International Women's Day - Girl Boss Edition
A time to reflect on progress made by modern women, and appreciate female-led businesses. With growing spotlight on International Women's Day on 8 March, we chat with girl bosses in Singapore whom we admire and understand what keeps them creative through their unique artistry.
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Kat Zhang, Founder & Lead Artist of Suburbs Studio (founded in 2017)
1. How do you stay creative while running a business?
I take time off physical work to travel and look at work from other creatives beyond the makeup industry. It can be movies, nature, music and more. There is beauty everywhere, and learning to appreciate this really opens my eyes and helps me work on my craft.
2. Describe your essential self-care ritual.
A good skincare session is always appreciated! And also hitting the gym for a good yoga or pilates session really helps me to recharge.
The Midnight Merlot Flutter Top is super versatile, soft and comfortable as loungewear. It is also super cute worn as a daily top when I want a pop of colour. I also enjoy wearing the silk robe when I teach in classes as it feels so luxe and envelopes me!
Chan Clayrene, Founder & Lead Artist of Artclaytion (founded in 2016)
1. How do you stay creative while running a business?
I am glad that I am in this unique industry that requires me to create original artworks as much as I can. I enjoy connecting with fellow creatives and we are always inspired by one another. My business also allows me to travel and gain fresh perspectives, broadening my horizon and providing new opportunities for growth.
2. Describe your essential self-care ritual.
It is important to set a day off for myself to relax at home, to work on my favourite gown paintings or work on something I love. Staying in positive energy and meditation also helps. I enjoy quality time with myself over a good meal as well.
3. What is your favourite loungewear piece from Bells & Birds?
My all-time favourite has to be the Elizabeth Lace Dressing Gown which I brought to Paris. I love how luxurious and refined it looks, with its intricate lace pattern and silhouette. It is a dreamy piece that makes me feel like a princess, every time I wear it.
Susanna Oh, Founder & Maker of Rituals Co (founded in 2020)
I’m naturally a solution-driven, right-brained person. I enjoy the process of visualizing, designing and crafting a new product that not only looks good, but also serves as a meaningful gift for our personal well-being. I also enjoy traveling and taking in new sights with an open mind, you’ll never know what you’ll find, and that process have definitely helped me to stay inspired for the business.
2. Describe your essential self-care ritual.
Self-care to me can be as simple as creating pockets of personal time within the day. When I can do so, I like to brew a cup of tea and relax by lighting up a soothing candle. Giving myself the headspace to slow down and recalibrate my thoughts, before moving along with a busy schedule.
3. What is your favourite loungewear piece from Bells & Birds?
Botanico Floral Robe and Midnight Merlot Flutter Top are definitely love at first sight for me. I love Bells and Birds’ mulberry silk quality and how versatile these pieces can be. I can wear them comfortably in my home or style it out with a pair of jeans and sneakers!
Jocelyn Tan, Founder & Maker of Vault Fine Jewellery (founded in 2015)
1. How do you stay creative while running a business?
I seek inspiration from small little things and day to day encounters. Being a mother to my little girl also sparks joy and enables me to create heirloom pieces that I would like her to cherish in the future.
2. Describe your essential self-care ritual.
Having me-time late at night when everyone's day is over. I find myself most at peace and clarity then, and I'm able to unwind my thoughts, feelings and emotions to reset for the next day.
3. What is your favourite loungewear piece from Bells & Birds?
My favourite is an earlier print, the Spring Fling PJs. Though sold out, but I love the same silhouette on the current Midnight Merlot print!
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Thank you for joining us on the short blog post to commemorate this special day, and we are happy that there are more women-led businesses now than ever. In the start-up industry where people are often afraid of failing, we are glad to have one another's back and bounce creative ideas off each other, taking our businesses to greater heights one step at a time.
Here's to all the strong, independent women around us, like us :)
