03-05-2025
BookTalk: Annabella Patisserie's director Annabella Sonwelly reads to learn how to mentor
Ms Annabella Sonwelly with the book that has inspired her the most, The Ride Of A Lifetime by Robert Iger. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANNABELLA SONWELLY
Who: Ms Annabella Sonwelly, 44, is the director of Annabella Patisserie, a home-grown bakery known for its artisanal macarons.
A computer science graduate from the National University of Singapore, the Singaporean began her career in banking before realising it was not where her passion lay. In 2014, she launched her baking journey as a home-based business, sparked by her search for macarons that matched the ones she first tasted in France.
Ms Sonwelly, a self-taught baker, now owns a chain of bakeries which includes two outlets in Singapore and one in Jakarta. The company aims to open two or three more stores in Singapore by 2026 and is exploring expansion into the China market.
'I am r eading three books. I tend to read multiple books at once.
Two of the books – Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game – are by Simon Sinek, and they explore how great leaders build trust and inspire their teams by putting people first. This is something I am reflecting on as I grow and lead m y team.
I am also reading Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday, a powerful reminder of how self-mastery and consistency shape success, both personally and professionally.
I tend to read a lot of books about leadership. I started as a home-based business and a one-woman show, but now my team has more than 50 people, so I want to learn how to encourage my team leaders.
When I think about the book that has inspired me the most, The Ride Of A Lifetime by Robert Iger, chief executive of Disney, comes to mind.
I admire how Iger balances creativity with calculated risk-taking, and how he leads Disney through transformational changes.
Two quotes from the book that have stuck with me are 'Take responsibility when you screw up' and 'Be decent to people. Treat everyone with fairness and empathy.'
Some of my other favourite reads include Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard, which reinforces the importance of exceeding customer expectations and building loyalty. This is something I strive for in my brand.
Gung Ho!, also by Blanchard, is a great reminder of the power of team morale and purpose-driven work. These books have helped me approach leadership and team-building with greater energy and intention.
But I do not read only books about leadership. I love cookbooks and enjoy adding to my collection of over 30 such books, which are mostly about pastry recipes.
One of my favourite cookbooks is Jenna Rae Cakes At Home by Ashley Kosowan and Jenna Hutchinso n. I love its aesthetic sense and use the book as inspiration for my bakes.
I usually read before bedtime as a way to wind dow n. I try to finish at least a few pages or a chapter every night.
I also make the most of long flights by taking a book along, turning travel time into learning time.
Reading helps me continuously improve, as a leader and an individual. Many of the ideas and principles I come across in books have shaped how I build my company. It's like having mentorship from some of the greatest minds, right at my fingertips.'
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