Tatler Philippines and beautypreneur Nikki Tang gathered ten dynamic individuals to talk about all things wellness
The animated, interesting conversation that transpired among the ten panellists of the Wellness Forum organised by Tatler Philippines and hosted by Nikki Tang continues.
This is the second of two parts. See Much Ado About Wellness (Part 1): On choosing a positive mindset, self-acceptance, and loving your own company.
FRANCISCO: I want to ask Nikki. You took up engineering in college. So, how did you find the path to beauty? And did this path to beauty lead you to Wellness?
NIKKI TANG: I grew up in a very entrepreneurial family. My grandmother and my mother are really both into selfcare. My grandmother is now 94. She's a true inspiration. So, from engineering, an opportunity in the beauty business came. Big shift. But because I come from a Chinese family, business has always been in our DNA.
I took the challenge of bringing in a new beauty brand. I started collaborating with dermatologists in the country. But the timing was good ‘cuz there was also a market demand. The market evolved along the way and gave us a lot of access to bring in more innovations from around the world. I’ve been breaking the barriers for the Philippine market and I am very humbled and happy for the success of the business that we are in right now.
My personal journey of wellness is a self-discipline. This allows me to develop my team's wellbeing and success, to continue inspiring them. As a leader it allows me also to develop clarity of mind because being an entrepreneur is not easy, as what Ida mentioned earlier.
It's also good that today, Filipinos are more open to talk about mental health. And there are also the podcasts, sessions, this forum ─activities that are very, very good platforms for sharing, training and educating others.
We also have to be kind to ourselves and humble enough to seek help. Although I am in the business of aesthetics and beauty, which are very important to feeling good, what is more important is that we are able to sustain our mental health. Feeling good inside emits the glow of someone who's happy with themselves.
ZUBIRI: Honestly, the glow of someone who’s happy with themselves is so different from someone who’s not. There's a lot of people who put on all this makeup. They look great, like you can't see anything wrong. But there's something missing. That's why brides are always so beautiful because they're glowing inside. Or new mothers who might be tired but still have that glow.
I’m fascinated by Buddhism and its four pillars: compassion or loving kindness, impermanence, acceptance and non-attachment. I have applied the pillars in my life but non-attachment is like a big thing. Nothing is permanent so you can't be attached to anything, right?
I think a big part of my wellness journey is listening to my body and listening to my emotions, and rather than taking charge is being an observer. Like starting to see myself in third person. Why am I feeling this way? Why does that trigger me? Why am I reacting this way to this food? Why am I like being able to observe so that I can make better decisions rather than being reactive?
LAUREL: Yeah, there should be a balance. For everything. Because we cannot deprive ourselves with the joys of life.
ALL: Never!!!
MADSEN: It’s really what is important to your life.
ALL: Yeah!!!
MADSEN: As a brand consultant, I conceptualise ideas. I look at photos every day and it's very visually heavy for me. That's why I like the space. I like everything neutral. I like to have a quiet time because I constantly need to be inspired to produce things. So, I walk every day.
PREYSLER-FRANCISCO: There’s no right or wrong [fitness regimen]. My 7:30 every day CrossFit is like Monique’s 5am wake-up and having coffee. I have been struggling with feelings of unworthiness. I always have to remind myself I'm worthy. My workouts have made me feel that focus, that discipline, that mindset of winning. That's what's kept me well. You may not have come from a healthy family but a healthy family can come from you. I read that somewhere.
FRANCISCO: But also, remember that video of yours where you talk about improving your makeup…
PREYSLER-FRANCISCO: Like I said, it’s hygiene, skincare, it’s wholistic. It’s every single dimension of Wellness that go hand in hand, but just in varying degrees.