INSTAX SQ10". Melissa C. Koh. May 12, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  2. Melissa Celestine Koh. “Old Wives’ Tale & Pregnancy Myths | Melissackoh”. YouTube. March 6, 2019. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  3. melissackoh. “Day 43”. DAYRE. February 12, 2014. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  4. Melissa Celestine Koh. “THE PROPOSAL: I SAID YES!”. YouTube. October 9, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  5. Koh, Melissa. "BABY NOAH’S BIRTH STORY". Melissa C. Koh. June 27, 2019. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  6. Koh, Melissa. "SOMETHING’S BAKING! 🎊". Melissa C. Koh. January 8, 2019. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  7. "Melissa Celestine Koh". LinkedIn. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  8. Er, Carrie. "Top Blog: Getting to Know Melissa Koh from Melissackoh.com". Alvinology. April 12, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  9. melissackoh. “Day 320”. DAYRE. November 16, 2015. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  10. Melissa Celestine Koh. “Couple Q&A: You asked, we answered”. YouTube. February 10, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  11. Loh, Aretha. “WANT TO BE AN INSTA-STAR? YOU NEED AN INSTA-BOYFRIEND!”. Her World. September 28, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  12. Melissa Celestine Koh. “THE PROPOSAL: I SAID YES!”. YouTube. October 9, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  13. PARIS PRE-WEDDING PHOTO-SHOOT COLLABORATION WITH THE WEDDING SCOOP”. Claire Morris Photography. December 5, 2016. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  14. MELISSA C. KOH AND JAMES CHEN'S ENGAGEMENT PARTY IN BALI”. Bride Story. May 2, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  15. Leviani, Karina. “MELISSA C. KOH AND JAMES CHEN’S MAGICAL WEDDING IN SINGAPORE”. Bridestory. August 15, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  16. Melissa Celestine Koh. “Our Wedding Day | ..of 14 years in the making”. YouTube. August 16, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  17. Melissa Celestine Koh. “GATECRASH HIGHLIGHTS | Officially Married to The LOVE of My Life”. YouTube. August 19, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  18. Melissa Celestine Koh. “Our Wedding | A Celebration of Our Union”. YouTube. October 6, 2017. Accessed on 11 March 2019.
  19. Singh, Bryna. "Sponsored weddings are on the rise but should guests still pay the hongbao price?". The Straits Times. September 7, 2017. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  20. Bruce, Niki. "MELISSA CELESTINE KOH IS LAUNCHING HER VERY OWN FASHION LABEL". HER WORLD. October 22, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  21. Digital Fashion Week. "Run After by Melissa Koh presented by ELLE | #DigitalFashionWeek Singapore 2015 (HD)". YouTube. January 26, 2016. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  22. Sim, Andrea. "Buro pop-up x Run After: Discover the collection and meet founder Melissa C. Koh". BURO 24/7. November 6, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  23. Koh, Melissa. "RUN AFTER LAUNCH PARTY". Melissa C. Koh. March 4, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  24. Leong, Ashleey. "Interview With Melissa Koh: The Launch of Run After". Alvinology. December 2, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  25. Bruce, Niki. "MELISSA CELESTINE KOH IS LAUNCHING HER VERY OWN FASHION LABEL". HER WORLD. October 22, 2015. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  26. Koh, Melissa. "THE BIG REVEAL: MY VERY OWN HOME AND LIFESTYLE BRAND – SOME DAYS AT HOME". Melissa C. Koh. December 21, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2019.
  27. Koh, Melissa. "THE BIG REVEAL: MY VERY OWN HOME AND LIFESTYLE BRAND – SOME DAYS AT HOME". Melissa C. Koh. December 21, 2018. Accessed on 7 August 2019.