Hit Like

WHY ONLINE HONESTY IS TRENDING Express Yourself:

In times like these, as we’re universally kept indoors and using our phones more than ever, it can be hard to separate screen from reality. Scrolling social media delivers us a parade of perfectly polished moments, aspirational microcosms of a world so well-manicured and curated it seems hard to believe it exists - and that’s because it doesn’t. Social media is a stage, and all the KOLs merely its players. But some people are starting to take a radically honest approach to their public persona, sharing deeply personal stories of inner demons that stand in stark contrast to the glossy veneer of online life. What’s to be gained from sharing so nakedly? Meet the Hong Kong influencers who are committing to realness, owning their truth to the world and embracing the honest. By Carla Thomas.

JAMES GANNABAN

Yoga Teacher, 38 jamesgannaban

Q What was the moment when you changed your

approach to social media? How was it different from before?

I was forced into change. Following a near-death overdose, I went to rehab for alcohol and drug addiction in 2015. At the facility, we only had our phones for a few hours on Saturdays.

Up until that point, I used social media to project a hyperactive, successful and socially engaged image. The reality was the opposite. My life had imploded. Personal relationships were in the toilet, as was my health. I was lying to my family, friends and colleagues. I was more socially isolated than I had ever been. The guilt and shame were enormous. Inasmuch as I was embarrassed and wanted nothing more at the time [in rehab] than to "manage" what I thought to be my image, I physically couldn't. I had to sit with the discomfort of not being able to control the story. And even if I did - what was I to say about being in rehab that I could be proud of on social media anyway?

My family was financially tapped out by the end of my third month in rehab. I decided to sell my phone to "buy" one more month, which removed me further from social media during the crucial period of early recovery. I ended up staying in rehab over eight months. My entire approach to life changed. Social media became much less important.

Q What was the hardest thing you’ve ever

decided to share publicly, and why did you choose to do it?

I had previously only hinted that I was “going through stuff.” On the third anniversary of the day I got sober, I finally admitted it. It was hard to share about getting sober in the first couple of years because I was scared I’d relapse. I was scared I’d live it all out on social media once again, and the whole cycle of embarrassment, guilt and shame would re-start and prove I hadn’t learned anything. By my third year, I finally felt I had enough distance from the nearfatal overdose, that I had banked in enough recovery capital and that it was OK to share.

Jame s Gannab an 18 April 2018 . Edited .

Q Do you think you’ve gained or

learned anything from being so honest?

The benefit has been mostly for me, for my emotional and mental wellbeing. I can’t expect much more than that. The moment personal truthfulness starts to become mined for likes and comments and shares, it becomes “performative vulnerability” - and there’s already so much of this on social media. In order to love and accept who I am, I can’t hate the experiences that shaped me. If other people connect, I’m grateful. If other people are turned off and judge, it’s also OK. It’s still my truth and I’m owning it.

ZIGGY MAKANT

Pre & Post Natal Fitness Trainer, 28 zig.fitmama

Q What role does social media play in your life? Initially, it was about sharing cool images and videos from my life with friends, and it has grown into an education and marketing platform for my business, as well as a place of connection and personal growth!

Q When did you start to change your approach

to social media?

When people started offering me clothing to wear while I worked out! That’s when it shifted from me connecting with friends, family and followers, to accepting the role of “influencer” online.

Q What’s something you found difficult to

share? Explain a bit about that process.

Recently, I had my second child and I never questioned that I could love a new baby as much as my first. What I didn't realise was that I could struggle connecting with my older child, and how my relationship with him would change. I love this kid so much and I felt a lot of shame

around these feelings because the people who I'd discussed it with in "real" life couldn't relate. I also felt a bit fake posting about how amazing life at home would be as a new mother of two, because that wasn't the experience I was having. I knew someone else out there must be experiencing what I was going through. Sure enough, I had an overwhelming response of people identifying, offering emotional support, and sharing how they got through it.

Q Was there something that you posted, or

even just spoke about openly, that you were surprised by the public reaction to? Why do you think it elicited a reaction?

I was surprised at the amount of acceptance and empathy I got from this particular postpartum post. I received a lot of messages with people thanking me for my honesty. Seeing a very young and fit woman with a very large pregnant belly, and then seeing it still hang around and not magically disappear - it was therapeutic for me and refreshing for others!

Q How do you handle your social media

presence without letting it affect you?

I dip in and out of the hype! Some days I need the healing therapeutic aspects, other days I feel more inclined to educate and empower mothers, and sometimes I'm just sharing about a product that I really like. I really try my best not to care about the likes or the engagement, or censor myself when I don't want to be vulnerable. I've also realised that everyone just wants to be seen and heard, so I always try my best to respond to every story reply, question or comment that I receive.

Q What do you think you’ve learned from

being so active online?

It's been the greatest form of connection and learning for me! I've been very lucky in that I don't have a lot of “haters” or trolls. I'm by no means Spiderman, but I try to keep in mind that with great power comes great responsibility so I try to check my ego and my intentions, and only promote brands, businesses and products that I love - usually smaller, independent mum-run businesses or eco-friendly brands.

Freelance Photographer, 26 camikandila_

CAMMIE WARBURTON

Q What role has social media played in your life? Being a millennial, my first experience of social media was Xanga, a blogging platform similar to Tumblr. Since then I’ve used almost every mainstream platform, from Bebo to TikTok. As an adolescent, I went through depressive phases seeing other women sporting a size

zero, the latest trendy clothes and makeup. It was hard to see, and still is! Because of this, I decided to be 100 percent truthful on my page. To share the emotions I’m experiencing, to show myself untouched and untampered in images. It’s a therapy for me, in a way.

Q What inspired you to change how you used

social media?

What inspired me to change my approach to social media was when I realised how important it was to share vulnerability. It’s the uncomfortable stories, the scares and open wounds that allow us to connect on an even deeper level. I experienced a whirlwind of struggles during my time at university: depression, anorexia, my boyfriend suddenly dying and the long road of grieving that came after that. The first time I spoke out about my mental health, I received an overwhelming reaction to that post. The comments, direct messages and conversations were so encouraging, and made me feel less alone in my depression and PTSD. That post is what changed my approach to social media and even my dayto-day approach to mental health.

Q What was the hardest thing you’ve ever shared?

Why did you do it?

As a portrait and wellness photographer, I’d been craving a deeper meaning through my work. After realising how powerful photography can be for women to connect, accept and love their bodies, I decided to start a workshop for photographing women nude. I posted this to show how fearless women can be with their bodies, how we shouldn’t be ashamed of our rolls, stretchmarks and cellulite because EVERYONE has them! We don’t need to be re-touching our candid photos for Instagram. I posted this to hopefully strike a chord with people.

Q What have you gained from the whole experience? Therapy! Connection! Freedom! These are the three words I’d use to describe the feeling of being honest on social media. I’ve always gone against the grain, and having full control over what I post and what I say is liberating. I’ve gained tools for self-acceptance, from having insightful conversations with people I’d never thought had body or mental health issues. I’ve learned to speak from the heart, be conscious of others, be open to all comments and backlash, and to not take things personally. We live in a digital age, and although it has many cons...it’s the reality we live in. So why not embrace it and use it for good?

newsletter@liv-magazine.com

YOUR HearT ON YOUR Sleeve

We could all do with a little more peace, clarity, inspiration and protection these days. That’s why more of us are seeking out conscious jewellery. From crystals to ancient symbols, we learn more about this timely trend. By Sarah Fung

Karma Links

For centuries, jewellery has been worn by humans for both communication and protection. From religious symbols to tribal amulets, we’ve used them to ward off evil, set intentions or simply express ourselves.

Inspired by ancient cultures, folklore and geometric symbols, modern jewellers are reinventing the traditional talisman. So if you’re searching for a meaningful necklace to wear on life’s journeys, how do you choose jewellery that speaks to you?

“My customers tell me that wearing their jewellery helps with their self-confidence. It energises them and reminds them to take

action,” says Flora Chan of Flo Jewellery, which creates intentional jewellery for everyday wear. “The jewellery is a tool to help you look within, to see what you want to do with your life,” she adds.

This sentiment is echoed by designer Gosia Orlowska, whose line of mindful jewellery is purified with sage for even more positive vibes. “It was my long-time passion for spiritual adventure and holistic care which inspired me,” she says. “Our most popular requests have been pieces made to strengthen and open the heart chakra, which controls love and inner peace.”

So where to start looking for meaningful jewellery that helps you to set an intention, shore up your inner strength and project positive energy into the world? Here are a few of our favourite brands.

Flo Jewellery

QUEEN VIRIYA A new jewellery brand founded in January, this local business sources gemstones from all over the world, and pairs them with new age symbols to create beautiful pieces. Queen Viriya wants to empower women with their accessories, imbuing them with a sense of peace, confidence and positivity. Follow their IG to see the latest stones they have in stock. @queen.viriya

Flo Jewellery

FLO JEWELLERY This Hong Kong-based conscious brand is all about symbolic jewellery that inspires. Its best-selling “Flower of Life” collection features an overlapping grid of circles with a soothing geometric pattern that dates back to the 7th century BC, and represents creation, love and unity. Looking for more inspirational jewellery? Looking for more inspirational jewelry? Pick the “Tree of Life” earrings for grounding and inner strength, or request a Chakra consultation from the founder to choose the best Chakra jewellery for you. flojewellery.com

KARMA LINKS Inspired by celestial symbolism, Karma Links offers mindful jewellery that’s at once modern and steeped in ancient designs. Its “Soleil” line is inspired by iconography of the sun, which represents energy, life and a higher self. You’ll also find evil eye symbols, circle of life designs, Hand of Fatima, flower of life, guiding star, crescent moon and mandala designs. karmalinksjewellery.com