Words from our founder
I have a confession to make.
I have not always felt confident about my personal style.
In fact, it was not until my mid 20s when I found a look that felt exquisitely right to me.
This comes as a surprise to many since there seems to be this common expectation that fashion/beauty bloggers have always had a flair for style since they were young. Or perhaps, have always been full-on with dress and make-up.
That was not true for me.
Luckily, I had a head start when I was exposed to a multi-cultural work environment at the age of 20. After finishing university, I landed a job in a hotel overseas as a Welcome Ambassador.
I flew to Macau, one of China’s two so-called Special Administrative Region (the other being Hong Kong), armed with only a limited knowledge in hair, makeup, grooming and styling.
But that soon changed.
Because my job as the first contact for arrivals and the last impression for departures at this 5-star hotel meant that I had to upgrade this knowledge. So I acquired a set of highly refined skills in grooming and hair & make-up through constant, deliberate practice and undergone professional trainings for workplace etiquette and customer service.
During my almost half a decade stay in this Asian city, also known to many as the Las Vegas of the East, I had to master what it takes to create a great first impression.
I acquired a set of highly refined skills in grooming, hair & make-up and professional behavior.
The role enabled me to put my communication skills to good use, both verbal and non-verbal.
As a bonus, I even grew comfortable speaking basic Mandarin and Cantonese language for some time. (regrettably, not so much now though I’ve been giving Duolingo a shot)
All was well, until I reached a turning point.
By mid 2010s, I had unwittingly left hospitality to pursue a different career.
I had landed a job as a real estate professional in one of Philippines’ luxury property developer. And this was my first real taste of an ‘office’ job.
However, it was also one of the most challenging period in my life. I was not prepared of what’s to come that I went through the struggles of practically starting from scratch.
But with the support of my family and friends, I braved through it. I was convinced at the time that my first realtor job was a downslope that would prepare me for a steeper climb.
And I was right.
After years of hard work, and with a bit of luck, I reached an important milestone in my career: living and working in Hong Kong.
During this time, I started to fully understand what it takes for a young, independent professional to work not only to survive. But moreover, to thrive in a high-pressure environment under fierce living conditions. (Have you ever read about Hong Kong’s reign as the most expensive city globally for expats at one point? Yeah.)
I realized that to reach the top, you have to conquer your fears and show up every day ready to control your own destiny.
You must overcome roadblocks and strive to be the best.
It became evident to me that past experiences or school diplomas can only take you so much in the present dog-eat-dog world of business.
To meet in a level playing field with other self-accomplished, hungry white-collars, you must adapt to new environments or even reinvent yourself in order to make the cut.
In plain, simple words: you need to level up.
And level-up we did. Not just in mindset, health choices or people I hung around with. But also with the way I presented myself to the world.
Sometimes, all it takes is an honest look in the mirror and decide how you picture yourself living your best life and show up as that.
I believe that every person deserves to look and feel their best every day.
I wholeheartedly believe you can create a dynamic persona. One that can have a huge impact in your personal and professional life, all without relinquishing your authenticity.
As a modern world citizen, you absolutely can communicate who you are through what you wear and how you behave, in a way that’s empowering – for you and for those around you.
And so, after over a decade of work experience in three countries, two industries and various positions, I’m now a woman on a mission. I’m here to help you feel inspired to upgrade yourself and reach your very best – in such manner that’s compassionate, intuitive, and majorly up to date on tips, tools and trends.
My hope is to add a little polish to sparkle someone else’s professional journey. That’s why Finesse to Success came to life.
With the aim to inspire and inform, this platform helps individuals or teams, and companies achieve powerful executive and business presence, respectively, by improving on their ABCDs: appearance, behavior, communication and digital footprint.
Through the blog, professionals and businesses have readily available resources to create lasting impressions which are crucial in today’s competitive and demanding work environment.
Finesse to Success is your go-to guide for upgrading yourself and attracting success in your business.
And we’re here to be your partner in success.
I hope that the information you learn across our platforms can take you places and bring you the best life experiences in a way that fuels your purpose.
I believe that you, my friend, deserve the success and happiness for all the days to come.
Always,
