24 minute read
Women of Wellness
WELLNESS of
WOMEN
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In the years since we launched Liv Magazine, we’ve been amazed by the continuing evolution of Hong Kong’s wellness industry.
Through protests, pandemics and beyond, the resilience of the industry shows that more people than ever are waking up to the importance of wellbeing in our everyday lives.
For this, we have women to thank. Female founders, specialists and entrepreneurs form the backbone of this city’s wellness scene, and if it weren’t for their inspirational messages, grit and bravery, Hong Kong’s wellness landscape would be very different.
In tribute to these amazing ladies, we asked our community to nominate who they think should be named Hong Kong’s Women of Wellness. We were bowled over by the response - more than 1,800 nominations in the space of 10 days - and from there we read through every nomination to come up with a final list of 100 women who have been recognised by their peers in the community as leaders in wellbeing.
Meet some of these women in our special Women of Wellness cover story, and discover the full list at liv-magazine.com.
TRIXIE VELEZ,
Founder and Director of Defin8 Fitness
Tell us about yourself!
I wear many hats. I’m a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and a Pilates and fitness trainer. I help people find their inner physical and mental strength through exercise. That’s why at Defin8 Fitness, I try to offer the best of Pilates and fitness under one roof, whether that’s functional, flexibility, strength, weight loss or rehabilitation. We’re very passionate about teaching people to move their bodies intelligently and functionally with a purpose.
What was it like to start your own fitness studio?
It was both hard and scary to start my own studio, but I’m fortunate that I had people who believed in me and pushed me to take the leap. Five years ago when I started, I had to rent and hop from one studio to another with my suitcase of mats and weights. A few months later, I decided to take a risk and I rented our first space.
Back then, I had to do literally everything by myself, from administration to teaching to cleaning up. I didn’t have any business background, so I had to learn along the way. My husband Leo was a huge support, and guided me through how to manage the business. Now when I look at how much we’ve grown, it’s all worth it and I have no regrets. Our studio has two floors, a fully equipped Pilates facility, and a team of wonderful trainers and staff.
There are some things that we cannot control, so just breathe, let go and let it be. We just have to do our best to make the situation better. When the studios were closed multiple times, we either trained outdoors or became more innovative, by teaching online classes and PTs – we even started our own YouTube Channel! I learned to see more opportunities, even in the middle of a pandemic, and I’m so much more grateful with what I have in the moment now.
THE WELLFLUENCER TRIXIE VELEZ
What are three words that describe your personal philosophy to fitness and wellbeing?
BALANCE, GRATITUDE and HAPPINESS
You’ve got quite a loyal following among HK’s fitness community, why do you think that is?
I’m very humbled and honoured to hear that, actually! To be honest, I just try to be myself, and radiate good energy and positive vibes. Maybe it’s that, paired with a genuine connection, and of course, the results we get for clients! I really value each and every person that steps into my studio, and I make sure that they are seen and feel like they’re part of our community. I want people to think of fitness as a part of their life, rather than something short-term. Most importantly, I want to help people achieve their goals and dreams safely.
SOLÈNE VERROT
Managing Director of EstheClinic Hong Kong
Tell us about yourself!
After a Masters in Law, I started working with a big advertising firm in France. I soon found out I wasn’t meant to be in an office all day. In 2019, my partner and I decided to bring his family business to Hong Kong! EstheClinic is a new generation of beauty clinics that uses ground-breaking technologies to provide pain-free, non-invasive and long-lasting aesthetic treatments like permanent hair removal, anti-ageing, body shaping and slimming, even hair loss... We basically do everything from top to toe! Our mission is to give everyone the opportunity to achieve their desired skin and body goals.
You moved to Hong Kong from France to start your business - what was that experience like?
I love to discover new places (I’m really looking forward to being able to travel again!), so coming to a vibrant city like Hong Kong was already an experience. But it took a much broader scope when we launched EstheClinic. We opened our Central location in August 2019 - definitely not the best time to start a new business! It’s been challenging, but so rewarding that we are actually doing it all over again with a second branch in Sai Ying Pun this May.
SOLÈNE VERROTTHE SKINCARE & BEAUTY HERO
The pandemic has given us all a new perspective on life... For everyone in the world, it was such a strange experience. No one was ready for it. Personally, I would say the first thing I learned is that every day is important; don’t postpone what’s important to you, and make the most out of every moment.
Also, witnessing the level of solidarity in difficult times is so heartwarming. At EstheClinic, we had to close for almost five months due to government regulations, and yet we managed to keep all our clients and staff. We always try to be as understanding and fair as possible in life, and I feel like everyone gave that back to us during this difficult time.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a business?
The first thing is to just start! Easy to say, but actually, I feel there can be a lot of confusion about how to start, where to begin, who to work with - so many questions that it can paralyze you. Start by tackling one, and without even noticing it, you’ve already made the biggest step.
From there, plan as much as possible. It won’t always go the way you thought it would, but anticipation is definitely an ally. See your obstacles as opportunities; that will always help you, either by finding new ways of doing things or simply by gaining knowledge and confidence to go further and do greater things.
What’s the best part of your job?
As a family business, we have access to our own machines and design our own protocols. That gives us the flexibility to always look for better, more effective aesthetic treatments. We are able to constantly develop, and when we find more advanced ways to give our clients the results they’re after, the experience is very exciting for me. Every time we reach our goals at EstheClinic, it’s one of the best rewards we can have. I am also grateful to have an amazing team who are very involved and enthusiastic, and they are always doing everything to give the highest level of service to our lovely clients. And of course, glowing feedback from satisfied customers is what makes me the happiest.
DR. MICHELLE ZHOU MCCULLOCH
Founder and Clinic Director of UP!health
Tell us about yourself!
I am a chiropractor and I own a Central-based chiropractic and multidisciplinary clinic. I am passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives, whether that’s helping someone with their spinal health as their chiropractor, growing as a healthcare business to serve the community, collaborating with fellow small business owners, or being a mentor to younger practitioners. I want to help others and to know that I have made a difference to this person’s world today.
What’s the best part about working in pregnancy chiropractic care?
I’m passionate about maternity and pediatric care. Pregnancy is such a special period for a woman and her family, so knowing that I am able to help, empower and educate in this phase of someone’s life is extremely rewarding. Since becoming a mother myself, my passion for providing support for pre- and post-natal women has multiplied. I understand how hard the transition into parenthood is, and I feel privileged to have the skill sets to improve my patients’ physical health and the opportunity to help in their life journey.
THE WELLNESS INNOVATORDR MICHELLE ZHOU MCCULLOCH
Gratitude. It has been a trying year for every person, every parent, every business... but at the end of the day, if we can’t look at what we have and be grateful for it, then nothing would ever matter. And the pandemic has taught me that.
What’s something you do for yourself everyday to prioritise your wellness?
I get adjusted every two weeks (yes, chiropractors need help with their spines too!). I listen to my daughter as she shares all of her big ideas about the world from her perspective (she likes to say, “Mummy, I have a-deer!”) and I hug my baby boy. I love to squeeze in some monthly pampering like a manicure or a facial, I reward myself with a big iced coffee mid-morning if everything is going well at work. I like to go for a walk, and play with my dog. I believe in finding the joy in everyday efforts, however big or small, and that’s what wellness is to me.
What would you say has been your proudest achievement so far?
My proudest achievement is being a mother to my two amazing children, and to co-parent with the love of my life. I am also proud to own a business that is thriving and making a positive impact in the world everyday. I am proud of my staff members for showing up and being their best selves. Finally, I am proud of me for being me and for where I got myself to in life today.
TANYA PAKHOMOVA
Founder of My Perfect Body
Tell us about yourself!
I am the founder and owner of My Perfect Body, a beauty clinic in Central, and I’ve been in the beauty industry since 2013. One area that I’m passionate about is self-development and self-improvement. I’m always looking to challenge myself and learn new things. That’s one reason I enjoy working in customer service; I’ve learned great communication, listening and problem-solving skills. These have helped me in my day-to-day work, but also in my personal life.
Why did you decide to get into the beauty industry?
I have dreamed of owning my own business for as long as I can remember. Before I opened my spa, I worked as a fashion model for over 10 years. I realised that my career would eventually come to an end (models retire early) and I wanted to try something new, but still related to fashion. I decided that the beauty industry would suit me. I often had to do different beauty treatments over the course of my fashion career, because there’s an expectation that models have a “flawless” look. I also studied chemistry at university, which gave me an interest in knowing what was going into all these different beauty products.
What’s your best advice for balancing family with running a business?
To be honest, this was my biggest challenge! At the beginning of my entrepreneurial career, I spent most of my time working. It actually took me a few years to find the right balance, before I realised that I should work smarter, not harder. Now I know that balance doesn’t create itself - you have to put effort into it. I found ways to automate parts of my daily business admin, and that was key for me. Also, I set a boundary between family and work; when I’m at home, my family gets my full attention first. On the weekends, I take time to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week starts again.
THE GLAM GURUTANYA PAKHOMOVA
What’s it like running a spa? Take us through a typical day!
I try to get an early start, waking up at around 7AM. Morning is my favourite part of the day, so I tackle my most important task first thing, when I’m still full of energy and my mind is fresh. I spend the morning doing training or staff meetings, then I often have a business lunch in Central. After lunch I head back to the spa, or meet with potential business associates over a coffee.
In the late afternoon, I squeeze in some physical activity, either a session with my personal trainer or a yoga class. Then, I’m back at the office to check how everything is going, talk with staff, and create tasks for tomorrow. Once I’ve gone home, spent some quality time with my family, and the kids are in bed, I sometimes work in the evening. It’s when I find I’m the most productive for new projects that require a bit of innovation and creativity. I always try to get a good night’s sleep, so I can start fresh the next day.
You’ve got a background in fashion, did that prepare you at all for starting your own beauty business?
Absolutely! Modeling isn’t just about having a pretty face. If you want to succeed in fashion, you have to be patient and hardworking - same as in the beauty industry. It pushes you to develop a good attitude towards everything. Through modeling, I had to develop a thick skin and learn how to accept rejection without taking it personally. And of course, it gave me financial independence and the opportunity to open my own business!
JOYCE LAU
Founder of NakedLab - Organic BambooSilk bedding
Tell us about yourself!
I’m the founder of NakedLab. Actually, I like to say I’m co-founder with my daughter Pia, who is the reason why I started my business in the first place! When she was two months old, she had serious eczema, and I started to focus more on skin and sleep health as a result. I struggled as a new mother shopping for quality bedding that wouldn’t also break the bank. I found most of the options on the market were overwhelming and unreliable. I started to do some research into how the bedding industry worked, and discovered it was actually very ambiguous and antiquated. This personal frustration I had on behalf of my daughter initiated the beginning of our bedding company, NakedLab.
What did you do before you became an entrepreneur?
I was, and still am, an architect. I think the experience that I gained from training to be an architect really inspired me to become a great entrepreneur. An architect has to have a creative mind, be a problem-solver, be hardworking... I think these are key to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Most importantly, architects are highly affected by our environments. I can see, feel and understand not just in terms of relationships with objects and space, but also relationships with people. I think that’s actually the source of my real passion in life, which is designing and creating homes for people.
Sleep is so big in wellness right now - why do you think that is?
It’s not just sleep, I actually believe “clean” sleeping is the next big wellness trend! These days, people are all about clean eating and clean beauty, but I believe that clean sleeping is at the core of all of those.
THE SLEEP WHISPERERJOYCE LAU
Was it challenging to launch a company as a new mum?
Naked Lab has just turned three years old and it has certainly been a turbulent past few months for me after having my second child. But I think passion is everything. I have to admit that sometimes it becomes overwhelming, so I try to keep it simple and take small and steady steps. I had a problem and I wanted a solution. My goal is to have honest and affordable products that don’t compromise on quality. I’ve given myself a very simple goal and I stuck with it.
What’s your sleep ritual?
I like to find ways to calm and clear the mind to set myself up for a good night of sleep. My perfect sleep ritual includes a few things: 1: I look at my calendar and recap/plan out what I need to do the next day, like preparing my to-do list, so that when I’m awake I’m ready to tackle the day! 2: I lie on my bed and do a full-body scan to see where I have stressed or tired points. 3: And then I’ll spend five minutes doing a daily gratitude practice after I’ve done my body scan, once I’m feeling really relaxed.
TRICIA YAP
BETH WRIGHT
Limitless Health One of your major focuses is gut health. Tell us more.
By improving gut health and blood sugar management, you improve so much: metabolism, digestion, inflammation, immune system, brain performance, ability to detoxify, mood and cravings. Most people believe that they are what they eat or that calories need to be counted all the time. What they don’t realise is that this sometimes doesn’t hold true: you are not what you eat but you are what you absorb. By focusing on improving gut health and balancing blood sugar, these are really the small hinges that can swing big doors to your health and physique.
You’re so well known on the wellness scene. What are some important lessons you’ve learned on your journey?
First: every business owner needs a mentor. It doesn’t need to be the same person or What was your “I’ve made it” moment?
I’ve hardly made it - I’m only halfway on what I want to accomplish! I would love to be one of the first Asian female strength and nutrition coaches to travel the world and help effect a change against extreme diet culture on an international stage.
where they want to be.
I do this by getting to know my clients: their lifestyles, their family, their strengths and weaknesses… then I can truly tailor their fitness, lifestyle and nutrition plan.
Founder, B Fit the Wright Way You’re a full-time lawyer by day - what sparked you to also work in the health and wellness industry?
I have always had a passion for sport and fitness. When I went to university, I qualified as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor and worked in the university gym to earn some pocket money. I coached all throughout uni and law school, and continued when I started work in London.
When I moved to Hong Kong, the pace was even faster, and the stress higher… at one point my health was at rock bottom. I gained 20 pounds, couldn’t sleep and was constantly stressed. I finally decided to put my “lawyer” hat on and researched everything I could around health, how the body worked and how you could sustainably lose and maintain a healthy weight.
Tell us what you do for your clients.
I work one-on-one with clients to reach their health and wellness goals. Every goal is different so every journey is different, and I work with each person individually to help get them to people, or even formalised as a mentor/ mentee relationship, but you need to always surround yourself by those who can help you grow. Second: don’t always believe fitness social media and marketing. Looks are not a qualification so do your background checks. If someone is selling a quick fix or extreme diet, it will likely cost your health. I learnt this the hard way.
Do you have a mantra or an inspirational quote to help motivate yourself?
“You are only ever one healthy decision away from being back on track.”
What advice would you give to someone thinking about a new career in coaching?
Coaching is the BEST job in the world. You have this incredible opportunity to educate, to encourage, and to help people become the very healthiest and happiest versions of themselves. That said, to be a good coach you have to be willing keep on growing and learning so you can truly help your clients.
FLORA CHAN
DR. SHARMEEN SHROFF
Flo Jewellery What is your mission with Flo Jewellery?
My mission is three-fold: First, to inspire people to appreciate life and realise their infinite potential, to seek positive transformation within, and to manifest their dream life. Second, to empower the community with good energy. Flo Jewellery is functional; the symbolic design is meant to positively influence people‘s actions, thoughts and emotions. And third, to enlighten, by opening up people’s hearts and minds to live a happier life and become a better version of themselves.
What is your favourite piece in your collection, and why?
My all-time favourite is definitely the Chakra Necklace collection. It allows me to be more What are some new things you’re working on?
I’m excited to announce that we are launching our studio, The FLO, in May to offer a variety of workshops to raise consciousness about wellness. I also hope to build a community by providing more value-added consultation services to help individuals navigate life changes.
been compromised. What we are seeing is an increase in stress levels, anxiety and depression. I imagine we will be seeing the effects of the pandemic on our mental health for years to come.
What do you think is missing in the conversation around mental health in Hong Kong?
We need to make mental health a priority first and foremost. Once we have done this, we can start to tackle accessibility and affordability of treatment. Progress in mental health cannot be made without tackling the issues of stigma – there is no vaccine for our mental health and we now need to work together to flatten the mental health curve. If there’s any silver lining to the pandemic, it’s that it has dramatically reduced shame and stigma around mental health; talking about mental health is increasingly becoming a new norm.
Have you noticed a difference in the mental health situation in Hong Kong since the pandemic started?
Central Minds
The pandemic came hot on the heels of the civil unrest in Hong Kong, so we have been struggling with challenges to our mental health for more than just a year. In both situations, people have been afraid to go out, have been isolating at home and their physical and mental safety has conscious of my emotional and physical wellbeing and reminds me to believe in myself, embrace my femininity and stay grounded when I’m juggling different roles in my life.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to give therapy a try, but doesn’t know how it can help them?
One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that it’s only intended to treat serious mental illness. However, it’s actually completely the opposite. Therapy can help with nearly every aspect of life, from day-to-day worries to complex psychological conditions.
If you’re thinking about therapy, reach out to a few different therapists and request a short phone conversation. All therapists should offer a brief phone call at no cost to answer any questions you may have and determine if they are the right fit for you.
DION LEUNG
LEERON ZION
Managing Director, Sense of Touch Sense of Touch is Hong Kong’s first premium day spa group. What’s the secret to its longevity?
Quality service with a personal touch. Although we’ve grown a lot since opening in 2002, we are proud to still be known for our excellent customer service, friendly environment and highly qualified therapists, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. And of course our loyal customers, at the heart of what we do, who we have to thank for their support through the years.
How have you managed to navigate the past 12 months, which has seen many independent spas close?
It hasn’t been easy… we had to close for almost five months in 2020. However we managed to rise to the challenge by diversifying. We launched an online store to keep our customers supplied with the niche brands we carry, which are sustainably made, clinically sophisticated, and hard to find elsewhere.
How do you keep bringing loyal customers back to your spas after so many years?
By doing right by our customers. For example, after the political unrest, we gave $500 spending credit to our top 1,000 customers to thank them for their loyalty. This small gesture showed our clients that we really appreciate them. We’re stable, reliable and not going anywhere. I also learned that when you properly invest in your people, products and services - when you don’t try to cut corners but instead really put your heart into what you’re doing - it will be appreciated and come back to you many times over.
principles that I learned in my course, my health bounced back rapidly. More recently, I decided to further my education with a postgraduate degree in human nutrition from Deakin University.
HolisticLee Happy When were you at your least healthy, and what did you do to change it?
The line between my healthiest and unhealthiest was very a very fine one. When I was studying at university abroad, I was entirely gluten-, dairy-, sugar-, soy-, and alcohol-free. I exercised with a personal trainer for an hour every day and always squeezed in an extra run. I was at the prime of my health… or so I thought. Seemingly overnight, I could no longer digest anything. I was crippled with unbearable abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. I had bad acid reflux, terrible anxiety and regular panic attacks. Despite countless doctor visits, my condition persisted without any improvement.
What led you to begin a career as a holistic nutritionist?
I decided to take matters into my own hands. I completed my certification in holistic health & wellness coaching with an additional specialisation course in gut health & stress management. Once I began to apply the What’s the most common problem that your clients come to you for advice on?
Today, as the universe would have it, a majority of my clients and students (who attend my healthy cooking courses) have concerns over tummy aches, bloating, acid reflux and IBS, as well as, anxiety, stress and burnout. Many of these clients don’t know that such symptoms not only come hand-in-hand, but also have a bi-directional impact.
In my practice, I provide empowering knowledge as well as actionable steps with regards to diet and stress management that give the client physical, mental and emotional relief.
How Green is Your Valley?
Successfully crowdfunded within 48 hours, Womanizer’s new eco-friendly toy, the Premium Eco, is set to prove that pleasure needn’t cost the earth.
Billed as the world’s fi rst eco-friendly sex toy, Womanizer has just launched an eco-friendly interpretation of its bestselling Pleasure Air clitoral stimulator. Yes, really! Fully recyclable and biodegradable, the Premium Eco hit the shelves just in time for World Earth Day, and is packed with green features that make it a far more planetfriendly choice compared to regular sex toys. The Premium Eco retails for $1,560 and is available on HKTVMall.
GREEN SCREAM TECHNOLOGY
Here’s how the Premium Eco checks all our low-waste boxes! • Made from Biolene, a bioplastic made from corn starch, making it biodegradable and recyclable • Replacable and rechargeable battery, which extends the product’s lifespan • Modular design means it can be taken apart and components can be properly disposed of • 100% plastic-free FSC packaging and organic cotton storage pouch • Shorter charging cable • Tree planted for every Premium Eco sold
CONSUMER DEMAND
At the end of March, Womanizer launched a global crowdfunding campaign, with a goal of USD20,000, as proof of consumer demand for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sex toys. The response was phenomenal and the product was fully funded within 48 hours. This proved to WOW Tech, Womanizer’s parent company, that the world was more than ready for an eco-friendly vibrator. The entire amount raised was then donated to One Tree Planted, an NGO that promotes global reforestation, and product development began.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The Premium Eco represents Womanizer’s commitment to becoming a greener company. “The sexual wellness industry has grown in recent years and the products are gaining more and more social acceptance,” says Johanna Rief, Head of Sexual Empowerment at Womanizer. “But, as in many other industries, environmental issues are omnipresent and long-term solutions need to be found. Premium Eco is the fi rst of many steps for Womanizer to make us more sustainable as a company.”
