Celebrity Life

Faces of Food

by Daphne Nikolopoulos April 05, 2019

They put in tireless hours and considerable effort to feed Palm Beach County, including those who often go hungry.

The post Faces of Food appeared first on Palm Beach Illustrated.

Posted in Food Articles, People, Recently Added, Restaurants, Restaurants + More

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The Age Factor

by editorial April 03, 2019

Photographer Chuan Looi @ Yipieyaya Studio

Styling & creative direction Ibnu Aswan

Make-up artists Joey Yap & Wan Ning

Hair artist Angeline Low

Photography assistant Muhaimin Kamarolzaman

This story was first published in Prestige Malaysia March 2019 issue

20s: Tanzanite Lournard Chandran

Text by Justin Ng

Underneath the façade of sharp facial features that could deflate a balloon lies a gentle soul. As the third child of Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran and Datin Sri Mary Lourdes Chandran, Tanzanite Lournard Chandran has inherited their physical semblance. Posing for the camera is like a second nature to him. Hence a trail of gasps that follows when one learns that Tanzanite has yet to venture into modelling on a professional basis. Instead, he has enrolled in Trinity College, Dublin. This spring marks his freshman year as a student of biomedical sciences.

“As a kid, I was always interested in biology. I wanted to be a doctor. But things changed. I think this is something close enough. The research field is always more fun for me. I like to discover new things. Of course, it is not going to be as easy as I think but at least this is a start. I would like to go in and find out for myself what it is like,” says the soon-to-be-21-year-old who cites X-Men and its geneticist protagonist Professor X as one who sparked his interest. While he is still open to ideas, for the next five to 10 years, Tanzanite sees himself spending quite a bit of time in a lab or wherever the course takes him.

[inline-quote author="Tanzanite Lournard Chandran"]"My dad told me to really think about what you are saying. You are not a child anymore. You can’t just speak your mind in a rash moment."[/inline-quote]

Born in 1998, this coming July 9 marks his coming of age. Turning 21 years old is a rite of passage permeated the fabric of society. It upholds our rights to drink legally and governs our rights to vote for the government. It is also regarded as a milestone for the beginning of adulthood. Although physically “it is just another year”, Tanzanite feels the “expectations are now higher” now that he will finally enter adulthood.

He cites decisiveness as an indispensable quality an adult should possess. That also means owning up to his acts should things go awry as a consequence of his action or decision he has made. “My dad told me to really think about what you are saying. You are not a child anymore. You can’t just speak your mind in a rash moment,” replies Tanzanite when asked about what advice his father gave.

On a personal development level, the past year was spent at honing this particular facet of his life as he lived away from his parents while pursuing a foundation course in Ireland, realising there is much more to life outside the cocoon of comfort.

“I definitely became more independent. You develop your personality a lot in a new way, like doing a simple chore like washing dishes, discovering how to do certain things, maintaining the house on my own, etc. At home I was just comfortable lying around. I had no motivation to improve myself. Now that I am on my own, I really want to make myself a better man,” Tanzanite says of his metamorphosis.

He adds that he has observed such transformation in his older siblings. He noticed that they would cease to act in a certain way, while he remained playful. Being a close-knit unit, the older siblings often show Tanzanite the ropes, looking after him and advising him on education, career and even life choices.

It comes as no surprise that the thing he misses the most is his family, in addition to the delicious Malaysian food, while studying abroad.

“My dad asked me in January so what do you want to do this year for your birthday? It was a bit like the whole life I have been looking to turning 21. Now that I turn 21, it is definitely a shock to me,” Tanzanite says, revealing that for his birthday, he just wants a good time with his friends and family.

“I am not really one to ask, say materialistically, for a present,” Tanzanite underscores his self- effacing manner.

30s: Francesca Chia

Dress from Fendi; Bracelet and pendant from the Magnipheasant collection by Stephen Webster exclusively available at Habib Jewels

Text by Julie Yim

By 30, most people think they should have life all figured out. But Francesca Chia believes therein lies the biggest misconception as life is just about to begin for her in the next decade. “Looking back at the past 10 years, I had such amazing experiences,” says the co-founder and CEO of GoGet who ushered in her 30s last year with her closest family and friends.

Like many startup founders who had the foresight to envision a new reality, Francesca founded GoGet at the mere age of 25, transitioning from a corporate career to a startup life. The past five years have been spent tirelessly building GoGet to be the leading marketplace for on-demand errands and deliveries powered by a community of runners, specifically amounting to 10,000 GoGetters and a permanent team of 12 today. “These amazing 10 years have taught me so many tools and skills and I’m excited to see how these skills are honed in my 30s. My husband and I often joke that your 20s are your boot camp years. You just have to commit the years to hard work, say yes to as many things, attend as many events and meet as many people as you can,” Francesca shares.

A new decade also brings forth a new set of challenges and it comes as no surprise then that Francesca has a list of objectives to accomplish. Her own set of goals – be it long-term, medium-term or short-term, is inclusive of all aspects suchas work, family, health and happiness. “I do this with my husband when we’re on holiday as we talk about what our goals are,” she says. On the health front, staying fit remains a top priority and she has signed up for a duathlon with her husband which will take place this March.

[inline-quote author="Francesca Chia"]"My husband and I often joke that your 20s are your boot camp years. You just have to commit the years to hard work, say yes to as many things, attend as many events and meet as many people as you can."[/inline-quote]

Professionally, she shares that her 30s will be about taking GoGet to the next level as she scales the company. “I started GoGet very naïve but I feel I needed to be naïve to start something, else it will never happen. Two years after bulldozing through, I learned a lot of lessons about the business, how to make it sustainable and how to make sure the model works,” she says before adding, “at 30 now, I feel what’s ironic is that I feel more empowered to dream a little bigger because we have broken even as a business. Now how do we dream to the next stage? So it’s going back to that sense of naivety that we had in the beginning but hopefully with a little bit more sense in us.”

With two years into marriage now, starting a family is also on her mind as she embarks on what she calls a “transitory decade”. “I really look forward to the day I start a family. I have this vision of a day in my life when I’m much older. It begins with me in the kitchen cooking a yummy meal and I have my children with their partners over to my house to eat,” she says with a grin.

Looking back, there were plenty of changes she had to make on her own as she transitioned through the various life phases. As a child who grew up receiving both Chinese education and British international education, Francesca openly shares that was one of the biggest transitions she had to make during her adolescent years. “The way the two cultures educate is very different. I had a huge paradigm shift in my mind when I shifted schools,” she remarks. The next big change she encountered was when she started GoGet as there were no rulebooks or guidance offered. However, she shares that one of the milestones she hopes to achieve with GoGet is to impact the way work is defined. “I hope people will eventually picture work in a very different way. Work can take place anywhere, be much more flexible, mobile, not 9 to 5 and GoGet will play a role in that journey.”

40s: Hannah Yeoh

Text by Rubin Khoo

The most obvious thing about turning 40, says Hannah Yeoh, is that she has to dye her hair regularly. “Every new root that comes out now is white,” she says with a laugh. Her response, coming as somewhat of a surprise, considering her entering a new phase in life coincides with her taking on a greater role in politics.

“As we enter into a new season for Malaysia, I haven’t really had time to think about what I want to accomplish in my 40s because I have been so busy with work,” she adds.

It seems as if Hannah’s life markers are aligned with the changes she hoped to accomplish when she entered politics at the age of 29. By 30, she had been elected state assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, part of a new movement that heralded a new era for the state of Selangor as the then Pakatan Rakyat assumed administration of the state.

Now her turning 40 coincides with a new role as a first-time member of parliament and as Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. Her first couple of months in government proved to be quite challenging as the ministry was thrust into the spotlight when in June, the case of an 11-year-old bride enraged the nation and in July, when the highly publicised case of abuse involving baby Adam Rayqal Mohd Sufi Naeif left us in shock.

“As a mother, it was emotionally difficult. Every time you read about child abuse, it is very tough,” says Hannah. “In the last seven months, I had to learn to separate myself from the news and to be focused on policy changes and reforms.”

There was a process of adjustment which was fairly similar to when she first entered politics more than a decade ago. Then she recalls that despite being confident, she at times remained uncertain as to her decision making. Now, with the advantage of age and experience, she finds that her confidence is backed by certainty. “I think that is the benefit of turning 40,” she says.

The other plus point is that she now finds herself relatively unperturbed by criticism. Perhaps, her heart has hardened, she says in jest, before adding “I hope not, but I am emotionally stronger today and I don’t take offence so easily.”

In the past, a tweet or a negative comment would affect her quite a bit. But now that isn’t the case. “I have learnt to laugh at myself and accept that I am not so perfect,” she says.

Her resolve to make a difference, however, remains intact. And now that she is part of the federal government, she wants to see if she can bring about “real change” after having spent a decade as part of the opposition.

Her longer term plans, however, appear a little less certain as having devoted much of her time to politics, Hannah hopes that when she turns 50, she is able to spend some time indulging in simple pleasures.

[inline-quote author="Hannah Yeoh"]"I have learnt to laugh at myself and accept that I am not so perfect."[/inline-quote] “I do want to enjoy rain,” she says. “I can’t enjoy it now because every time it rains, I am so worried there will be floods. I really want to enjoy nature and not worry about what’s happening somewhere in my constituency.”
Hannah admits that having entered politics at a young age meant that her 30s were somewhat “sacrificed”, but she is also very aware of the fact that she was given the opportunity to achieve much at a young age. In 2013, when Hannah was appointed speaker of the Selangor State Assembly, she broke barriers by becoming the only woman to have held that position and the youngest of any legislative assembly in Malaysia.

“I realise that there are many people my age who cannot do what I do today, so in that sense, it makes up for the time that I think my youth was taken away,” she says. For now, she is content with what she has achieved, “I can look in the mirror and be happy with myself.”

Like others who have hit the milestone, Hannah says she plans to watch what she eats and live a healthier lifestyle. She has not planned the next 10 years, leaving the course of her life to divine intervention. Much of how long she remains in politics, she says, will largely depend on the needs of her daughters.

“In 10 years, they will be teenagers and if they are very secure, I can do more but if they need me, I may have to pay the price and I am willing to do that. I almost feel like I fell off a cliff ... so it is hard to predict the next 10 years.” Particularly since the last 10 brought about a change that seemed so impossible. “A lot of people didn’t think they would live to see the day,” she states. “And every single Malaysian fighting for change is blessed.”

To the younger generation, Hannah advises to “never throw your ideals away.” She has observed a lot of passion in the many interns she has worked with. And as most of them are still free of commitments, they are able to devote more time to developing their passions.

“You should make use of that,” she stresses. “Don’t forsake your ideals but make sure you remain teachable. Some people are idealistic but not teachable so it becomes arrogant, a kind of misplaced passion, but if you are passionate and teachable, you become an asset to any organisation.”

50s: Michael Chan

Text by Julie Yim

Second chances are rare but Michael Chan counts himself fortunate to be given a new lease in life as 2019 is set to be a huge year for him. “It’s all part of a plan to be honest,” the CEO of MYTV Broadcasting impishly declares, his humorous nature showing through. Last year, he got down on one knee and proposed to his fiancé as they plan to tie the knot this year to coincide with their 40th and 50th birthday celebrations.

On the professional front, this is also the year Michael is looking forward to delivering the analogue switch-off that he had been tasked to the government which he describes as his toughest gig yet, juggling between different stakeholders and the government. And then there is his bucket list of 50 things to accomplish before his 50th birthday in October, which encompasses baking to sponsoring an underprivileged child’s education. “When I turned 40, I remember telling myself if I get to 50, I want to celebrate my 50th birthday in Hawaii because of Hawaii Five-O,” he chuckles.

It may be hard to imagine that life had been very different altogether for Michael back in his 30s and 40s. He describes his 30s as the time when he was all about establishing his identity. “I went from someone who worked in advertising and marketing to thinking hey I want to be a client and determine what marketing campaigns are. In my 40s, I wanted to be my own businessman and even though I lost my wife who passed away and there was no support, I always said there is still a chance to do business. It was also in my 40s that I realised the concept of giving back is very important,” shares Michael who also founded two orphanages together with his late wife. It was also then that Michael started mentoring young entrepreneurs and business owners on a pro-bono basis, connecting them to relevant people.

[inline-quote author="Michael Chan"]"But because we are human, we continue to make the same mistakes. One of the things I’ve learnt is to identify those patterns that are toxic and get out of it."[/inline-quote]

While dreams and ambitions are often more than enough to carry one by, Michael has come to the realisation that one becomes more realistic with age. If anything, he has been a lot more focused now. He opens up about a particularly difficult period in his life when he was juggling between being a single father to his son Junior and finding love again. “I have been dating my fiancé for 10 years now. Two years after we dated, I asked her to marry me but she was not convinced with the idea of marriage. We started growing apart as our careers took centre stage and actually had a break in between,” shares Michael, who adds that the break also happened during a difficult time in his career as he had to shut the Bloomberg TV Malaysia business down during which he helmed the position of CEO. It wasn’t long before his now fiancé Eve made the effort to reconnect and their relationship was stronger than ever as they became more committed to each other.

As a single father, Michael also shares one of the hardest moments of being a parent is waking up one day and coming to realise that his son did not need him anymore as he entered university. “The most crazy dynamic thing is you sit down asa parent and you realise that there were days when Junior was the one bringing me up especially when I was going through grief,” he says candidly.

When it comes to regrets in life, Michael has no qualms as he believes everything he has done has brought him to this point. “But when I say no regrets I’m also not fooling myself as I do have regrets. I regret some relationships I’ve had that end up being very toxic, I regret some jobs that I’ve gone through that end up bad and I regret some decisions I made financially. But because we are human, we continue to make the same mistakes. One of the things I’ve learnt is to identify those patterns that are toxic and get out of it.”

60s: Ivy Josiah

Text by Justin Ng

Now in her 60s, Ivy Josiah knew there was no turning back the moment she walked through the door of the Women’s Aid Organisation’s shelter for domestic violence victims and their children in 1982.

“Malaysian men don’t beat their wives. Come on Ivy, this is a Western thing, right?” Ivy, one of the pioneering names in the championing of women’s rights in Malaysia, says with a shrug, harking back to the days when the advocacy for women’s rights was still in its infancy – a far cry from the universal stance of today where women’s rights are a cardinal part of human rights.

“Back then, we didn’t even dare to use the word ‘human rights’ until finally we had a human rights commission... It was a very protective kind of attitude. We were very afraid that our shelter would be closed down in case we were too critical of the police,” she further dissects the difference between then and now. “The difference is this: there is no longer fear. Our work has made us, throughout the years, stronger and fearless. Today, because of social media, a lot of young people are involved in social reforms, trying to make society better. They may not belong to women’s groups or official NGOs, but there is a lot of awareness amongst young people, whether it is environmental justice, sexuality rights, freedom of expression, etc.”

To create a safe and dynamic society, she points out, one can’t isolate women’s rights from the wider civil and liberal rights. “As a women’s rights activist, the rule is very clear: We need to be part of this big reform journey because women can’t be protected or claim their rights in an undemocratic environment,” she stresses.

[inline-quote author="Ivy Josiah"]"I am going to carry on this work until I drop dead, but my role as I grow older will be different. For me, it is not necessarily that it will be a leadership role, but I will be mentoring younger women."[/inline-quote]

When the Domestic Violence Act was passed in the parliament, after nine years of lobbying, at midnight in 1994 to a cacophony of tawdry jokes about domestic violence made by members of parliament, it marked a watershed moment in Malaysia’s legislative history. However, when it wasn’t gazetted two years later, Ivy and fellow activists took to the streets and that peaceful but effective protest landed them on the front pages of popular dailies. The show of people’s power paid dividends ultimately. A few years later, the amendment in the Constitution that puts citizens equal before the law regardless of their genders further solidified Malaysian women’s rights.

Yet there is still much improvement that can be made such as better access to welfare services, progressive interpretations of religion that preach compassion. This, along with understanding there is no end game to social justice, continues to motivate her to persist with the arduous pursuit. Ivy puts it simply, “you don’t retire from social justice”, no matter your age and she has been doing just that since 1982.

“I am going to carry on this work until I drop dead, but my role as I grow older will be different. For me, it is not necessarily that it will be a leadership role, but I will be mentoring younger women. I want to be able to write more, share my experience and whatever wisdom I have acquired. Your role changes (with time). One of the challenges of growing old is that I don’t want to cling on to what I have and assume it will always be the same. You have the tendency of not letting go and not letting younger people lead the way, so I don’t want to be that kind of woman leader who doesn’t let go. I want to be able to play a role of mentoring, writing, reflecting but still actively involved in bring about change – not necessarily in a leadership role,” the erstwhile executive director of the WAO ponders her future.

70s: Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam

Text by Justin Ng

If you were unaware that she recently celebrated her 72nd birthday, as clichéd as it sounds, you would have never guessed her real age. Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam glows with radiance. She is as vivacious as any person you will ever chance upon, to which she quips that she was probably born hyperactive. “My mother would actually say for God’s sake, please sit down to eat,” she regales with a colourful account growing up as a lass in Batu Gajah, filled with sporting pastimes, ranging from netball to badminton. In fact, sport is still anchored in her daily life these days. It was only an untimely injury while on the pitch that brought the curtain down on her footballing hobby. Thereafter, she picked up the more languid golf.

If you have been an audience to her numerous adventure narratives, you may opine she is one fearless individual. Being an intrepid traveller and steadfast Buddhist, she has embarked on pilgrimages to the vast wilderness of Mongolia, traversing creeks and clambering up rocks to reach faraway monasteries.

Her approach to staying young is to lead a wholesome lifestyle, including paying attention to the fuel one puts in one’s body. She admits that she customarily skips food loaded with carbs. “My whole family was very disciplined when it comes to food,” she adds, citing the habit was instilled in her from a young age due her family’s health history and further strengthened after a severe bout of illness many years ago.

It is thus her balanced sensibility of regimented and gung-ho attitude that seen her going places in her career. She was scaling the roof when her peers were concerned about finding the stairway to the ceiling. Siew Yong was the male-dominated Malaysian Tobacco Company’s first woman executive. Then she helmed the spokesperson and head of PR position at Malaysia Airlines for 17 years.

[inline-quote author="Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam"]"I was brought up in an environment of ‘hey, you can make it’. I have never felt that suppression that you are a lady, you aren’t supposed to do this."[/inline-quote]

“I must credit my dad and my brothers who gave me the opportunity to grow. I was brought up in an environment of ‘hey, you can make it’. I have never felt that suppression that you are a lady, you aren’t supposed to do this,” she enthuses, declaring her encouraging father a personal hero.

Nonetheless, she understands perfectly that others may not have access to such supportive environment. Hence when she took early retirement from Malaysia Airlines at the age of 50 in 1997, she promptly jumped at the opportunity to lend her leadership skill to Soroptimist International on a full-time basis, to help incubate a conducive environment for women who are less fortunate. She ascended from club level to president of Soroptimist International South West Pacific.

“Just before I became president in 2012- 2014, as president-elect, a lady asked me, ‘Would you take on the chair of the 21st International Convention which will happen in 2019?’ I said, ‘Huh? You’re asking me in 2010 for something happening in 2019?’” she says with a laugh. She did, however, accept the challenge on the basis that it has never been held in Asia.

The convention will be staged at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 19 to 21 and will host delegates from 122 countries, highlighting women’s issues and United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. One of the speakers of the panel sessions is Christina Lamb, a revered British journalist who has covered wars in the Middle East, the plight of women living under the constant terror of Boko Haram and co-penned the empowering book I Am Malala.

“I am so happy that I have this opportunity at this stage of my life to step into something and really take it seriously up to this level, whereby I can still do something for women and girls. In a way, I am proud of this (convention) because it will help my country to be exposed (on the international stage). From Malaysia Airlines’ days, I have been a promoter of the country. It is something that is very me to want to promote the country.”

The post The Age Factor appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in Francesca Chia, hannah yeoh, Ivy Josiah, MICHAEL CHAN, People, Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam, Tanzanite Lournard Chandran

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Meet Florine Eppe Beauloye: The digital marketing wunderkind

by Nafeesa Saini April 02, 2019

Florine Eppe Beauloye is an unstoppable force. Revered as one of Asia's top 50 women leaders, her list of achievements reads like a book. She is your epitome of today's digital entrepreneur. For one, she's the co-founder and CEO of Moonshot Digital, a creative and digital marketing agency for premium brands staffed by some of the industry's most brilliant minds — think former senior executives from tech giants like Google. She is also the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Luxe Digital, an online publication for luxury marketing professionals.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Beauloye grew up with a globetrotter father, who ignited the wanderlust pulsing in her veins. Her work has taken her all around the globe, helming leadership positions in varied industries. Beauloye harnesses her experiences to empower others like herself. She regularly speaks at conferences, and international events, and is the author of Shine: Digital Craftsmanship for Modern Luxury Brands, an acclaimed guide that demystifies digital marketing for brands. She also doubles up as a consultant, offering her personalised expertise to agencies. Ahead, we speak to her about her illustrious experience as a digital marketer and how brands can push ahead in the tech world.

Tell us about yourself and how you became so well-versed in digital marketing.

I'm an award-winning digital and media entrepreneur, luxury marketer, author, international speaker, and avid believer in digital as an empowering catalyst for change. I'm also the founder of Moonshot Digital, a creative and digital marketing agency for lifestyle and luxury brands and Luxe Digital, an online luxury magazine for forward-thinking leaders and modern affluent consumers.

I have a Master’s Degree in Marketing but I am very much a self-taught digital marketing expert. To be successful now and in the future, you need to be an avid learner. I wake up curious and determined to be better everyday. I’ve literally spent thousands of hours reading, discussing with other thought leaders in the industry, meeting with partners from the largest internet companies in the world, and talking with clients who are undergoing a digital transformation of their business.

The best way to learn about digital marketing and all of its components though is to experiment it hands-on. I have learned and continue to learn from actually working on projects, both personal and for clients.

You’ve been a TV journalist, PR manager and helmed powerful roles in marketing. What struggles did you face over the years and are there common threads between them?

Sometimes it feels like I have lived many lives. These varied yet complementary experiences provided me with a holistic understanding of the marketing ecosystem, and the knowledge and skills that led me to my current ventures. I love learning something new everyday, experimenting with new approaches and creating new models for success.

I like to think of my work as a portfolio of well-integrated concepts and projects that ladder up to an overarching goal of empowerment for forward-thinking businesses and leaders. Storytelling is at the heart of it all. Discovering what is noteworthy, asking the right questions (sometimes the difficult ones), and crafting compelling stories that resonate.

While the fundamental values and principles of storytelling remained unchanged over the years, digital has forever changed how we tell stories. New content consumption patterns mean there are more ways than ever before of telling stories. And that means continuous learning and adaptation.

Plus, digital encourages a prising of immediacy. Everything is live — real-time, always on. Many businesses make the mistake to see digital projects as quick-fixes rather than a fundamental driving force, so my mission is to change this mindset. I am here to guide them through their digital transformation and empower them to achieve their long-term vision and sustainable growth.

What’s the bravest and boldest decision you’ve ever made for your career?

Firstly, taking the leap to moving abroad. Twice. At 23, I moved from Belgium to Ireland with just basic knowledge of the English language and a suitcase full of optimism. At 28, I left Europe and relocated to booming Asia.

Both in Dublin and in Singapore, I have experienced what it’s like to land in a foreign country, having to create new relationships and prove your worth. Both times, I secured a job in less than three weeks. This international experience gave me a widened, global perspective and fresh confidence.

Secondly, crafting a dream path for myself. At 32, I went beyond my comfort zone again, leaving the security of a well-paid corporate position for entrepreneurship.

What is your journey to entrepreneurship like?

Launching my own business has been the most exciting rollercoaster ride. It has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, unexpected challenges, sacrifices, and rewards. But it’s an amazing journey and the excitement it holds is worth it.

As with parenting, no matter how much you prepare for the journey, or convince yourself you're ready for it, there is simply no substitute for actually doing it.

You’re probably one of the busiest multi-hyphenates we’ll ever meet. How do you juggle it all?

I love that I have the opportunity to be a woman of many hats. Although life can feel like a constant juggling act at times, I’m committed to everything I do and try to live in the moment. There are 24 hours in a day, but I don’t let time get the better of me. I think the key is being clear on what your purpose in life is so that you can say yes to the things that matter to you, and more importantly, say no to the things that don’t. It’s all about prioritising and setting realistic expectations so you can maximise life.
No matter how busy I am, I always find ways to pause and ponder, to step back and unwind so I can recharge with positive, creative energy. By keeping my mind open to new perspectives, I make space to embrace new ideas and novel opportunities.

As a woman leader, did you face any gender-specific issues in getting to the top?

At first glance, I am a bit of a digital darling or a chic geek on stilettos. However I don’t really see myself within the confines of a “woman entrepreneur” nor do I allow gender to become a determinant of my experience as an authentic leader with a seat at the table.

The stubborn gender and diversity gap in leadership roles, in tech even more so, is unfortunately still true. This is perhaps the biggest challenge of being a female entrepreneur: To consistently rise above gender-based expectations and biases, while embracing an unwavering dedication to being a great leader.

Authenticity is key. I don’t believe that we need to muscle our way up the career ladder though or pretend to be someone we’re not to earn respect. Instead, I focus on the value that I bring and how I can consistently perfect that. My track record does the rest of the convincing.

[inline_related_article article_id="114181"]

How do you empower aspiring female entrepreneurs?

I love that there is an increasingly stronger knowledge community of inspirational and high-achieving women, actively supporting each other and the entrepreneurial community.

I believe it’s never been a better time to be a (woman) leader. Technology-enabled accessibility means more flexible working hours and new opportunities to balance the demands of home and business. Digital is also a fertile ground for entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities, raise our voice and get heard.

Through my talks, consultancy services and media portfolio, I equip leaders of both genders with the right tools and knowledge to create the success they deserve and help build an innovative and inclusive business landscape that creates value into this world.

Tell us more about your book Shine: Digital Craftsmanship for Modern Luxury Brands. How do luxury brands hit that ‘digital sweet spot’?

My book provides a simple framework to overcome digital overwhelm and shine online. Any business can benefit from applying some of the digital principles contained in my book to increase their brand’s online desirability and offer a more polished and first-class user experience.

It is not a technical book, nor it is about providing a magic formula for digital success. However, its recommendations and insights will lead readers through the right digital mindset for sustainable business growth. Every business has its own path to becoming digitally successful, depending on its unique set of needs and priorities. But the fundamental attributes are the same.

My Shine model provides a simple set of prerequisites to adopting the right digital mindset. It’s a constellation that connects the five main components of digital marketing and puts your niche in the centre.

There are five key pillars that businesses need to hone their "digital sweet spot": Strategy, Holistic implementation, Intelligence, Nimbleness, and Engagement. In it, you'll find invaluable insights and lessons gained from years of experience in marketing, real life stories from clients and the digital industry. Jargon is kept to a minimum so information and analyses are as relatable and timeless as possible.

You also lend your expertise to brands as a consultant. Are there any success stories you can share with us?

I am purposefully selective, so I can immerse myself totally in my clients’ world with the same love, creative care and digital dedication as I do for my own businesses. This selective approach means I can proudly stand behind every ambitious project and brand I partner with.

I had the pleasure to accompany amazing brands in their journey towards digital relevance. I've designed and developed a website for KOHLER Design Awards that collected hundreds of submissions, supported International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) with sensory content that helped them win new contracts and increased leads by 300 percent for Maserati through social media.

I am also very proud of the work behind Luxe Digital which we launched just over a year ago. Leveraging our expertise in content marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO), we grew the online magazine entirely organically. Our readership skyrocketed. The site won multiple industry awards for its clean design and modern user experience. Our business section has become prerequisite reading to MBAs curriculum of reputable Universities and Colleges. We have partnered with world-class industry and luxury lifestyle events that share the same vision for innovation for the future. For instance, Luxury Interactive in New York, to Unbound Bahrain, Baselworld, The Singapore Yacht Show, Monaco Top Marques and more.

What’s next for you?

I'm planning an exciting expansion to the European market. Working in digital also means I am constantly innovating, rethinking and refining my approach. I’m always scanning for inspiration, and my head is always spinning with new ideas, some of which will be tested and launched.

The post Meet Florine Eppe Beauloye: The digital marketing wunderkind appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in digital marketing, Interview, People, Personality

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An interview with interior designer Katharine Pooley

by Maya Michael April 02, 2019

Design magpie and nomadic aesthete. These are words often used by clients to describe the aesthetics of Katharine Pooley. During a 2 week tour in Southeast Asia, the director and founder of one of the most sought-after interior designers in the United Kingdom met up with PrestigeOnline.com to discuss her eponymous label, the inspirations behind her designs, her recent projects and on building an empire.

The following text has been edited for clarity and length. Images provided by Katharine Pooley Ltd. [dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/11.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/41.jpg" right-caption="Pooley strikes a pose in the entrance hall of a large villa in Kuwait that was entirely designed by her. Next to her is a fabulous cabinet clad in turquoise which was designed by Kam Tin." left-caption="A stalagmite console spotted at Pooley's boutique in London, decorated with coral and malachite accessories."]

For readers who might not be familiar with your brand, what would you like them to know about Katharine Pooley Ltd?

It's a brand that's been going for 15 years. We have 47 people in our staff team and a management board of around 12 people -- all of them have been with me for over a decade which is nice, because I think it really helps with our aesthetics. Besides London, we also have offices in the Middle East as well people based in Canada and also Hong Kong.

I also lived and worked in Hong Kong for about 16 years, while my family lived and worked in the Middle East. So, I'm quite culturally well-versed with how people like to live their lives which I think that makes a big impact especially when you're designing someone's space. I don't have a particular brand style; for me, it's about visualising the client's dreams and making it reality. Every house is very different, there's not one that's the same.

Any recent projects that you'd like to share with our readers?

We just completed a 46,000 sq ft residence in Qatar which is big, even for English standards. This will be my third home for this client, who only saw it this afternoon for the first time. He never saw a mood board or anything and just said, "Go ahead". As you can imagine, there's a lot of trust involved in this project.

We also just did The Great Gatsby suite with Turnell & Gigon, which is a company that provides fabric to the royal family in the UK. Initially, I was quite intimidated to be asked to this because these are very established designers, very well-known and very well-regarded. You also have to use their fabrics, and Turnell & Gigon are renowned for floral and classical fabrics -- but they also do very contemporary fabrics. So, I decided to do a Great Gatsby theme because a lot of my clients really like Art Deco. Lots of gold and blacks, silver and platinum, very lavish. I also had all the mantle pieces made up in marble with white feathers coming out and the ceiling. We took dry flowers and had them cascading down the ceiling, very impactful and magnanimous. Once everything was done, we threw a party where anybody who is an interior designer in the UK was in attendance including people who never come out of the woodwork. It was very well received.

[caption id="attachment_136595" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] A breathtaking cliff-side villa overlooking Cape Town complete with an infinity pool[/caption]

Can you tell us a bit more about the interior design process at Katharine Pooley Ltd?

Each client will have a brief, but we'll also work with them along the way. For example, we'll have mood boards, and fabric choices, we'll make CGI and renders so they'll see what they're getting. We do a lot of presentations before we commit to anything so that they have a really good feel of what they like. A lot of our clients also come with their own images which they've taken from Pinterest and Instagram that really helps us to understand their briefs. Generally speaking, I like to think that I'm quite a good reader of my clients so I usually understand the brief. A lot of our work is also repeat business so we already know their tastes quite well.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

I can't say I've ever been frightened of doing a brief; there have been times where I thought to myself, "Does the client know what they want?' and would therefore need to go back to ask more questions. If a client is living overseas, we'd need to spend more time with them to really understand from a cultural perspective -- every nationality has a different culture, so it's very important to understand this. Having been able to live overseas for many years really helps me in bridging that together. For example: Our clients in India love gold while bronze is coveted in the Middle East, whereas chrome is quite popular now in England. Everybody is different, so it's really just about understanding the different requirements.

[caption id="attachment_136591" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] A bathroom decorated with slabs of Milas Lilac marble for The Clarence At St James development located just beside London's St James Palace[/caption]

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

It would probably be my father as we're like two peas in a pod, very similar. He's very well travelled, orderly and has great passion for the universe. Travel also plays a major part of my design ethos; I get inspiration from everywhere I go, every nationality, every person that I meet along the way. In fact, my photo album in my smartphone is full right now because I'm constantly taking photographs during these journeys. Traveling is really important to me.

Any interesting observations that you've picked up while traveling?

Every time I travel, I learn something different. I was recently staying at The PuLi Hotel and Spa in Shanghai. For me, Shanghai tends to be more classical, but they can also do a twist of modern mixed with Chinese traditions. It was really nice to go there and see all of that in harmony. I've always done east meets west, old and new. Antiques with new things. These actually work very well together, but it's got to have a story behind it.

[gallery ids="136676,136677"]

What's your absolute favourite part about decorating a home?

Each decoration has a different element to it. I personally love fabrics with specialist finishes; I feel that I have a great synergy with fabrics. The designing and installation process is also my favourite part as I love seeing things come to fruition. To get to witness our client's reactions after a brief is completed is also one of the nicest things.

Any fabric trends that our readers should know about?

I always say that you shouldn't follow trends; you should set them instead. There are so many amazing fabrics such as Turnell & Gigon, Holly Hunt, C&C Milano, Rubelli, Jason D'souza, de Le Cuona... I have my favourites.

What is your vision for the Katharine Pooley brand in the near future?

It's very funny building what I call an empire. Rome wasn't built overnight, so my advice would be to just take your time. I don't want to grow so big that it's unmanageable. However, I also want to go out with a bang just like Gatsby -- I want to be remembered, that's quite important for me. I'm going to keep doing this for another decade, and start being more selective about which projects that I take on. It has to be ones that are memorable and special, doesn't matter where or who for. They just have to feel right.

I also want to do more personal projects; I just did my first one just last year. I want to do some hotels because you get more recognition for them, and I would love to do a private jet or a big plane like a 747, and maybe some boats.

The best way I would summarise all this would be "success, in a humble way". I never want to be so famous where you are photographed everywhere. It's great to have a career where you feel regarded and respected; it's great to have a job where you love getting up every morning; and to also have some spare pennies so you can spoil the people around you.

The post An interview with interior designer Katharine Pooley appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in Interior Design, Katharine Pooley, Luxury Property, People

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Q&A: Bernadette Peters

by Mary Murray March 26, 2019

We chat with the stage and screen star ahead of her appearance at the Kravis Center.

The post Q&A: Bernadette Peters appeared first on Palm Beach Illustrated.

Posted in People, Recently Added

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Startup Life: James and Josh Shorrock of LANE EIGHT

by Fontaine Cheng March 22, 2019

You probably own a pair of training shoes for sport or the gym, and a separate pair of comfortable kicks for everyday wear. That's the way it's always been -- until now. We met up with siblings James and Josh Shorrock, whose backgrounds stem from Adidas and popular sneaker-loving platform Hypebeast, to find out more about their Hong Kong-based footwear brand LANE EIGHT. We discussed their performance-meets-lifestyle shoes, how they're disrupting the footwear industry, and the challenges of being entrepreneurs living the startup life.

Name: James and Josh Shorrock
Profession: Co-founders of LANE EIGHT
Industry: Performance Footwear
Startup since: May 2017; officially launched August 2018

The post Startup Life: James and Josh Shorrock of LANE EIGHT appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in james shorrock, josh shorrock, lane eight, People, shoes, startup, Startup Life

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Trendsetter: Leslee Shupe

by Liz Petoniak March 21, 2019

Fashion influencer Leslee Shupe chats with PBI on a few of her favorite things.

The post Trendsetter: Leslee Shupe appeared first on Palm Beach Illustrated.

Posted in People, Recently Added

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In Conversation with Malcolm Wood

by P. Ramakrishnan March 07, 2019

Restauranteur Malcolm Wood talks about the challenges -- and success -- of opening top tier eateries in a highly competitive city. In the second part of our video series, we’re in conversation with Malcolm at his gorgeous new dining venue, John Anthony.

[inline_related_article article_id="115994"]

The post In Conversation with Malcolm Wood appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in malcolm wood, people, People & Events, the macallan, Video

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Palm Beach Dandies 2019

by Liza Smith March 06, 2019

From their business acumen to their artistic abilities and exciting fashion choices, these local men prove style and substance can go hand in hand

The post Palm Beach Dandies 2019 appeared first on Palm Beach Illustrated.

Posted in People, Recently Added, Uncategorized

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Getting to Know Film & TV Actress Eleanor Matsuura

by Dara Chau March 04, 2019

In Prestige Online’s “Getting to Know” series, we ask our favourite personalities what they’re like outside of work — and get a little more personal.

She’s played Yumiko on The Walking Dead and Baron Chau of Into the Badlands, starred in Wonder Woman alongside Gal Gadot and MI-5 with Kit Harrington -- but off-screen, actress Eleanor Matsuura takes on the role of down-to-earth super mum who enjoys bad TV as much as the next person, and still fan girls over the big stars she encounters. Between filming and family duties, we caught up with the British-Japanese actress to find out what she’s up to when she’s not in character.

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What’s a normal weekend like for you?

When I’m in Atlanta [for The Walking Dead], we don’t shoot on the weekends, which is amazing. So weekends are for a bit of line learning, bit of reset and thinking about what shooting schedule I have for next week. But also, I have a family, so my family come with me everywhere. I have a one-year old daughter, and my husband and daughter travel with me when I shoot the show. The weekends are spent with them where I’m being a mum, doing mummy stuff.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm69peABGkI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

What’s on your playlist?

Good question! Trying to pick my favourite song on my playlist would be agony -- I can’t do that. It would be like "Dessert Island Discs" or something, but I listen to music all the time. I like music when I’m driving to work to film, driving on set to get me in the mood or character. I pick playlists for every kind of moment in the day to match my mood. At the moment, I’m actually going through lots of old music like The Beatles and old Bowie albums; I’m literally going through them album by album because we don’t listen to albums anymore. It’s actually kind of cool to listen to something as a complete concept album, how it was meant to be heard. There’re so many things, so many beautiful albums which I just haven’t appreciated for a long time because you just hear the songs and get used to that. It’s been really cool going back and listening to them as a whole piece.

When you’ve got a night off mum-duty, what are you most likely to order at a bar?

I’m a really big fan of Negroni Sbagliatos -- a Negroni with Champagne. It’s amazing. Other than that, really good wine like a nice white wine or Pinot Noir.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BeHCjtGjkI5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Really bad rom-coms, bad TV, and movies from the '80s, probably because when I was a kid I just adored watching them. Any time one was on the telly, I would get completely sucked in. I love them!

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you?

I don’t speak Japanese. A lot of people assume I can because I'm Japanese. It's really awful, but I did try a couple of times to get a tutor to teach me. I got fairly far but then, if you’re not keeping up all the time, it's really, really hard. I’m just terrible at it. My sort-of dream is to get a job in Japan where maybe I live there for a year or two, then I can start picking up the language. I just feel so guilty for saying that because I should be able to speak Japanese.

What are your plans for 2019?

Well, I’m returning to The Walking Dead and the season is ready to go. I think if season 10 gets picked up, I’m sure I’ll be returning to that. That’s kind of the next thing. I’m also doing a play in London, so I’m just finishing that up -- that’s been going on for the past couple of months, which has been lovely. It's nice to come back to London and do something completely different from the madness and intensity of The Walking Dead. Depending on what happens with my return to Atlanta maybe there’ll be more theatre, maybe there’ll be more telly -- who knows really.

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Have you ever had a fan-girl moment?

All the time! I’m terrible, I am constantly in such admiration for other actors. Whenever I join a cast or I do something new and meet a hero of mine, I’m always completely delighted and overwhelmed. I’m working with an amazing actress called Celia Imrie at the moment, and she’s just been in everything [Nanny McPhee, Calendar Girls, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel]. I literally tell her every day that I’m in love with her and obsessed with her. But my big fan-girl moment, which is maybe kind of ‘oh my god’ I can’t say anything -- would probably be Dani Dyer [The Business, Human Traffic]. It's weird how much I’m obsessed with him. He’s doing the next Harold Pinter play that’s coming into the theatre after ours and he came to watch our show a couple of weeks ago and I just sort of ran away. I can’t talk to him because I love him too much. I admire people so much, and I’m always worried I’m going to make a fool out of myself -- I either do or I make an escape.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BsrFwZmhu-B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

Who was the last person you called?

The last person that I called was probably my husband -- not that interesting. Not that my husband isn’t that interesting, he is, but you know, we speak all the time. The thing about being married and having a kid is that your phone is just constantly with you at the side of your ear. We call each other all the time with updates -- 'she’s done this, she’s done that'. We’re constantly FaceTime-ing.