Who is Jaycie Tay

Jaycie Tay isn’t just a business owner; she’s a survivor, a trailblazer, and a testament to the power of resilience. From battling homelessness as a child to navigating the cutthroat world of car workshops and manpower agencies, Jaycie’s story is one of grit, honesty, and unwavering determination. She’s a recent graduate of Nanyang Polytechnic with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering, a testament to her belief in the power of education, even when life throws you the hardest curveballs.

What is your motivation?

1MCGroup Podcast Studio :  Jaycie, your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. You’ve faced challenges that would break most people, yet here you are, running successful businesses and empowering others. What drives you?

Jaycie: Thank you for having me. Honestly, what drives me is my children. I want to give them a life I never had. I want to show them that despite the hardships, we can build something meaningful. And, you know, I also want to show others that second chances are real.

What motivates you to pursue for hire studies?

1MCGroup Podcast Studio : Let’s dive into that. You mentioned the importance of credentials, even in fields where experience is king. You recently finished your diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Why was that so important to you?

Jaycie: Because when you’re dealing with the legal system, experience alone isn’t enough. Judges, they look at those credentials. They want to see that you have the academic background to back up your expertise. Look, you can be a surveyor without a diploma, but when you go to court, that piece of paper matters. It shows you understand the theory, the principles. It gives you credibility. Especially in today’s surveyor market where it’s a “free market” anyone can be a surveyor.

What are your battle scars and triumph? 

1MCGroup Podcast Studio : That’s a powerful point. You’ve had your fair share of legal battles, haven’t you?

Jaycie: Yes, I have. Marital battles, custody battles… it was a dark time. I lost my matrimonial flat, I was blocked from seeing my children. There were moments when I felt like it would be better to die than to keep living.

Of Faith

1MCGroup Podcast Studio : And yet, you found a way through. You mentioned a Christian halfway house and the Bible. How did that impact your journey?

Jaycie: That was a turning point. The Christian home, arranged by the prison system, gave me a safe space. And the Bible… it spoke to me. I started writing down notes, feeling like God was talking to me directly. It helped me get off depression medication. It was my first step with Jesus Christ.

Good Samaritan

1MCGroup Podcast Studio : That’s incredibly moving. You’ve also spoken about a man you call “Uncle John” who helped you with your studies.

Jaycie: Oh, Uncle John. He was a stranger, really. I met him at a bus stop, or maybe on a bus. And he just… believed in me. He said, “Jaycie, I found you the money to study.” I was floored. It was a second chance, a lifeline.

Your business

1MCGroup Podcast Studio : That’s an amazing story. Now, you run a car workshop, JB Concept, and a manpower agency, JC Recruitment Agency Private Limited. You’ve built your businesses on honesty and accountability. Why is that so important to you?

Jaycie: Because honesty is the foundation of any good business, especially in the car workshop industry. Let’s be real, car workshops don’t always have the best reputation. So, we’re transparent. We take photos of the parts before and after servicing. We do a 36-point check. We show our customers exactly what we’re doing. And in manpower, we focus on quality matching, not just volume. We want to make sure it’s a good fit for both the employer and the employee.

Finding strength in vulnerability

1MCGroup Podcast Studio : You’ve talked about your investor being hesitant about you sharing your personal story. But you believe in vulnerability, don’t you?

Jaycie: Absolutely. My investor, he worries people will be unkind. But I believe vulnerability is a strength. It’s a chance to start with a clean slate, to be authentic. People connect with real stories. They want to know who you are, what you’ve been through. It builds trust.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

1MCGroup Podcast Studio : And what message do you want to share with those who might be going through similar struggles?

Jaycie: Don’t give up. God will send people to help you, but you have to be open to receiving that help. And remember, things don’t change, but how we perceive them does. Change your perception, and you can change your life.