White Trousseau is proud to be part of the #ChooseToChallenge International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021 campaign. This year, we are celebrating women’s achievements by inviting three very special guests to share the challenges they faced that define them as the woman they are today. White Trousseau hopes these inspiring stories encourage more women to choose to challenge and call out gender inequality.
Every challenge is an opportunity for a change. Let’s all choose to challenge today, be the empowered woman that powers women.
First up, featuring Jessica Liu (@jesssseca) an entrepreneur, owner of Bellis Spa.
1. What defines you as a woman?
2020 was a difficult year for my business in Langkawi, as our customer base is mostly dependent on tourists, and the pandemic hit our business hard. Our spas and AirBnb were not open for business for almost 6 month. Therefore, 2021 will be a year of self-challenge where I hope to transform my business and embark on digitalisation to bring our products to e-commerce.
2. What is something you want to challenge yourself in 2021?
I did think about this question and if I start from self. I will set myself apart from the definition of a person and leave out the gender. This way, I don't attach the burden of gender stereotypes to myself and am more able to balance myself. Fortunately, I live in a gender equal society where gender doesn't bring me advantages, only effort and hard work do.
3. A female who inspires you to be who you are today.
I have always been a fan of a writer, San Mao(Echo Chen Ping). After she got married, San Mao and her husband lived in the socially feudal Sahara Desert, a patriarchal country. As a foreigner and a pagan, she was not defeated by life and the environment. and became friends with the locals. She has taught me that as long as a person is sincere and loves life, we can blossom in a desert.
Next, we have Miyake Tan (@callmemiyake), entrepreneur, founder of Miyeppeo.
1. What defines you as a woman?
I am thankful for my job because I learnt that many women who are being hindered from doing what they love, usually the negative comments from our surroundings. I want to empower women to believe in themselves that she is able to achieve her dreams. Then, one day she will do the same to another woman.
2. What is something you want to challenge yourself in 2021?
This year, I want to challenge myself to make ample time for proper rest to recharge myself regularly by engaging in an enjoyable and healthy activities that will help me to cope with the heavy workload. I wish for the ladies who are reading this to listen to their body and give what it needs, especially sufficient rest. This will definitely boost your determination to hustle.
3. A female who inspires you to be who you are today.
That would be none other than my mother. She is my greatest inspiration! Her strong and independent personality is the reason why I am so motivated and inspired to be who I am today. She is a supportive mother that does not stop me from doing things that people deem as unrealistic nor did she force me to get a full-time job instead of sharing photos and reviewing products online.
Last but not least, we have Rui En, actress.
1. What defines you as a woman?
The ability to be strong and vulnerable simultaneously.
2. What is something you want to challenge yourself in 2021?
Getting more comfortable with being uncomfortable. 2020 was a year of extreme discomfort for humanity. Yet it was a year that challenged us to step outside of the boundaries of what thought we were comfortable with. Pain and suffering brings about growth and maturity. Am learning how to embrace and accept that.
3. A female who inspires you to be who you are today.
Every single working mum out there. They are my definition of superhuman.
At White Trousseau, we aspire to power a gender equality future for all, and that means choosing to challenge and commemorating every obstacle that has been conquered by women. We would like to thank everyone who took part in this campaign.
You can also participate by donating! Visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Fundraising for more information.