Women On Top

of

2022

The results are in! After putting out an open call for nominations back in March, the Liv Magazine team sifted through hundreds of applications to find Hong Kong's most inspiring women, who work tirelessly in their respective fields to make our city a healthier place. From entrepreneurs to healers, athletes to coaches, these women are passionate about wellness, and we are honoured to help tell their stories.

How did you get your start in health and fitness? I’m Belgian and Chinese. I spent my early years in Europe, and came to Hong Kong in 1998 when I was still in school. As my dad didn’t believe in summer holidays, I worked summer jobs as a teenager, including as a swimming instructor and at California Fitness, which was really the early start of my career in this industry. Back in those days, fitness was more about looking good. Now it’s more sophisticated, and people talk about being active for their mental health.

You have more than 30 qualifications in health and wellbeing! Can you tell us about that? It’s in my nature to seek out new goals and reach towards them, so I have accumulated lots of different certifications. I have two sides to my interests. My studies have included hypnosis, NLP and past life regression. I’m interested in understanding other sides of myself. These alternative areas of study have pushed me to discover more about the human mind, which really helps me help others. What are some of your career highlights? My dad is into martial arts in the film industry, so I grew up with him doing stunts in movies. I also did a lot of drama and acting, which landed me parts in movies and commercials. It really helped me to develop a new appreciation for stunt teams, for how much skill is required and how dangerous it can be.

What is your favourite type of client? All my clients are interesting and no two days are the same. I get a lot of satisfaction working with high-achieving, more demanding professionals that think they know best! I can have a lot of fun surprising them with my workouts. My favourite clients are those I get to go on a journey with, like through marriage, pregnancy and then working with them postpartum. The hormones in a woman’s body are fascinating and an area I love exploring and researching with my clients. There’s so much fluctuation in serotonin and oestrogen levels, it’s really important to take hormonal factors into account when training.

“ As my dad didn’t believe in summer holidays, I worked summer jobs as a teenager, including as a swimming instructor and at California Fitness.

JENNY

LAM

An athlete and personal trainer, Jenny Lam has been working in the fitness industry since she was at school. She harnesses her knowledge in hypnosis, NLP, Vipassana meditation and more to provide highly effective training protocols to her clients.

AMELIE

DIONNECHAREST

The founder of insurance brokerage Alea, Amelie Dionne-Charest is a former lawyer specialising in medical law and bioethics. Her aim is to disrupt the often confusing world of health insurance, making it easier for people to select the right plan for themselves, their families, and their employees.

Choosing the right insurance plan is often a frustrating, complex and confusing process. I realised there must be a better way.

Tell us why you founded Alea. Alea (formerly AD MediLink) was born out of my personal experience, struggling to understand all the insurance options out there. Choosing the right insurance plan is often a frustrating, complex and confusing process. I realised there must be a better way. I created Alea with the mission of empowering people with trusted insurance information so they are equipped to make the best decisions for themselves and their family.

What differentiates Alea from other insurance brokers? We’re a non-traditional insurance broker disrupting the health and life insurance industry by focusing on wellness and digital tools. We’re independent advisors that provide a wide range of choices and client servicing. Our job is to listen, care and fight for you regardless of your medical history. We’ve built strong relationships with 25-plus insurance companies, allowing us to offer more than 100 insurance solutions for every budget. Our clients are able to access members-only health & wellness benefits, from exclusive discounts to curated newsletters and talks by top health experts. For companies, we have designed bespoke programs to keep teams healthy, happy and productive.

Through our sister company Healthy Matters, we’ve also established Hong Kong’s leading health resource and a network of healthcare professionals and partners.

Your tagline is “health insurance for women, by women.” What needs do women have when choosing insurance that isn’t currently served by other brokers? Women account for 80 percent of purchasing decisions in the healthcare industry. Yet, too few insurance solutions are focused on their specific needs. We’re on a mission to change that, which is why we’ve created a new platform, Alea for Women, to empower women to take control of their mental and physical health. As part of this offering, Alea helps women select an insurance plan that’s just right for their current stage of life - from health insurance to critical illness and life insurance options - comparing hundreds of plans from well-known insurance players. In line with our continued commitment to women’s wellness, for every new insurance plan signed up for through Alea, part of the proceeds are donated to the Karen Leung Foundation (KLF), a charity that raises awareness and support for cervical cancer.

You also offer many additional perks and services for your clients. Can you tell us about some of those? We are always partnering with local brands to offer new perks to our clients. We work with health, wellness and lifestyle brands to offer our clients exclusive discounts to help them keep a healthy body and mind. In addition, we also provide ongoing education and support through newsletters, talks, and other members-only benefits.

Can you tell us a bit about your work, and how it relates to wellness? People often look at divorce like it’s always a bad thing, but removing yourself from an unhappy relationship is just one way of looking after yourself and acknowledging what you need. I always advocate having a peaceful separation if the couple has come to the conclusion that divorce is inevitable. There are enough methods of alternative dispute resolution nowadays (like mediation) that do not involve fighting in court, and if you can manage to settle without a long drawnout battle, you can ideally end things amicably and with fewer costs. It’s easier said than done though, especially when emotions run high, so it is crucial to cool the heat down and see things in a bigger picture instead of getting caught up in the minutiae.

How does empathy and care for your clients’ emotional wellbeing inform your approach to your job? As a family lawyer, the fundamental prerequisite for doing your job well is to genuinely care for your client’s wellbeing and interests. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some clients don’t have the emotional tenacity to go through a long, taxing divorce litigation, so they may rather settle for what they need rather than what their maximum entitlement is. You need to understand your clients enough to adopt the best approach for them, and you’d never truly understand someone unless you care and empathise with them - without judgement and with ample patience.

You’re an avid athlete in your spare time. Tell us about some of your sporting achievements. I started off as a competitive swimmer in school, focused on field hockey in my university years, and then moved onto martial arts like MMA, muay thai, and BJJ when I started working. A few years ago, I found my latest obsession in trail running. In 2019, I won female first place in a 100k ultratrail race overseas in Kazakhstan, and subsequently in the same year I was the female champion in the MSIG Trail running series in Hong Kong. Sadly, the pandemic has stopped all races for a long while, but I may be showing up in the racing scene again soon.

How important do you think it is for you to maintain your own wellness in order to do your job? This is such a great question because people often underestimate how important wellness is for job performance. I handle negative emotions and deal with high-conflict situations every day, so in order to keep doing what I do, I have to make sure I am emotionally secure, confident and balanced. Apart from making it a routine to go out for a run every morning, I do positive affirmation practices and meditations before going to work to maintain inner peace as well as a fresh and creative mind. I honestly don’t think I’d be able to handle the stress of my job if I don’t insist on setting time aside to look after my wellbeing.

“ You’d never truly understand someone unless you care and empathise with them.

JOCELYN

TSAO

A family and divorce lawyer practising at WithersWorldwide, Joycelyn Tsao credits her regular wellness practice with the ability to look after her clients’ wellbeing as she guides them through major life transitions.

ANUSHKA

PUROHIT

A university student and entrepreneur, Anushka Purohit is the co-founder of Breer, a startup that diverts bread waste and brews it into beer; and StayK, a platform that aggregates recreational activities. She is proof that you’re never too young to make a difference.

“ Through Breer, we’ve managed to save over 10,000 kilograms of bread from going to waste.

What inspired you to start Breer? My friends and I took part in a social innovation competition in Hong Kong, aiming to make a dent in the city’s food wastage problem. While we were brainstorming, university exams ended and we went to Lan Kwai Fong to celebrate. We realised that bread and beer were made of the same ingredients, so we came up with the idea of brewing beer from bread waste. We won the competition, put all the prize money into the test batch, and voila - Breer was born!

What have been some highlights of your journey so far? Being able to see the impact I’ve made just by following my passion. Through Breer, we’ve managed to save over 10,000 kilograms of bread from going to waste, and through StayK, we have supported over 120 local businesses during the pandemic.

You are one of our youngest Women of Wellness. Do you feel your age has been a help or a hindrance? I think I made my age a hindrance - I was 10 when I realised how large the food waste problem is in Hong Kong, but said to myself that I would grow up to try and solve the problem. In hindsight, I wonder why I felt I needed to be older. Now, I genuinely believe that age is just a number.

Did you face any challenges during COVID? If so, how did you overcome them? As an engineering student during the pandemic, studying virtually was a huge challenge. The silver lining was that the pandemic gave me more time to work on Breer and StayK, all while balancing classes. With StayK and Breer both being pandemic-born businesses, it was difficult at first to navigate the ever-changing rules. However I have now learned the valuable skill of adaptability! Where do you want to take your company in the next couple of years? With Breer, we’re hoping to launch many more variants of our beers, and even expand into other commonly wasted items, like coffee grounds!

Any advice for women in their early twenties who are thinking about starting up a business? My motto in life is to be MAD, which stands for Making A Difference. Even if an idea seems completely crazy, impossible or difficult, I would 100 percent recommend trying it anyway, because this means two things: first, you will never regret not trying, and second, if it works out, perfect! If it doesn’t, you have another opportunity to learn from the experience and start again. Go for it!

What made you decide to start the Happiness Factory? Over the last decade, I’ve managed health businesses for insurance companies across Asia Pacific and observed the many issues people face, from lifestyle health conditions to chronic diseases and cancer. I founded Happiness Factory with the vision of enabling people to be happier through a better knowledge of health and wellbeing. I want to improve access to five pillars of happiness: nutrition, movement, sleep, emotions, and connection.

Any highlights or memorable moments from your events that you’d like to share? We hosted an Eat Happy event at the end of last year, in collaboration with Ovolo Hotels. Our focus was on optimising our gut health through phytonutrients and the removal of common stressors such as gluten, dairy and artificial sugars. I worked with Ovolo’s Executive Chef Raul Tronco Calahorra to create a menu that showcased the benefits of each phytonutrient and how we can easily “eat the rainbow.” We also partnered with local brands Nuteese and On The Wagon to incorporate their vegan and gut-friendly products into the event. It was so much fun! One guest, a huge meat-eater, was dragged along by his friends. He kept saying how surprised he was at how good the vegan food tasted - which is always a great sign!

What does wellness mean to you? Wellness is the key to our happiness. When my mind and body are well and good, I can optimise my performance in both my executive career and my entrepreneurial journey. I’ve been up against a number of health challenges, so I don’t take good health for granted.

Where do you see Happiness Factory in a year or two? Right now, I am building out the offerings that underpin Happiness Factory’s five pillars of happiness, and testing out these ideas via events and experiences. In the next year, I will be

JOYCE

AU-YEUNG

As the Chief Health Officer at Cigna, Joyce Au-Yeung lives and breathes wellbeing. After observing the many obstacles to wellness faced by individuals in the corporate sector, she launched Happiness Factory with a mission to make Hong Kong healthier and happier through bespoke wellness experiences.

focusing on sleep science, gut health and hormonal health, partnering with clinical experts, wellness practitioners and tech companies to deliver wellness offerings to the Happiness Factory community. In a few years’ time, I want Happiness Factory to also support people with chronic health conditions, as well as those living with cancer, by activating the five Happiness pillars.

What’s the number one barrier to professionals achieving true wellbeing these days? Wellbeing isn’t black and white; there’s a huge grey area where many aspects of health and wellness lie. It’s common for people to think that if they’re fit - if they go to yoga or the gym or hike a few times a week - that they’re “well.” In reality, however, there is so much more to it, and a lack of understanding around how all the factors complement each other is a barrier to true wellbeing.

Wellbeing isn’t black and white; there’s a huge grey area where many aspects of health and wellness lie.

DR. ARDYCE

YIK

A licensed naturopathic doctor, Dr. Ardyce Yik is held in high regard by her patients for her empathetic, wholebody approach to wellbeing. Specialising in women’s health, Ardyce practises at IMI and OT&P.

“ Women are the cornerstone of their family’s overall health and wellbeing.

Tell us about your role as a naturopathic doctor, and how it differs from conventional medicine. As a licensed naturopathic doctor, my goal is to restore health by addressing the underlying causes of illness with a patient-centric, science-based approach. My treatment plans are tailormade and often include a combination of nutraceuticals, nutritional therapy, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and lifestyle counselling.

Licensed naturopathic doctors from North America get similar hours of training as conventional doctors and provide primary care, but the difference is found in the treatment philosophy and approach.

Do you find that more people are looking for holistic solutions, compared to a few years ago? People are definitely more healthconscious compared to 10 years ago. There is increased awareness of how the environment, nutrition, stress and certain lifestyle behaviours can impact health and wellbeing, so I think more people are looking for healthcare professionals who offer an integrative approach. Your field of expertise is women’s health and fertility. What drew you to this field? As a mother of three, I believe that women are the cornerstone of their family’s overall health and wellbeing. After giving birth, I struggled with my own health challenges, so I understand how important it is for women to stay strong amidst the challenges we face juggling the demands of a career, home, motherhood and everything in-between.

What are some things people should know before visiting a naturopathic doctor? Visits are typically longer, so be prepared to spend approximately an hour for the initial visit (and around 2030 minutes for follow-up visits).

My goal is to support and empower you throughout all stages of life, hence our partnership usually lasts longer than just one or two visits.

You can bring all relevant lab work and medical reports to the initial visit. Licensed naturopathic doctors work alongside other doctors, specialists and allied healthcare practitioners to provide the best care for patients.

Tell us about your COVID book. “COVID-19 and You: 20 Ways to Support Your Health” is an illustrated COVID-19 health guide, featuring delightful illustrations set in Hong Kong. I wrote this book in 2020, hoping to share some important tips on how to stay well physically, mentally and emotionally while also celebrating the beautiful city we live in. In addition to donating more than 1,000 copies to underprivileged local and immigrant children, part of the proceeds are given to local charities. You can pick it up at Bookazine and Eslite, as well as online at Amazon.

What attracted you to health and wellbeing? I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour and have been involved in mental wellness for 16 years, long before it became “cool” or mainstream. When I graduated university, I had the opportunity to work as a Mastery Mentor for Tony Robbins, where I was travelling around the world with his team, coaching all sorts of people. During that time, I set up my company in Hong Kong which offered life coaching and image consulting. Eventually, I found I wanted to go deeper with my clients and this led me to train in hypnotherapy and regression therapy. This is where I truly found my calling.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job? When I receive feedback from my clients saying how their lives have improved after working with me. I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of that journey. My “I’ve made it” moments come when my clients have breakthroughs like overcoming long-term pain, self-esteem issues, performance and communications challenges or wellness issues including anxiety and insomnia. Did you face any challenges during COVID? If so, how did you overcome them? At the start of the pandemic, a lot of attention was given to the importance of mental health awareness. We received many enquiries from people looking for support. My schedule was full 6-8 months in advance. My challenge came during the fifth wave when so many of my clients relocated or left Hong Kong for a long period and I saw a dip in my business that I haven’t experienced in years. This gave me time to think about strategy, catch up on other projects, and offer free services to the community for people who usually can’t access mental health support. Momentum is now returning and our workshops and sessions have been filling up again. The ups and downs are a natural part of life. We just need to ride it and be willing to look at opportunities to innovate. What’s the most popular service you offer? Hypnotherapy. It is what we are known for, what we specialise in, and what we teach. The hypnotherapy I do goes beyond giving a suggestion to someone in order to change their behaviour. It involves regression to the root of our issues where we understand the interpretations we made which are embedded in our subconscious mind, and influence our behaviour. People are finally moving away from the misconception of hypnotherapy being scary, and understanding that it’s one of the most natural, safe, and deepest forms of therapy one can do to address deep-seated issues.

This year I have also seen a huge surge of people joining my hypnotherapy training program, so they can pursue their own hypnotherapy practice. The feedback that I’ve received is that people are looking for a more meaningful career.

“ I have been involved in mental wellness for 16 years, long before it became ‘cool’ or mainstream.

SONIA

SAMTANI

A highly in-demand mental wellness practitioner, hypnotherapist, trainer, and motivational speaker, Sonia Samtani treats clients at her practice, the All About You Wellness Centre.

What was it like for you starting out as a pioneering health and wellness business in Hong Kong? It’s been quite eventful since we launched in 2012! But any entrepreneurial venture is bound to be a rollercoaster. I remember asking myself if I had made the right choice six months into opening our first little shop in Sai Ying Pun. It took a year for it to feel truly established. We hosted many cooking classes and workshops which helped build our little community. Then we opened Caine Road and Kennedy Town, expanding into a wellness cafe and market, as well as meals to go. Finally, we decided to venture into Kowloon, and opened our Tseung Kwan O location last year.

How have you managed to stay so popular with the community over the years? We have evolved into a one-stop-shop for all your household and pantry needs. We diversified into ready-to-eat food, cafe drinks and smoothies, healthy vegan and vegetarian menus, catering, and a guilt-free and gluten-free bakery, serving up homemade desserts. Hong Kong has a lot of access to global online platforms that offer organic shelf-stable products, but we offer fresh veggies and fruits, as well as freshly prepared healthy meals and snacks.

What have been some of your proudest moments in your business journey so far? One highlight was receiving two awards from Food Made Good: Business of the Year 2020 and the One Planet Plate Award 2021. We were happy to be recognised for our efforts in reducing food waste and in creating sustainable dishes. We are proud to be conscious of our efforts in handling food ingredients in the kitchen.

Did you face challenges during COVID? If so, how did you overcome them? It’s been hard on the community as a whole over the past two years. We are thankful for the help we received from the Hong Kong government, as well as support from our loyal customer base who continued to order online. Taking care of our staff was important to us, as was ensuring social distancing and sanitisation measures were in place, and general support as needed.

What are some of your best-selling products? Our baked samosas do extremely well, as do as our ladoos, which are a delicious and healthy snack for on-thego. The hummuses are also very popular in the grab-and-go section, especially the Black Chickpea flavour. Among the retail items, we recently started selling fox nuts (popped lotus seeds) in bulk by weight, and also bespoke granola by local brand Pura Vida, made specially for SpiceBox Organics. These two products have been very warmly received by the local community.

PUNAM

CHOPRA

The founder of SpiceBox Organics, Punam has been at the forefront of Hong Kong’s health and wellness scene since 2012. Her business sources organic, plant-based pantry staples from ethical, sustainable suppliers from around the world.

“ I remember asking myself if I had made the right choice six months into opening our first shop.

JANUS

CHAN

Janus Chan is the founder of JAN, or Jan’s Aesthetics of Nature. Proudly made in Hong Kong, this beauty brand harnesses the power of aromatherapy to deliver bespoke skincare for each individual customer’s needs.

“ As our skin is the reflection of our health, every little thing matters.

You previously had a career in finance. What made you decide to change to skincare? I always struggled to find the right products for my sensitive skin. When I was doing my diploma in aromatherapy, I made my own skincare, and found that they worked amazingly well for me. From there, I pursued this interest and learned all I could about the formulation and preparation of natural skincare products. I’m now a qualified aromatherapist and certified personal care formulator.

What’s the difference between your products and the others on the market? JAN provides affordable personalised skincare products to meet every user’s specific skin requirements. I hope to help users understand their personal skincare needs, using products that are fresh, effective and safe. Most clients come to us for a bespoke service because they are unable to find the right products for them. Or they have skin issues such as eczema or acne, and are not sure about what product to use. What’s your most popular product? Our Mix2Match serums allow customers to customise serums according to their skin needs, whether that’s hydrating, pore-tightening, anti-allergenic or brightening. Pick two or three and combine them using the base formula. You can even adjust on different days, depending on your skin’s needs or even the weather. The serums are light and non-sticky, but very effective.

In addition to shopping by skin concern, you can also shop JAN products according to your emotional needs. What’s the connection between your emotional state and your skin? As an aromatherapist as well as a skincare formulator, I care about both skin health and psychological wellbeing, and I take a holistic approach to developing skincare products. So much of our skin’s health is directly impacted by our stress levels and other psychological factors. Skin problems such as alopecia, rosacea, pruritus and atopic dermatitis can all be exacerbated by high levels of cortisol. Studies have shown that essential oils such as lavender, rose and sandalwood can effectively treat stress-related skin problems.

Can you tell us more about the bespoke skincare service you offer? Bespoke service is the core of our brand as we believe in individualism every skin is unique. As our skin is the reflection of our health, every little thing matters, from daily habits, diets, working style, skincare routine, living environment, skin issues, and allergies, to name just some factors. All this information allows us to advise and develop skincare products that are specifically suitable for that individual client.

FLORA

CHAN

The founder of FLO JEWELLERY, Flora Chan is inspired by patterns found in nature, which she uses to create her mindful jewellery collection.

“ Our goal is to provide an inspiring space where people can take a break from all that chaos.

You launched FLO JEWELLERY in 2015. How has your business changed? I started the brand with the purpose of inspiring hope and positivity. I feel grateful that our business has expanded together with the increased awareness of mental health and mindfulness. We began with our signature chakra and sacred geometry collections, and grew organically to become a conscious brand with mindful lifestyle products. We are also committed to using sustainable materials and production methods.

You also offer chakra healing and transformational life work. Do you find that demand has increased during these times? I’ve been delighted to witness the growing need of people to seek their life’s purpose. I’ve worked in holistic healing for seven years, but I’m still fascinated by how ancient wisdom helps people feel regenerated and ready to bloom into their best selves. My favourite modality is chakra healing as it allows people to understand the interconnection between mind, body and spirit, and learn practical tips to help them find balance. It’s my pleasure to know that after a session, clients feel more grounded and peaceful, with greater clarity and sense of purpose. Tell us about your latest project, THE FLO Wellness Garden. I’d love for THE FLO to be seen as an inspiring “garden” where we plant seeds of joy and hope into people, allowing them to flourish in their own way. It is a one-stop spot for consciously curated sustainable products, new age goodies, healing services and wellness workshops that promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is also a cosy community space for people to connect and support each other on their transformation journey.

How have you found the reception to the Wellness Garden, especially during a pandemic? We’re grateful to help people navigate the constant changes and uncertainties. Our goal is to provide an inspiring place where people can take a break from all that chaos in the peaceful Kau U Fong neighbourhood, whether it’s exploring ritual tools or enjoying a healing session or a cup of tea at our upstairs lounge, we hope you find inner peace and calm.

Do you consider a physical store an important part of your strategy? One of the things I love most about having a physical retail store is being able to interact with my clients on a more personal level. I truly believe that the customer experience should be at the forefront of any business, and a physical store creates a sense of community and connection. It’s always great to get feedback in person so that I can keep improving my products and services. I also look forward to hosting wellness workshops with guest healers each month.

Tell us about how sustainability factors into your bedding business. In addition to helping our clients get their best night’s sleep, the tenets of “Sleep Responsibly” and “Sleep Sustainably” are at the heart of what we do. We understand the immense environmental and social impact of the bedding industry, so we’ve chosen to work with artisans who use the finest, most eco-friendly natural materials, treated using traditional non-polluting processes. Our products are fully biodegradable and internationally certified. We are committed to sustainability and ethics throughout our supply chain, from production and delivery to packaging in plastic-free bags and soy-based printing ink.

How sustainable is the bedding industry at present? The traditional manufacturing process used by the bedding industry has contributed to a lot of environmental issues, such as water pollution. Meanwhile, dumping nonbiodegradable byproducts increases pressure on our landfills. Many bedding brands have started to offer more sustainable options. One of the brands we carry is Savoir Beds, which has just introduced a new luxury vegan bed made entirely with plant-based materials. We’re honoured to be the ones introducing these types of products to Hong Kong.

Beyond Sleep opened up a big flagship store in the heart of Central last year. Tell us more. We really want to help our customers rediscover the joy of sleeping well! We live our lives to the fullest when we’ve had a good night’s sleep, and it’s important to impart that message to others. With our 8,000-square-foot sustainable concept store in Central, we hope to remind our customers to relax and take time for themselves. From our best-in-class beddings made from

“ We understand the immense environmental and social impact of the bedding industry.

high-quality natural materials to regular educational workshops, at Beyond Sleep we aspire to help people sleep and live more mindfully.

What do you personally do at home to ensure the best night’s sleep? I always stay hydrated. I like to enjoy a cup of warm, decaffeinated herbal tea before bed to help my body and mind reach a state of deep relaxation faster. Calming music or beautiful natural sounds before bed also help me to fall asleep more easily. An aromatherapy candle just before bed helps to release stress, and a spot of bedtime yoga also does me wonders. Deep slow stretches are perfect for easing any muscle tension that’s lingering from the day.

KITRINA

WONG

The co-founder of Beyond Sleep, Kitrina is on a mission to revolutionise Hong Kong’s relationship with bedtime by scouring the globe for the best natural, certified organic and sustainable bedding brands.

BETH

WRIGHT

Menopause - and all the physiological changes it comes with - happens to all women, but it is seldom discussed. Beth Wright, a corporate lawyer, personal trainer and specialist nutrition coach under her company, B Fit The Wright Way, empowers and guides women through this major life stage.

“ Menopause affects 100 percent of women, so let’s start talking openly.

Congratulations for being nominated as a Women of Wellness for the second year running! Tell us what you’ve been up to in the past year. This has been a super busy year. With COVID restrictions, I have seen a real increase in people wanting to focus on their health and vitality. I have always worked with men and women but this last year, I have had a lot more women reaching out in relation to hormone health. I now work with lots of women, helping them with challenging menstrual cycles through to those entering peri-menopause and menopause. I am passionate about helping women thrive through hormonal changes so this has been truly fulfilling.

You’ve recently moved more into helping menopausal women with their health goals. What are some of the main concerns of this audience? A lot of the wellness related to this topic is emotional and shame-related. Sadly, menopause is still taboo in many places. In the UK and US, we’re seeing a lot of celebrities speak up, which paves the way for larger societal change and open conversation on menopause. That said, there is still a lack of knowledge, advice, and clear information, and so lots of women unfortunately suffer through symptoms unnecessarily. Worse, many are misdiagnosed and are fearful to speak up. I’ve seen women opt out of the workplace from loss of confidence, or suffer in silence. These women put everyone’s wellness above their own. I am here to help change this.

What’s one thing you wish premenopausal women knew? There’s no need to suffer; you can thrive through this. Weight gain, brain fog, and feeling like you are Jekyll and Hyde is not normal and you don’t have to put up with it. Menopause, or long-term female hormone deficiency, isn’t “the end” - rather it’s a natural decline of our hormones. If we view these changes that way, then more women will realise there are solutions - both natural and medicinal - to help improve or relieve symptoms entirely.

Menopause affects 100 percent of women, so let’s start talking openly. It is not something to be ashamed of but to embrace. This is usually the time when you aren’t having to juggle small children and you can make time for you. Knowledge is power here, and small lifestyle tweaks in your earlier years can impact how you transition through the menopause. I help women to plan ahead and protect their wellness before symptoms make a negative impact.

Can you share some health advice with women who are just about to enter this next life phase? Start getting advice in your 30s. Ask for help, and have a chat. Your friends, doctor, PT, and coaches are your allies. Let’s collectively remove the stigma and demand access to the support we all deserve. Practically speaking, women can work on daily lifestyle changes that help support optimal hormone health. Daily movement, managing blood sugar and stress levels, sleep and gut health are all important. This can all be a bit daunting, which is why I have collaborated with medical professionals to develop “Thrive Through Menopause,” a special programme to support women entering this next life stage.

How did you get into health and wellness? I used to work in investment banking, but felt a strong calling to explore how I could use my talents to help others and create a positive impact. Dee Dream Life began 15 years ago, with the intention of providing a space where people could get life advice and career coaching. Eventually, the concept evolved to integrate life coaching with dance, fitness, yoga and meditation. Dee Dream Life now provides a unique offering. Our Wellness Wheel assessment, for instance, gives everyone a full picture of their life across 10 areas, including family, love, career, finances, self-esteem, health, personal growth, community, fun and friends.

You also work with kids and teens. What's the most rewarding thing about working with young people? I never planned to teach children, but so many of my clients asked me to work with their kids, it felt like the universe pushed me onto this path. Coaching children is really not the same and is certainly not as straightforward as coaching adults. I tap into my own struggles and experiences of growing up, and do my best to guide children to become strong, successful and well-balanced individuals. Kids can also be a lot of fun, and that really makes my job a lot of fun too. My own childhood was tough, and so I love getting the opportunity to be more playful as an adult.

LIVING HER DREAM LIFE

After years of bringing her personal brand of uplifting wellness programming to all corners of Hong Kong, Dee Oh of Dee Dream Life has finally opened up her own 1,300 square-foot studio in the heart of Central. Offering dance, fitness, yoga, meditation, life coaching and community events, among other initiatives, the opening of this tranquil space is a bright spot amid challenging times for the fitness industry. We speak to Dee about her entrepreneurial journey.

You recently moved into a new premises in the middle of Central. How has this new physical space helped to enhance your offerings? This new space allows us to fully manifest the concept of Dee Dream Life in its entirety. I’m most excited to start creating fun community parties, supportive sharing circles, deep-dive discussions into life coaching concepts, Ayurvedic assessments, teacher training and mentorship workshops, on top of our normal weekly group and private classes. The space allows us to work with many amazing top coaches across various disciplines who share our vision.

You are also a life coach. What kind of clients do you see, and what kind of people would benefit the most from a life coach? I started offering life coaching almost a decade ago. I see all kinds of people, from busy corporate high-fliers to housewives, kids to elderly people, high achievers and people suffering from mental health issues. In my opinion, everyone can benefit from life coaching; your life can always be better. Having a goal to strive for and a drive for self-improvement is necessary to keep our spirit alive and vibrant.

CATHERINE MARIE PERERA

QUEEN OF PENTACLES

Catherine is a psychic, numerologist and astrologer who uses her gifts and knowledge to guide others towards success and wellbeing. She also teaches tarot and numerology courses that equip her students with the skills to empower themselves. She maintains a thriving private practice and has been hired by companies such as Google, The Murray and Indigo Living to provide services for customers and staff.

EMILIE BERTHET CLAIRET

VITALITY CENTER

Emilie practised as a medical doctor in France, specialising in human biology. In Hong Kong, she experienced the benefits of complementary medicine and decided to pursue her medical practice with a more mindful and comprehensive approach to health. Emilie now works as a holistic nutritionist. She specifically works on rebalancing the gut, our “second brain.”

PANDA LI

PHYSIOMOTION

Panda is a physiotherapist and founder of PhysioMotion. She leads a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, nutritionists, massage, stretch and yoga therapists. She is a former physiotherapist for the Hong Kong Olympic team and represented Hong Kong in netball. Panda’s strong diagnostic skills enable her to treat a variety of issues, from sports performance to women’s health. Panda’s next mission is to empower women in all communities by developing affordable personalised health care accessible through digital technology.

MINUTES LEUNG

RAY OF AURA

Minutes is a serial wellness entrepreneur who wears multiple hats. A mother of twin boys, she is also a spiritual coach, mindfulness educator, the founder of ARCH Festival and, Ray of Aura wellness studio, NFT consultancy Noarch Lab, and Kessho, a crystal brand. Her mission is to raise awareness and understanding of the benefits of holistic wellbeing and sustainable living for her clients and audience.

HANA CHUNG LEMOI AROMATHERAPY & WELLNESS

The skin is our body’s largest organ, and the state of our skin can tell us so much about our overall health. Hana Chung of LEMOI is a passionate believer in the power of aromatherapy to help clients suffering from skin problems. LEMOI now offers combined aromatherapy and sound healing to help release emotions, alleviate stress and instil a deeper sense of wellbeing.

REBECCA WILLIAMSON RMW COACHING

Rebecca is a pre- and post-natal life and career coach for women. Her passion is working with new and expectant mothers, coaching them in the following areas: finding and reconnecting with their identity after becoming a mother; navigating the mental wellbeing aspects of having a baby for the first time; returning to work after maternity leave; and providing support and guidance on navigating their “new normal.”

MICHELLE HARRIS MICHELLE HARRIS INTERNATIONAL

A bestselling author and well-known local healer, Michelle Harris has guided others along the path to self-empowerment for 25 years. Drawing upon her own healing journey, she shares authentic teachings through pioneering initiatives and signature programs, mentoring students to greater peace, growth and transformation. Her tools and life solutions have helped many worldwide. A mum, counsellor, master healer and empowerment mentor, she is also the founder of a crystal healing system, The Empowerment School for kids and teens, and the highly popular Empowerment Dayfest events.

CHERYL RODRIGUEZ SOUND MEDITATION COACH

A passionate gong player who discovered the power of sound-healing after surgery, Cheryl provides sessions at the Four Seasons Spa, Mindish Studio and via the parental wellness platform, Blissmi. Cheryl also hosts yoga and sound retreats, and offers corporate and community classes. Embracing her love of nature and stillness, she creates a sense of peace through sound, water, breath and movement, with a mindful, nurturing and compassionate approach.

HILARY TSE, TIFFANY MAK, JAMIE LEE

ENID.SCENTS

A lifestyle brand built on the principles of sustainability and wellness, enid.scents was founded by Hilary Tse, Tiffany Mak and Jamie Lee. Driven by their desire to make a positive impact, enid.scents specialises in aromatherapy candles that are good for you and the planet. Their signature range of bamboo massage candles are known for the unique natural bamboo containers and their aromatic formula that melts into the skin. Perfect for unwinding and letting your skin breathe.

YEONE MOSER FOK SPARKRAISE

Yeone is passionate about creating opportunities for people and organisations working to improve society. She founded the award-winning online fundraising platform, SparkRaise, which makes it simpler, faster and cheaper for impact organisations to raise funds. She also founded ethikaal, a lifestyle shopping platform with handpicked sustainable accessories and homeware products that are kind to our planet and the people who make them. Launching soon is her latest initiative, hongkongcharities.com, a free directory showcasing nonprofits in the city.

ANGELA KAUR BAURA INKSPIRER

Angela is an award-winning content writer and communications strategist, specialising in entrepreneurs and organisations passionate about improving people’s lives. With more than two decades’ experience in communications, she supports local and global clients in the health and wellbeing, executive coaching, family, and education sectors. Her offerings include brand positioning, ghostwriting and editing, copy coaching, and media and presentation skills training. As a health and wellness journalist, Angela also writes stories with a focus on improving the wellbeing of our community.

DR. BENITA PERCH

IMI

The Managing Director of IMI, Dr. Benita Perch is a renowned naturopathic physician, homeopath and corporate wellness speaker. Taking an integrated approach to healing, Dr. Perch’s areas of expertise include helping professionals achieve optimal health and work-life balance, contributing factors linked to infertility and multiple miscarriages, hormonal issues, child and teen health, mental health, digestive issues and autoimmune diseases. Dr Perch offers consultations in-person in Hong Kong, and telehealth consultations for clients in Hong Kong, Singapore and globally.

TATA TSE

TATA THE SOUND LADY

With her background in visual art and performance, sound has always been a part of Tata Tse’s life. A visual artist twice involved in the Biennale Sydney and a former opera singer involved in musicals such as “The Lion King”, Tata Tse discovered sound healing when undergoing treatment for cancer. She now offers gongs, singing bowls and vocal chanting to her students, sharing her learnings with the community.

TANYA PAKHOMOVA

MY PERFECT BODY

Hailing from the Ukraine, Tanya was a fashion model for over 10 years before launching My Perfect Body, a spa concept that has built up a loyal following for its results-driven approach. One of the most popular treatments is the i-Pedicure, which uses precision tools to file and buff the toughest heels for optimum foot health.

MUSKKAN SAMTANI

WELLNESS COACH

Muskkan is a health and wellness coach with a passion for helping busy young mums regain their confidence, improve their relationship with food and fitness, and build a sustainable healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families. She also created free online fitness classes for people undergoing quarantine.

AMY ELKHOURY

NUTEESE

Amy Elkhoury is a plant-based chef and conscious foodie. She contributes to building a healthier planet by making delicious gluten-free, plant-based cheeses that don’t compromise on flavour. Made with activated, cultured nuts, Nuteese cheese are aged in humidity- and temperature-controlled cellars to develop a rich flavour.

JULIE ASWANI

DISABILITY RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER & EDUCATOR INNER TEMPLE HEALING

Julie Aswani was born with a rare physical condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) which affects one in 3,000 live births around the world. Despite being bullied, harassed, and discriminated against, Julie has come a long way to become the leading spokesperson for AMC in Hong Kong. Julie is a mental health counsellor, holding degrees in Psychology, Education and Counselling. She has worked with all age groups, from children to adolescents and adults. Currently, she is working as a high school teacher and provides counselling services to her students. She dedicates her time to raising awareness on various mental and physical health issues on social media. A wellness and self-healing advocate, Shirley Budhrani founded Inner Temple Healing in 2018, after suffering from chronic pain. Backed by research, she collaborated with Ayurvedic practitioners and doctors to develop a range of healing oils. Combining ancient Ayurveda with modern aromatherapy, Inner Temple Healing products are all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and support fair trade. Through her line of products, Shirley hopes to empower everyone to be Mtheir own healer.

SHIRLEY BUDHRANI

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ESTHER TONG PLATEAU SPA, GRAND HYATT HONG KONG

Esther joined Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 15 years ago as a Guest Service Office at the hotel’s front desk. Her talent and communication skills were quickly recognised, and she was given the opportunity to transfer to the Plateau Spa’s preopening team. Over time, she rose through the ranks through to her current role as Spa Director of Plateau Spa, looking after all the hotel’s wellness and recreational facilities, introducing yoga classes and singing bowls to the lineup of wellness offerings. For Esther, work-life balance is of utmost importance, as she believes that the team can only provide a soothing experience if they are carrying a calm and positive energy.