5 Minutes with Leo Tay, Founder of the 3 Keys

Growing up in a family that does farming and gardening, Leo Tay naturally developed a love for plants. But instead of following his father’s footsteps to become a farmer, Leo worked as an engineer in a multinational company for nine years. When that didn’t give him the satisfaction that he was looking for, he decided to pursue his passion for plants by starting his own business The 3 Keys.  

The 3 Keys specialises in beautifully designed potted plants that make perfect gifts for the upcoming festive season. We spoke with the underground designer (more on that soon) to learn more about his business, love for plants and tips on proper plant care (hint: start talking to your plants NOW).

Photo: Instagram/@the_3_keys

How did the name The 3 Keys come about?

Leo: It’s inspired by my name Leo. When I arrange the alphabets vertically, they look like a key sign to me. The number three sounds like tree and to raise a plant, you’ll need three key factors: Sun, water and care. Three also represents you, the plant and me.

Why did you set up your own business?

Leo: Terrarium making has been my hobby and I gave them to my colleagues who loved them. With the positive responses that I got, I began selling them online.

Eventually, I left my engineering job to set up The 3 Keys when I was 34 years old. My family and friends didn’t support my decision but I went ahead nonetheless. It’s because life is short and I don’t want to live with regrets when I’m old. 

How has the entrepreneurial journey been like for you?

Leo: It was tough. I used almost 90 per cent of my savings within 1.5 years of starting my own business. A lot of fellow entrepreneurs told me to run my business for two years first, and if there are still losses, shut it down. 

I remained positive and I persevered, hoping for a miracle to happen — and it did! A blogger shared my products, giving my brand some publicity. At the same time, through word of mouth, a famous entrepreneur loved my bonsai and gave me a chance to do consignment at her restaurant and cafe without charges. Since then, business started to pick up.

This experience has taught me that we have to dream big, work hard to pursue our passions, and believe in miracles.

“… we have to dream big, work hard to pursue our passions, and believe in miracles.”

You describe yourself as an underground designer; what does that mean?

Leo: It’s a “fancy title” that I use on my name cards to grab people’s attention. Since I’m in the plant business, I use a lot of materials from the ground or under it. Hence, I think underground designer sums up my job perfectly.  

Photo: Instagram/@the_3_keys

What’s the most common mistake that people have about plants?

Leo: A lot of my customers ask me why do cactuses or succulents — which are supposedly easy to care for — still wither in their hands. The truth is, these plants need full sunlight and hence, they can’t be placed indoors. So naturally, they won’t survive in an office. 

In that case, how can we then take better care of our plants? 

Leo: Before watering them, observe if the soil is wet. If yes, there’s no need to water. This only applies for certain foliage and indoor plants. Bonsais, on the other hand, would need to be watered daily. 

Also, check your plants regularly and see if there are any yellow or burnt leaves. Too much water could turn the leaves yellow while too much sunlight could cause them to wrinkle, dry out and burn. Spray insecticide once a month to keep pests at bay. 

Importantly, touch the leaves and just talk to your plants — praise and complement them. That’s what I usually do to my plants.

So, what's next for The 3 Keys?

Leo: I’ll organise more seminars, workshops and hands-on activities to educate the public. In the future, The 3 Keys will have its own furniture designs, plant pots, stands and accessories, as well as a plant cafe!

By Hayden Ng

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