Cover Cheryl Wee is expanding her wellness empire with the launch of CW, which stands for Company of Wellness (Photo: Cheryl Wee)

As the wellness market is set to boom in the coming years, entrepreneur Cheryl Wee is seizing on the opportunity with the rebrand of Cheryl W Wellness and Weight Management to CW, the Company of Wellness

Since the pandemic, the wellness industry has experienced remarkable growth. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 100-page Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2023 report, the industry was valued at US$5.6 trillion in 2022, a 14 percent increase from 2019. It is predicted to increase to US$8.5 trillion by 2027.

Cheryl Wee has been immersed in the wellness industry long before it became a trend: her mother is the eponymous founder of the Jean Yip Group, where Wee would spend her teenage years working as a receptionist. Following a career in entertainment, Wee’s own experience with an eating disorder inspired her to create Cheryl W, a brand dedicated to weight management and wellness.

Read more: Exploring the wonders of Western Australia with Cheryl Wee and Roy Fong

In a previous interview with Tatler, the Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow shared: “I wasn’t totally okay until I had my first child. That’s when my eating disorder was completely cured. I had to eat properly to be healthy for myself and my son. Going through this helped me in my business too, where I focused on health and wellness, and weight management through good dietary habits, discipline and mindfulness.

"We’re in the business of beauty and my mission is to educate and equip women with the right tools to look and feel good in their own skin.”

The same vision informs the company’s rebranding to CW, or Company of Wellness. “Over the past eight years at Cheryl W, we’ve listened to our customers’ stories and witnessed their successes, leading us to an important realisation: there’s a growing need for a comprehensive ecosystem to support women at every stage of their wellness journey,” says Wee. 

Understanding the challenges women face in pursuing wellness due to limited time and resources, CW now offers a wider range of solutions, from consumables to a #30DaysBetterSelf programme that includes guides, one-on-one nutritionist sessions and online workout sets.

Tatler Asia
Above CW is launching a line of consumables to help women on their wellness journeys (Photo: Cheryl Wee)

What inspired the rebrand and how would you describe the new ethos of Company of Wellness (CW)?

Cheryl Wee (CW): This ecosystem is essential for providing the resources and guidance needed for long-term health, ensuring we reach and empower every woman, no matter where she is in her journey. At Cheryl W, we believe in using evidence-based information to guide our products and programmes. To stay at the forefront of health and wellness trends, I earned the ACE Health Coach Certification, equipping me with the latest tools and methods to help women make safe, lasting behavioural changes toward better health.

CW, our rebranded product line, not only pays homage to Cheryl W but also stands for “Company of Wellness”. This line is designed to help you build micro-habits that lead to major, lasting impacts. It’s about embracing a sustainable lifestyle change, rather than seeking quick-fix solutions.

How do the new online workout sets, meal plans and consultations complement the product offerings?

CW: CW isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement, an ecosystem designed to support a holistic wellness lifestyle. Our offerings are carefully crafted to work seamlessly together, enhancing one’s overall well-being.

For example, our workout sets, developed by personal trainers, emphasise that any movement is better than none. These sets are designed to be accessible to individuals at various fitness levels, ensuring that everyone can benefit. When combined with our products, they contribute to improved health outcomes.

Our online consultations and meal plans provided during consults are meant to have more personalised touches to support individuals in their wellness journey.

Additionally, our DNA testing provides insights into nutritional needs and potential health risks, complementing our consultations and meal plans to create a comprehensive approach to one’s health.

Read more: Six global brands championing women empowerment 

Tatler Asia
Above Having battled with eating disorders, Wee aims to build a brand that helps women become the best versions of themselves by focusing on micro-habits, rather than a short-term lifestyle changes (Photo: Cheryl Wee)

How does the new product range specifically cater to the needs and preferences of busy modern women?

CW: One of the products we have developed is the ready-to-drink product for water retention. Many of our customers have mentioned struggling with water retention, especially during their menstrual cycle. During my time as an artiste in Taiwan, I discovered that numerous Taiwanese celebrities frequently consume a red bean and Chinese barley drink to help reduce water retention. To simplify this for our customers, we collaborated with a TCM physician to formulate Puffy No More, a convenient, ready-to-drink solution in sachets, so they can easily benefit from this traditional remedy without the hassle of daily preparation.

Then there is the sublingual product for relaxation and sleep: Through focus groups and customer feedback, we found that many busy individuals experience high stress and difficulty sleeping. To address this, we sought a quick-acting and effective solution for both relaxation and better sleep. That’s why we developed Sweet Dreams in a sublingual form, which absorbs rapidly into the body to calm the mind and promote restful sleep. On average, it takes about one hour to work, compared to two hours with other methods.

Can you elaborate on the research and insights that led to the development of these particular product formats (jellies, coffees, teas)?

CW: Our very first Cheryl W product was a white coffee formulation from our parent company, which had been a staple for over 20 years. Later, we wanted to develop a long black version, as I personally prefer my coffee without dairy or creamer. During the R&D process, my mentor, a TCM physician, took notice and helped co-formulate our signature Long Black.

For our star product, KCal Cut, we conducted numerous rounds of testing with our dietician and nutritionist before the first version hit the stores. I was committed to ensuring the product was free from laxatives. We also worked with our panel of doctors to refine the formulation, emphasising the role of natural ingredients like fibre as effective “natural blockers of fats.”

After the initial launch, we didn’t stop there. We continued to research and improve the formula, leading to a new and enhanced version with additional ingredients to boost its efficacy.

Read more: 10 advocates who are redefining wellness

Can you tell us more about the unique value proposition of the 30-Day Better Self Programme?

CW: The 30-Day Better Self Programme offers a comprehensive approach to improving one’s wellness. It includes a curated set of consumables, access to exercise plans, and a guidebook featuring tools such as a wellness diary, goal-setting table, commitment sheet and food tips. These resources are designed to help one establish and adhere to healthier habits. Customers will also receive emails with further tips and ideas to support their physical and mental wellness. Together, they provide a convenient way for customers to integrate food and exercise with actionable, bite-sized information, fostering a healthier lifestyle.

For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the #30DayBetterSelfPremium Programme builds on the standard offering by adding a DNA test and a consultation with a nutritionist. This personalised approach allows the nutritionist to gain deeper insights into your body, offering tailored recommendations and a customised meal plan to further enhance your wellness journey.

How does CW plan to build and nurture a community around its brand and products?

CW: We aim to enhance our efforts in sharing valuable insights from industry experts with our customers through social media, workshops, and talks. Additionally, we plan to organise more community-based events, where we can come together to exercise, learn about wellness, and support each other on our health journeys.

Tatler Asia
Above As part of its offerings, CW has launched the 30-Day Better Self Programme (Photo: Cheryl Wee)

How do the online workout sets and meal plans encourage a healthy relationship with exercise and food, rather than focusing solely on weight loss or body image?

CW: I believe in avoiding extremes and embracing moderation in everything we do.

Our exercise plans focus on low- to moderate-intensity workouts designed to add movement, mobility and flexibility back into our lives. The idea is to build muscle for better function, better metabolism and improved strength rather than solely for weight loss.

Our personalised meal plans are crafted following a consultation with a nutritionist, who assesses each customer’s specific needs. We do not endorse crash diets, the elimination of entire food groups, or shaming individuals for their food choices. Instead, we encourage healthier eating habits and foster a positive relationship with all types of food.

What is the long-term vision for CW’s role in the wellness industry?

CW: We envision CW as a leader in the wellness industry, dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals toward healthier lives and better wellness outcomes through safe and sustainable practices.

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