3RIFIC is an exceptional new concept in skincare that is taking facial care to the next level. Created by Angeelia and TW, it’s a beauty line that is streamlined and effective. All about three key products that will make serious strides in skin improvement. They feel it doesn’t have to be so complicated as a lot of companies make it for the unaware consumer.
Here we take a look inside the brand with an interview by one of their founders, Angeelia.
When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it? The first debut was in September of 2016 with just two products. It was always our dream to start our own business, and skincare is the first thing that came to mind. When I think about beauty, I always think about my mother as she represents true beauty both inside and out. The person who wears many hats throughout the day, the one who takes care of everyone in the family 24/7, 365 days per year. It all started with a simple thought to buy something for my mother as a gift for every trip home, and the best activity to kill my time at the airport, while waiting to board is spending time checking out the latest products. I adore the beauty sections, where there are an array of the latest skincare launches. All those jars that promise better skin are just so appealing!
For the past 13 years of travel, I’ve always ended up buying a lot of products and giving them to her as gifts. She is an active person and always on-the-go, so I’ve noticed that a lot of products are left on her dressing table, as she always goes back to the same essential items. Only when she has extra time will she will pamper herself a bit more with other products. That was a turning point for me where the concept behind 3RIFIC starting to brew in my mind.
That’s where 3RIFIC comes in to give you more time. It’s streamlined skincare, with highly concentrated formulas that beautify your skin.
What’s your background? I have a background in the fashion industry as a stylist and with image management. So I’m very in-touch with all aspects of beauty, including skincare. I’ve designed training programs to help private clients at all levels of industry. Some of that includes image analysis profiling, wardrobe planning, and personal shopping. It’s been a pleasure to work closely with so many people to empower them to look and feel their best. In 2014, I was a recipient of the “Lady of Excellence” Awards, an award in recognition of women who are a source of inspiration to others. In 2013 I also co-founded a women’s club, that continues to teach in areas of inner and outer beauty to women from all walks of life, helping them to build their confidence and self-esteem. Skincare is a natural extension of that which I’m so excited to bring to the public with 3RIFIC.
If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently? Not so far, the only thing is we just would have started earlier. The process of creating 3RIFIC has been very rewarding so far. From inception, it’s taken us two years from the research and formulation, to turning our vision into reality.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company? Time. Since I’ve been involved in every process from the beginning, I didn’t realise how intense it would be. One of the benefits that I take from my work is that I think globally, so we have utilised time wisely by allocating people or tasks in the right time zone to get the best result. For example, we choose Japan to be our manufacturing partner, not because of their superior experience in skincare, but also because they are first who see the sunrise, aka Japan as ‘Land of rising sun’.
So the work was started in Japan, and we also handover some parts to our team in the Europe or the United States. This makes us virtually working 24 hours a day, so while we sleep at night someone in those other countries still continues with our projects in tandem with us. When the next morning comes, we can see the progress, continue to work, and that ultimately minimizes disruption or delay.
This also applies to our product formulation concept, so 3RIFIC will work on your skin where you can get back to enjoying other parts of your life. For busy people today where time is always limited, our products have high concentrates that can tackle your areas of concern with a few simple products. Whenever you have extra time then you can continue to pamper yourself with more routines, with other products or treatments as well.
To date, what has been the highlight since launching? Two of our products have received awards from the beauty community. This includes a coveted, “Beauty Shortlist Award 2017” from the United Kingdom for the facial oil and daily moisturizer and a “Beauty Hall of Fame Award” from Cleo Magazine Singapore for best Facial Oil 2017.
Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York? Oh, it’s so hard to choose! There are just so many unique benefits of each gorgeous place. I love the hustle and bustle of New York, but Paris is just so romantic. London has its appeal too, as it’s where I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in the past decade.
Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without? That’s easy, it has to be sunscreen, lip balm, and face oil. Your skin needs to be protected (sunscreen), while keeping it hydrated with an effective facial oil, but who doesn’t want to have kissable lips? Lip balm is essential always.
Best place for a coffee? In Singapore, there are many different coffee shops both traditional local Chinese cafés and also European style. Both are great. My favorite spot would have to be at the harbour front, where I can enjoy the waterfront view and people watching for inspiration.
Most memorable piece of advice given to you? Never give up, and when you feel like quitting think about why you started and always forge ahead.
Guilty pleasure? Chocolate. Of course, right? Always chocolate. It helps if it’s especially good dark chocolate. Such an indulgence.
If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be? Hokkaido, Japan. This place offers an enticing range of riches that manifest a rarely seen side, from the untouched wilderness, fresh seafood, hot spring, best powder snow in winter, flower fields, and fruit farm in summer so the experience is endless.
In future, how do you plan on expanding the company? We’re planning to get our distributor in a major city and also improve the e-commerce experience. We’re going to offer free shipping to more customers in more countries around the world. 3RIFIC is going to be a global brand that launches innovative and effective skincare that people are going to love using on a daily basis.
To get the most out of your real estate, it is important to understand all of the options that are available to you. In this article, we will discuss three different ways that you can maximize your property investment. We will also provide some tips on how to get started.
Location
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a home is its location. The neighborhood you choose will play a big role in your quality of life, so be sure to do your research before making a decision. Consider things like the commute to work, proximity to schools and amenities, and crime rates before settling on a particular area.
Location is also important when it comes to resale value. A home in a desirable neighborhood will always be easier to sell than one in a less desirable area, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on moving again in the future. If you’re in the Singapore area and want to sell your property in Singapore, you should use a real estate agent to help you with the process. Purchasing a home is a huge decision, but with careful consideration of all the factors involved, you can find the perfect place for you and your family.
Research
You should always start with research when you are making a large purchase. The real estate market is ever-changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the most recent trends. You should also be aware of your finances and what you can afford. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new home and overspending. When you are armed with knowledge, you will be able to navigate the real estate market with confidence. This will help you find the perfect home for your needs and budget.
Hire Real Estate Agent
Hiring a real estate agent can be very beneficial when you are trying to sell your home. A good agent will have a list of potential buyers and will work hard to get your home sold. They will also be able to negotiate the best price for your home. If you are not sure how to find a good agent, you can ask your friends or family for recommendations. You can also check online reviews to see what other people have said about different agents. When you meet with an agent, be sure to ask them questions about their experience and what they think your home is worth. Get as much information as possible before making a decision. Once you have found a good agent, make sure that you communicate with them regularly so that they know what your expectations are.
Selling your home can be a stressful process, but working with a good agent, like the trusted real estate agents mentioned in this article, can make it much easier.
Look for a Good Deal.
Once you have found a few potential homes, it’s time to start negotiating with the sellers. The easiest way to do this is to find out what other people have paid for similar homes in the area. You can do this by looking up recent sales data online or by talking to a real estate agent. Once you have an idea of what other people have paid, you can start negotiating with the seller. Try to get them to lower the price of the home, or offer to pay in cash if they are willing to give you a discount. You should also be prepared to walk away from the deal if the seller is not willing to budge on their asking price. There are plenty of other homes out there, and you don’t want to overpay for your new home.
Get a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a vital part of the home-buying process. It gives you a chance to have a professional examine the condition of the property before you buy it. This can help you avoid any major problems down the road. Make sure to schedule your home inspection as soon as possible after your offer is accepted. This will give you plenty of time to get any necessary repairs done before you move in.
If you’re not sure what to look for during your inspection, be sure to ask your real estate agent for guidance. They should be able to point out any potential red flags. Don’t forget, a home inspection is just one part of due diligence when buying a property. You’ll also need to get a professional appraisal and have a title search done. But if you take care of all of these steps, you’ll be in good shape to buy your dream home.
Get a Loan
You will need to get a loan to buy a house. There are many different types of loans available, so you will need to research and find the best one for you. You can get a loan from a bank, credit union, or other lending institution.
If you are buying a house with a mortgage, you will need to make sure that you have all of your paperwork in order before you apply for the loan. The lender will want to see proof of income, employment history, and credit score. They will also want to know how much money you have for a down payment.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your real estate, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, be realistic about what you can afford. Second, don’t be afraid to negotiate. And finally, remember that it’s important to do your research so you can find the best property for your needs.
Sofitel London St James has teamed up with Balmain and Z2 Comics to celebrate the new Balmain Dreams OR book with a Fashion Afternoon Tea. Team Coco Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies attended the exclusive media preview to check out the US$50,000 Balmain Dreams 10: OR edition, which celebrates Olivier Rousteing’s most iconic runway creations in the last decade.
The Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel’s stylish Rose Lounge from and is available from 3 February to 3 March. To celebrate the occasion, the Rose Lounge has been decked out in striking illustrations from the Balmain Book, which is currently on a world tour with Z2 Comics and Sofitel. Balmain Dreams OR is available via digital tablets at the lounge, but we got to see the striking US$50,000 Balmain suitcase and some of the iconic Balmain pieces that were featured, in vibrant colour, on the pages of the book.
Crafted by Head Pastry Chef Jamie Warley, the Fashion Afternoon Tea connects guests with the traditional French flavours in homage to the heritage of Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing. Much like Olivier moves away from classic runway tropes, so does Sofitel’s Fashion Afternoon Tea move away from classic finger sandwiches.
Pastries inspired by Olivier’s bold and colourful runway creations
Instead, it offers delicious savoury dishes like leek and potato soup, pulled pork gyoza with soya and ginger and truffle Gougères. The sweet courses, of which the Citrus Choux Bun, Praline and Caramel Delice and Cappuccino Macaron were all highlights, were inspired thematically by Rousteing’s sketches in the book.
Sofitel St James is the first hotel to host the Fashion Afternoon Tea which will be moving to other Sofitel locations in Dubai, Singapore and Seoul.
The Fashion Afternoon Tea will be served from Thursday to Monday in the Rose Lounge, 12pm to 4pm, from 3rd Feb to 3rd Mar at £55 per person or £65 per person including a glass of Champagne. To book, please visit The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James.
While it seems like all the months of 2021 have blurred into one, we’re dreaming of a time when we can once again visit all the beautiful destinations this planet has to offer. To (virtually) satiate your wanderlust, Team Coco has put together some of the world’s most exciting new hotel openings to inspire your next holiday… whenever that may be.
Nestled in the beautiful Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, the gorgeous ski-in, ski-out Pendry Park City will offer a modernist take on a traditional alpine lodge. Surrounded by vast mountain landscapes, the resort will boast warm, natural design elements that create a contemporary, open feel, and will feature 153 guestrooms, suites, and residences, each offering floor-to-ceiling windows and curated artwork.
Not to mention, both guests and locals alike will enjoy access to four distinct restaurants and bars, a deluxe Spa Pendry and fitness centre, a heated rooftop pool with a destination bar, Pinwheel Kids Club, and more than 7,000 square-feet of indoor event space.
Passalacqua (Lake Como, Italy)
Originally built in the 18th century by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, Passalacqua is set on the shores of Lake Como and has hosted historic leaders from Napoleon Bonaparte to Winston Churchill.
Sister property to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the stately, ultra-luxury mansion retreat will extend 24 stylish suites designed and curated by one of Italy’s most renowned hotelier families – Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis.
Committed to preserving its heritage, Passalacquawill showcase original features, including hidden passageways, centuries-old beamed suites in forgotten stables, and glasshouses with ancient fruit trees. Guests can enjoy the lakeside swimming pool and open-air gym set in the olive groves, vintage boat trips from the private dock, and partake in a variety of wellness and culinary experiences in the manicured gardens such as spa treatments, yoga sessions, farm-to-fork dining, and movies under the stars.
The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Located in Hong Kong’s cool Southside district, which is home to the iconic Victoria Harbour and the city’s renowned Ocean Park, the eco-conscious oceanfront resort is the next much-anticipated international launch from The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts.
The luxury hotel – perfect for couples, friends, solo visitors, extended families, and business travellers – will offer 425 guest rooms and suites overlooking the South China Sea, including children-themed rooms and two signature suites with private pools. It will also offer four diverse restaurants, an outdoor infinity pool and kids’ lagoon pool, an indoor kids’ play zone, a luxury spa and fitness centre, and versatile indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, including a 5,600 square-feet pillar-free grand ballroom. Will this be Hong Kong’s most exciting new sustainable hotel – we certainly think so.
sly Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Located in the city’s trendy Friedrichshain neighborhood, Berlin’s coolest new hotel will be housed across four modernised buildings, interconnected via inviting open courtyard spaces and a striking 2,368 square-foot greenhouse.
With 150 contemporary guestrooms and suites, some boasting private balconies, sly Berlin’s interiors will showcase a fusion of nature and urban culture, featuring solid oak wood, Italian serpentine stone, stainless steel, and Brutalist concrete touches. A lively restaurant and bar, complete with open kitchen and grill area, will be housed in the natural light of the greenhouse amid an abundance of greenery. The perfect place to enjoy an (almost alfresco) meal at the German capital.
The reincarnation of a restored 1930s landmark in Frogner, a historic neighbourhood in Oslo’s West End, Sommerro celebrates Norwegian design, fusing form and function as the city’s first hotel in an original Art Deco building.
The hotel is set to be Norway’s largest-ever preservation project, the hotel occupies the former headquarters of the capital city’s electrical company, Oslo Lysverker. Folowing a multi-million-dollar renovation, Somerro will become a modern tribute to local cultural heritage. Art buffs will enjoy the original artworks by celebrated Norwegian artist Per Krohg which will be featured throughout the hotel, with pieces including a giant wall fresco and a ceiling mural that nods to the building’s unique history.
A true community space, the 231-room property – which counts 56 residences – will also offer four restaurants, three bars, meeting and event spaces with capacity for up to 150 people, a 200-seat gilded theatre, a sprawling wellness paradise, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool, sauna, terrace, and restaurant. There is surely no more stylish place to stay in Oslo than this.
Travellers planning to book a stay at any of these new hotels, or any of the other 650 participating properties across the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio, can access exclusive member rates, earn points, and take advantage of other value-rich immediate benefits during every eligible stay, while also accessing special members-only offers and unique partnerships, by joining I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the world’s largest points-based loyalty programme for independent hotels with more than 4 million travellers currently enrolled.
Beth and Oonagh are the brains behind Bien Etre, a lifestyle brand that started in London but the Southern French Alps was the inspiration behind the brand’s visual identity and values. Over time the brand has evolved to help people lead better lives all over the world. With the launch of the brand timed just around the start of the pandemic, the initial plans to host retreats was put on the back burner as they were forced to rethink their strategy.
This duo were born to always win and of course between the two of them they were able to grow a successful brand despite the adversity they faced in the early days. Here, we spent some time with Beth and Oonagh to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that led you to launching your brand, Bien Etre?
Beth – One day in 2002, my dad suddenly collapsed. The company he worked for had just been bought out so he was regularly commuting to London and was studying for a diploma in marketing to keep up with the competition. He had a young family to provide for so losing his job wasn’t an option…and it all proved too much to handle. Later that day, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a chronic and incurable illness that would involve injecting 5 times a day and micromanaging his diet and lifestyle for the rest of his life. We didn’t know what all this meant, but my parents refused to let it define our lives, so in early 2003, they moved me and my little sister out to the Southern French Alps to pursue a stress-free lifestyle and give us a healthier upbringing. A move which would also inspire the birth of Bien Etre 16 years later.
Fast forward to 2019 where I was living in central London and working in a job that I hated. I lived for the weekend and my holidays, and I had developed a form of social anxiety that made public transport, shopping malls and meetings extremely uncomfortable. Then one day, I looked around and realised…I was heading down the same road as my dad and was really unhappy with where my life was headed. In that moment, I decided to take action. I started thinking about my dream job, talking to people, doing research. Finally, the idea came to me in a yoga class (by one of our now Directory members), I thought ‘why don’t I bring all these stressed-out Londoners to the Southern French Alps and show them what life could be like’. I registered the business two weeks later.
I had to deal with Covid only 6 months after launching, but with the help of my best friend and business partner, Oonagh English, we managed to build what is now, one of the world’s fastest growing wellness platforms that’s attracting the likes of the Tatler Address Book and is actively enhancing lives in over 33 countries…only 10 months after launching. Our mission is to make the world of well-being more accessible to people worldwide, bringing them the best quality information and support in order to help them make better decisions for their well-being and shape their best life. Wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s something that we’re all entitled to and should work on every day. It’s been one hell of a journey, but it’s still only just the beginning and I couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for us.
Oonagh – I have suffered from anxiety and depression since childhood. This has lead me on a journey of inner reflection and self discovery. My own journey to finding physical and mental health lead me to discover how hard it can be to find the right education and support to fit your personal needs. When Beth, brought up the idea of creating Retreats that cater to all areas of life, I realised that this was the perfect way to create an environment for people to focus on personal development. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, we were forced to cancel our retreats but we still wanted to provide a supportive environment and a way for like minded people to come together and support one another. This inspired us to create The Circle and the rest is history.
You’ve had to pivot from your original plans due to the pandemic, what has been your biggest learning curve since then?
Beth – Probably that the world is constantly changing and you need to work hard to keep up with it. It also makes it exciting though as it brings about new ideas on how we can use our brand to help people, professionals and companies all over the world. The Circle, for instance, has been a result of the pandemic and is now the centrepoint of our audience’s activity, bringing together wellness enthusiasts in over 33 countries. Change must be seen as an opportunity, not a barrier and that’s something that we pride ourselves on.
Oonagh – The value of being flexible and being able to adapt. Before the pandemic, I would assume so many things about the future and based my plans on them. For example, that we would be able to run retreats how we had planned. Having to face the uncertainty of the world has helped us to create a model that caters to our community members while also honoring the uncertainty in the world at the moment.
How do you want your people to feel when working with you?
Beth – We want them to feel safe, supported and empowered. We take immense pride in our people as the brand is nothing without them and ‘you’re only as good as the people who work for you’. Our employees are regularly given raises and promotions (if they prove themselves of course) and normally get at least 50% off our retreats. We’re working to become one of the top companies to work for in the UK – we love working with passionate, motivated people and love to heavily reward them.
Talk us through your wheel of life and what this concept is…
Beth – We’ve looked at all the wellness models out there and have boiled them down to what we believe are the 6 key dimensions that make up our well-being, we call it the ‘Bien Etre model’. The dimensions are your mental and physical health (the two which we all know about), but also your social, spiritual, occupational and environmental. They’re all interconnected, meaning that they all affect each other and therefore they should all be worked on simultaneously if possible. A brief description of each dimension can be found on this page. And here’s a great article that sums up why they’re all so important.
The last 18 months have been testing for many, what advice would you offer to anyone trying to find joy in every day?
Beth – It might seem cliché, but the fact that we’re all still here, living a life in the 21st century is such a gift. Certainly, most people reading House of Coco have things to be grateful for, whether it’s a loving family or relationship, a good job, a working pair of arms and legs or simply the fact that we’re not in Afghanistan right now! There are so many joys that can be found in the everyday, you just need to look and appreciate what you have, and if you can’t find any, go out and make some!
Oonagh – I would also add that some days are simply not joyful. Sometimes just honoring how we feel can be the best thing. Allowing the grief, sadness and fear to be there and processing it so that we can move on. If our mind is full of anxiety, it doesn’t allow a lot of space for joy. Sometimes we can feel a lot of pressure to “be joyful” and “grateful” despite the trauma we might be going through. Being honest with ourselves can be the best way to move through it. If you feel stuck I would recommend finding an expert to support you through this whether that be a therapist, coach or health psychologist. At Bien Etre, many of our consultants offer free initial consultations, you can find out more about our experts and connect with them here: The Directory — Bien Etre (wearebienetre.com)
Looking back since launching your business, is there anything you would do different?
Beth – I’d maybe try to be more structured in our approach and business plan, but I’m not giving myself a hard time about it as we’ve had to evolve so quickly due to Covid and it’s definitely paid off. The key is to know your audience as much as you can and evolve with them over time.
Oonagh: Great question and a difficult one to answer. If we had known that there would be a pandemic and in person businesses would be essentially shut down. We would have primarily focused on growing the online community first. One of the biggest lessons we have learned over the last 18 months was to prepare for every eventuality.
Tell us more about what inspires you…
Beth – My dad – he’s a world-class mountaineer with Type 1 Diabetes – the perfect example of someone who has made his passion into his work by founding AlpBase: a holiday letting company in the Alps, and Action4Diabetes: Asia’s most successful charity for children with Diabetes. He loves every second of his life and prides himself on never experiencing ‘Monday morning blues’. He’s the one that taught me to ‘never give up’ and that ‘I can always do more than I think I can’.
Oonagh – For me, anyone who chooses growth over giving up inspires me. Sometimes the hardest thing can be to get out of bed in the morning and keep going. Sometimes simply surviving the day is the biggest accomplishment. The sky inspires me. It’s so vast and feels infinite. Whenever I feel trapped, I look at the sky.
If you could describe your brand in three words, what would they be?
Trustworthy – Inclusive – Inspirational
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to launch their own wellness business?
Beth – A lot of people come to me and ask for advice about becoming a life/health coach. I always give them the same advice: make sure you have a solid personal brand and a good personal story to back it up. Then find your niche and make sure it’s only composed of your favourite type of person – people that you’re seriously passionate about helping. This can take time to figure out so try working with lots of different types of people to figure out who you prefer working with. Then…JUST START! So many people just hang around waiting for the ‘right moment’ to start their business. When the idea to start a business came to me in a yoga class one day, I didn’t wait around and registered the business two weeks later.
Oonagh – My advice, don’t give up at the first hurdle or indeed the 10th. Most people don’t succeed on their first try. I have failed so many times. Those experiences have helped shape my success.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
Beth – I try to make time for all dimensions of my well-being every day, so an average workday will look like this:
07:20 – I get up, make my herbs (prescribed by well-being Guru and Chinese Medicinal Herbalist, Nona Taylor from our Directory – and coincidentally Oonagh’s mum), and do at least 20mn of stretching and yoga to wake my body up. I also try to do a bit of meditation or just simply sitting and thinking of all the things that I’m grateful for. I don’t generally have breakfast (unless I’m doing a big physical activity that day such as surfing or skiing) as I’m never hungry in the mornings (which works well for intermittent fasting). Sometimes I might get peckish and have something on toast mid-morning.
08:00 – I catch up on emails for the first half hour and then work solidly through to about 13:00 – 13:30 with 10mn breaks at 1h intervals. This is because our brains are much more active and productive in the mornings, making it the best time to concentrate and get a load of work done. Apparently we can’t concentrate more than 3-4 hours a day and aren’t able to be productive for more than 6 hours a day, so I’ve built my whole schedule around this – and it definitely works for me!
13:00 – I make a healthy lunch and then go for a 30-45mn walk to digest and get some fresh air – I’ll generally listen to music or a podcast during this time. If I’m in an exotic location I’ll go skiing/surfing or do something fun in the afternoon. Otherwise I’ll come back from my walk, make a green tea, do some reading and then workout for about 30mn (I alternate my workouts based on the 8 types of physical fitness and try to incorporate all of them as much as possible.). I sometimes have a nice relaxing bath with lots of home-made salts and essential oils (as I’m also an Aromatherapist). Sometimes I get creative and make some homemade sprays, skin oils and other beauty products with my essential oils – it’s a small hobby of mine.
I then do another hour or so of work somewhere between 17:00 and 19:00 (as that’s when your brain’s concentration starts to go back up) and ensure that I’ve done everything I needed to do and catch up on emails.
19:00 – I’ll make myself a nice healthy dinner and then watch some netflix. I’ll go to bed around 22:30 and am very strict with this as I really need my 8 hours!
I’ve tried so many routines and this one works for me, but might not work for other people. The key is to try different things until you find the perfect routine. And don’t be influenced by all that 5am lot – what works for them might not work for you (I’ve tried it and definitely couldn’t keep it up!).
Oonagh – Honestly, I used to put so much pressure on myself to create a routine and be a certain way. Over the years I tried so many different things. What I find works for me now is to plan my day around my energy and inspiration. As an entrepreneur, my daily tasks will vary hugely depending on what projects I am working on at the moment. I love meditation and I always find some time in my day for my practice. I also make sure I do something for my mental health. This might be going for an energising walk in nature, talking to my coach or spending some time in my bed listening to my favourite audiobook, Harry Potter. I have learned over time what my energy fillers and what my energy drainers are and I balance those out throughout the day.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Quite a lot – we rely heavily on Instagram (as that’s where most of our consumers are) to paint the right image of our brand and values and have been through 8 different social media managers before finding the right person.
You’re very well traveled but which place really has your heart?
Beth – This is a difficult question as I’ve lived in three different countries (England, France and Netherlands). I feel both ‘at home’ in England and France, but what I’ve also uncovered along the way, is that my heart and home simply lie within myself – and this is very important when travelling. I’ve been working on myself and my self-love throughout my twenties as I used to get anxious about travelling far from home without my friends and family due to a lack of self confidence. But I’ve finally come to the realization that I am my own home and I can feel centred, at peace and at home wherever I am in the world because I believe in myself and am 100% comfortable in my own skin. It’s taken years to get to this place, but I’m so glad that I made the effort as it’s really paid off.
Oonagh: I would say my home land, Ireland. In particular West Cork. It’s rugged, wild and so nourishing. I love the fresh air, the smell of salt. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. To me it’s home.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Beth – Costa Rica – for the surfing, landscapes and biodiversity, and also where Oonagh and I are going for the whole month of May and we can’t wait!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
I remind myself of everything that I’ve already accomplished and then I tell myself to “never give up”, and that “you can always do more than you think you can”.
Oonagh – “We are what we think, all that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world” Buddha
What’s next for you and the brand?
Beth – We can’t wait to get our retreats back up and running and are planning some Alpine retreats for our members next September! However, we’re also working on creating our own custom-made app, that will deliver even more value, support and information in an even more accessible way. Next year is going to be a very important year for us. We have so much in the pipeline and can’t wait to start helping even more people around the world.
What does self care mean to you?
Beth – This seems to be a confusing topic, and people generally associate it with physical self care (such as working out or taking a relaxing bath), but to me (and the message that we’re trying to get out there), is that it means taking care of each of the 6 dimensions of our well-being: physical, mental, spiritual, occupational, environmental and social. Only when we look after all dimensions simultaneously, do we achieve overall well-being, creating feelings of euphoria and fulfilment.
Oonagh -Self care is taking a good hard look at your life and figuring out why you are wound up in the first place. Why do you feel you need to “getaway” from your life for the weekend? Are there some things that you can change or is there an area you can get support in? Self care is getting enough sleep so that you’re not constantly exhausted. It’s eating delicious, nutritious food on a regular basis and making sure you’re drinking enough fluids. It’s doing things that allow you to maintain a baseline state of peace and relaxation.
Living a better lifestyle is a choice you make daily. As a result, there are concrete actions you can take to make this process as enjoyable as it can be. Let us look at five of them in greater detail.
First Things First
Without a shadow of a doubt, the most important thing to having a good lifestyle is taking care of your health. If you cannot move, you won’t be able to see the world and everything it has to offer. If you are highly overweight or suffer from diseases like hypertension and diabetes, you won’t be fit to taste the food you wish to taste. In essence, you will be missing out on a long list of wonderful things.
As such, you must take care of your body. If you suffer from chronic pain in your lower back or still have nagging injuries from the past, don’t ignore that. Don’t wait until they get worse. Instead, look into physiotherapy,scoliosis private treatment, or any other regimen to fix what needs to be fixed. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can start living your life the way you are supposed to and be happy.
Not Your Mother’s Cooking
One of the many interesting things about Japanese culture is that its people are very particular about the foods they eat. Among other things, this is because the vast majority of them are health-conscious individuals who would rather not eat dishes cooked with a lot of oil or fatty meats. When they travel abroad, they often take their own food with them. And if they don’t, they look for a Japanese restaurant as soon as they arrive at their destination of choice.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. As human beings, we are free to choose what we put inside our bodies and these choices should be respected. Still, traveling is not something most of us can do every day. As a result, wouldn’t it be better totry something new, even once or twice? You never know how much you may like it if you don’t at least give it a shot.
The Value of Communication
For English speakers, Turkish, Arabic, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese are four of the most difficult foreign languages to learn. Unless you are planning on living in a country where one of these tongues is spoken, you are married to one of their nationals, or your work demands it, there is no real need to spend hours upon hours learning it thoroughly.
But you can learn a few words and phrases such as hello, goodbye, where is the toilet, and how much is it? You can also buy a pocket dictionary or download one of the manyapps at your disposal. Once you are abroad, the little you know will not only help you get by but also break the ice with the locals and make your trip all that more enjoyable.
Anything but Typical
When it comes to going on vacation, few people dislike traveling to a beautiful beach in an exotic destination. Whether it is Boracay in the Philippines, Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, orsomewhere else, a beach is the ultimate location for deep relaxation and rest.
Nevertheless, if you have made it a habit to do it, perhaps you could try something completely different this year. You could head for the mountains or run around a modern metropolis like Tokyo, Singapore, or Shanghai. Likewise, if you love hiking or shopping, you can take this opportunity to go to the beach. As the common saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and if you do something over and over again, at some point it will lose its magic, and you are bound to get bored.
Living in the Moment
For one reason or another, human beings are the only species with the ability to think about both the past and the future. Whether this is a good or bad thing depends on whom you ask. And while it is impossible not to do it, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn how tolive in the present. After all, that is the only thing you can control.
If today is Sunday and you are having a blast watching a football game with your friends, make the effort not to think about tomorrow. No matter what you do, Monday will come. Rather, be aware of the present moment and be grateful that you are having fun.
By doing this, your outlook in life will slowly begin to change, and you will become a much more positive and happier person.
There you have it, five of the best tips for a better lifestyle. So keep them in mind, and give yourself the chance of having the life you want and truly deserve.
Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand EDOBIO…
At the beginning of my journey, I started software and robotics development in the IT industry. Later, I entered the bio industry in hopes to merge IT and bio, and thus started our research on lactic bacterial acid. While efficiency and productivity is of utmost importance in IT development, I felt that it was important to pursue functionality instead.
Culturing lactic bacterial acid uses a fermentation method from ancient Japan as its foundation. People even bathed themselves in rice bran during the Edo period. Using rice bran as part of a beauty method was the key in founding EDOBIO. Fermentation methods, like ones that have been around since ancient Japan, are being used in today’s bio industry, such as food, enzymes, and antibiotics. EDOBIO is a skincare brand that hopes to advocate Japanese wellness, with its foundation in fermentation methods, incorporated with the latest biotechnology to the rest of the world.
Japanese skincare is all the rage at the moment, why do you think this is the case?
I think it’s because the fundamentals of sustainability and minimalism that were cultivated by Japanese people during the Edo period also affects the skincare industry, and I believe that this meets the potential needs of modern people around the world.
As well as skincare products Edobio make tea, why did you decide to include tea alongside skincare?
EDOBIO advocates for being “Biotiful Inside Out.” The phrase “Beautiful Inside Out” is widely understood as being beautiful with your looks as well as your heart or inner body. By adjusting it to “Biotiful Inside Out,” we advocate for the use of biotechnology (Bio) to “create new things that are useful to the world,” which will draw out the natural beauty in your skin, becoming beautiful inside out in a natural way.
It is believed that the teas that have been widely enjoyed since ancient times in Japan also have beauty essentials, which help maintain the beauty of our skin from the inside.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
Bio industry requires time, research funding, and facility investment. A business model that requires a large amount of R&D [Research & Development] investment upfront will directly affect the company’s overall cash flow, if it does not produce results. In order to maintain funding, it’s important for banks and investors to understand the company’s work and potential growth. By conducting collaborative research with universities and research organisations, and collaborating with specialists, we are able to use research facilities and utilise public funding. As a group company as a whole, we are entering into new businesses through M&As [Mergers & Acquisitions), diversifying their businesses, and expanding the businesses of all group companies.
EDOBIO
If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
I make sure to follow the next 3 points daily:
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way” No matter the hurdles you come across, through bold decisions and unwavering determination, you will find a way.
“Take the lead” No matter the task, be accountable for it and own it. Over time, this will grow and develop initiatives, while giving it your all. When you are too receptive, you won’t be satisfied with your work, which impacts you but also the people around you.
“Work in modesty” If you are not getting the results you want, it’s not any person or any environment’s fault but your own. You need to maintain this modesty when you work.
I keep these three points close to my heart as I tackle the day.
What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of skincare?
When you’re entering a new industry, I would advise you to seek an external advisor or build a partnership, rather than stepping into this new world alone.
Talk us through an average business day in your life…
The most important thing is to have a clear work-life balance. I believe fundamentals are important, so I stick to a routine by starting my day at 8:30 and leaving the office at 17:30 sharp.
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
I go to the sea and spend a day on my boat on my days off. I also cook everyday.
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
I tell myself, “No mountain is insurmountable,” and tackle my next task.
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Social media enables us to target an audience, spread brand recognition, and connect with people all over the world, no matter where you are. Also considering the pandemic, social media has become the biggest tool to share product information for EDOBIO.
The biggest benefit of social media and influencer marketing within the beauty industry is you have the ability to shape the brand’s image and narrative and share them.
When a brand utilises social media and able to connect with their audience, that brand can share use-case scenarios or information, lead sales, and increase revenue. EDOBIO is constantly collaborating with the world’s top influencers through social media. We are strengthening EDOBIO’s beauty identity by utilising media and through important relationships and sponsor systems.
How do you want people to feel when they first try one of the EDOBIO skincare products?
We are committed to essential beauty, starting from the packaging to the quality of our products. I hope people can feel the professionalism as well as a sense of comfort that our products bring.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list and which of your products would you take on your travels?
Switzerland is on my bucket list, and my favorite product is Moisturizing Souffle Soap (10g). It’s the perfect size for when you’re traveling.
What’s next for you and your brand?
As the president of the company, I hope to continue M&A [Mergers & Aquisitions] while entering new fields. I want to expand our academic-industrial collaborations and develop relationships with new universities and research facilities. As for the brand, I want to continue to steadily expand while creating one-of-a-kind products. We’re hoping to increase our SKU’s next year, as well as strengthening the shipping and export system to other countries. I hope more people will get the opportunity to enjoy EDOBIO.
Where can people find out more about EDOBIO?
Since launching in 2018, EDOBIO has established a global brand presence. The products are beloved by both male and female customers and available internationally. Currently customers can find Edobio in shops in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and the United States or the products can be purchased online at edobio.com and shipped worldwide.
Choosing the right office chair can be tricky, especially if you do not know what you’re looking for. This blog post will help you find a good office chair worth your cash so that you don’t get overwhelmed during your visit to the APOL Singapore home page. It will also give you some helpful tips on how to get the most out of your new office chair.
Lumbar Support
An office chair with lumbar support is a must-have for those who are sitting at their desk all day. Without this, your back will be in a compromising position and may lead to more serious health problems later on if ignored.
There are many types of ergonomic chairs, including those specifically made for people with lower back problems. And they can also build a seat that suits your size and weight.
Adjustability
Adjustability is an important consideration when choosing an office chair because you may need to adjust your seat height, armrests, and back support for maximum comfort throughout the day. A good office chair should have a lever on either arm of the chair so you can adjust both sides simultaneously.
It is equally important to make sure that your chair has a back height adjustment. You will want this feature so you can customize the chair for maximum comfort, especially if it’s not ergonomically designed for your body type.
Wheel Base
Wheelbases are also a great option in office chairs. These typically come with casters that allow you to move around the room as needed easily and may even have brakes if your wheels tend to roll too quickly on carpeted floors.
Some offices will provide wheeled chairs for employees who need them, but it might be unnecessary for those who do not need that mobility. In that case, fixed office chairs might be a better option.
Swivel Base
A swivel base will allow you to rotate in your chair for better mobility and is a good option for tight spaces that are too difficult to get up from without using a rotating motion. These Flash Furniture executive swivel chairs are more common in homes than office settings, and they allow you to see everyone coming into the room instead of having to crane your neck all day.
However, the type of desk you have dictates what kind of wheel or glide base you need on your new office chair, so keep that in mind when making a purchase.
Fabric
When looking at different office chairs, pay close attention to the fabric. It can make a big difference in your comfort and for how long you can sit in one place without feeling too hot or sweaty.
Also, think about all the other people who may sit in the chair with you and whether they are allergic to certain fabrics such as wool. Whatever you do, make sure the fabric you choose will not cause any irritation or discomfort after prolonged use, and make sure they are easy to clean as well.
Are Office Chairs Good for Gaming?
Yes, many people like to use office chairs for gaming because they offer high levels of comfort and can be easily adjusted. For example, a gamer who wears glasses may want an ergonomic chair with armrests, so their arms don’t get too tired from holding the specs up all day.
In addition, some gamers prefer sitting in a slightly reclined chair instead of one where they are sitting up straight.
If you’re looking for an office chair to use for gaming, we recommend a leather or fabric seat with armrests and adjustable height so it can be used as a computer desk after hours.
Can Office Chairs Be Repaired?
Some office chairs can be repaired if they have an issue, such as the armrest or heater. If you’re having trouble with your chair and it’s not covered under warranty, contact customer service to see what kind of repair options are available for your model.
However, if you don’t want to deal with repairs, we recommend buying a new office chair instead and trading the old one in for credit. Office chairs are good but can be different from gaming chairs you can Learn more by Clicking gaming chair vs ergonomic chair.
Will Office Chairs Ruin the Carpet?
No, office chairs are designed with wheels that roll on the carpet without damaging it.
Still, most offices will have a few accidents at some point with an employee who leaves their chair in one spot for too long. But small indentations on the carpet are the worst thing that could happen.
The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that most of the world has been in some kind of lockdown for many months, resulting in no travel for many people.
The good news, however, is now that people are getting vaccinated, and it looks like the lockdowns have worked, travel is now possible again, and we can once again begin planning trips and vacations.
If you would like to plan a trip and take some great videos while you are at it, what are some of the best ways to plan your trip, and what should you take with you? Below is your ultimate guide.
Decide on your ideal travel destination
Deciding on where to go for your trip is almost half the fun of actually going there.
Most of the world is now opening up its borders, so you have a lot to choose from. What’s even better, it’s that many destinations are desperate for tourists and make it easier for travelers to visit.
Some popular destinations at the moment include Maldives, Dubai, Seychelles, Paris, and Singapore.
We recommend thinking about the kind of weather, scenery and people you would like to encounter on your trip and then take it from there. For instance, if you are looking for a romantic setting with beautiful landmarks, Paris is a dead ringer! Of course, you may have just spent a long winter in the Northern Hemisphere and are looking for some warm weather, white sandy beaches and bright sun. In this case, Maldives or Seychelles would be ideal for you.
If you want to take some amazing videos during your trip, be sure to think about the kind of videos you want to shoot. Do you want a lot of nature shots, or would you prefer something in a lovely city? The tips above should give you a good idea of what your perfect trip destination should look like.
Would you like an active vacation or a relaxing getaway?
There is no point in going on a trip to a large, bustling city when all you need is some relaxation and to get away from it all with no outside distractions.
The same can be said about wanting to do something exciting after a year of being in lockdown and then going to a tropical island where nothing really happens.
Whether you choose an active or a passive vacation, you can still take incredible videos, as long as you plan properly.
With active trips, your videos will be fast-paced and exciting, while a relaxing trip will help you to create videos that are more laid-back and soul-soothing. Whichever trip you choose, make sure that it is the right kind of trip for your needs.
Seek inspiration from friends, travel sites, and books
For the perfect trip, it can be difficult to know if somewhere is a good option if you have never actually been there.
A great idea is to seek inspiration from friends and family. Ask around and find out what vacations those around you have enjoyed the most and why.
Travel websites can also be a wonderful source of inspiration, and you will definitely find a place that appeals to your inner travel spirit.
There are also many books and blogs out there that you could consult to discover the destination you would love the most.
Create a budget for flights, accommodation, and entertainment
Before you book your trip, you will obviously need enough funds to cover it and this is where creating a budget can help you plan properly.
Consider how much money you can spend on your trip and allocate specific amounts for flights, accommodation, and entertainment. Once you have the details of your budget, you can begin making your bookings.
Limited budget? Consider some cost-effective options
After creating your budget, did you find that your funds are limited? If so, don’t despair and consider a destination that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to travel.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, try and search for flexible flight options as they can be cheaper depending on the day of the week that you decide to fly.
Destinations such as Thailand are inexpensive once you get there, and you can find some excellent hotels and entertainment options that won’t break the bank.
Consider the best places and tools for video shooting
Your planning should also involve putting time aside for shooting your videos.
If you plan ahead, you can find the best places in your destination, such as winding rivers, famous landmarks, beautiful beaches, or spectacular mountains.
At the same time, ensure that you have the right tools for your video shooting. These should include enough photo storage (consider Google Drive or Dropbox), as well as great photo and video processing tools. A favorite with professional video creators is Movavi’s multimedia software which assists in editing, processing, and much more.
Draw up that itinerary and start getting excited
Your itinerary should leave you with enough time to relax, explore your surroundings, and create fantastic videos.
Most people need at least two full days in a large city to make the most of what it has to offer. If the city offers a lot to do and see, you may want to double this number and spend at least four full days there.
Paris, for example, is chock-full of things to see and do, while a laid-back destination like Mauritius has plenty of beautiful scenery but also a lot of opportunities to relax.
Remember to pack the right equipment
Once you arrive at your destination, you will need the correct equipment to create the best videos.
The good news is that you don’t need to have an expensive camera, and you can create beautiful videos and photos with the help of your smartphone. In such cases, we recommend using highly rated video editing tools afterwards to give them a professional look and feel.
By following the tips above, you can enjoy your amazing trip and make great videos at the same time. This can help develop your brand and give your audience a different perspective. With a little planning, you can save money and have enough time for creating that perfect video. Remember to take all your essentials and have a great trip!
It’s no secret that travelling can clear your mind and boost your spirit — so it’s no wonder that in the first quarter of 2020, UK residents made 13.9 million visits abroad. However, it can be tricky to find the perfect city break for you, which is why we’ve picked our four favourites for inspiration.
Whether you’re a beach bunny, or you love the slopes, you’ll find the right city to visit in our fun guide. We’ve even got top tips for applying to move there if you’re looking for a permanent change of scenery. Just read on for everything you need to know.
1. Singapore
With fantastic culture and spectacular technology, Singapore is the perfect destination for those who want a stimulating trip. This city really does have something for everyone — spend a day relaxing on the pristine beaches, sample Michelin Star cuisine in one of the many excellent restaurants, or take a trip to the high-class Orchard Road shopping centre.
If you’re looking to move permanently, this could be the right city for you. With over 2.16 immigrants, there is a thriving multicultural population. If you want more information on permanently moving to Singapore, check out this page that helps you fill out an application for a PR here in Singapore.
2. Moscow
This gorgeous city is steeped in culture, perfect if you want an unforgettable trip. You can explore one of the many ornate Russian Orthodox churches, check out the iconic St Basil’s Cathedral, or even take a sleeper train to St Petersburg and watch the Russian countryside fly by.
The Russian capital is also filled with history — as well as several grand museums and the Kremlin, there is also an opportunity to experience history up close and personal by visiting Lenin’s Mausoleum where the controversial leader is preserved for visitors to see. For lovers of architecture and culture, this is the perfect city for you.
3. Canberra
If your trip to Australia just involves Sydney, you’re seriously missing out. One of the most interesting things about the Australian capital city is that it was entirely planned, rather than developing organically like most major metropolitan hubs.
This destination is perfect if you want to combine relaxation and education. Visit the National Library of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, or the Australian National Gallery to get your culture fix, before relaxing under azure skies by one of the many open-air swimming pools or parks. It’s no wonder than Canberra remains such a hidden gem.
4. Dar es Salaam
This Tanzanian coastal area is a gorgeous city, perfect for travelers who want their dose of sun and sea without visiting the same old areas over and over again. It’s particularly known for clear sandy beaches, great for snorkeling or sunbathing. It also has an excellent seafood trade, perfect if you have any foodies in your group.
The city is also full of exciting things for tourists to do. One of the best ways to break up your stay is to take a safari into central Tanzania and look out for the huge range of animals native to the country — including hippos, elephants, rhino, and lion.
Enjoy Your Trip
Now that you know about these four underrated cities you’re ready for an unforgettable trip. Whether you want to immerse yourself in culture, explore history, try out a range of high adrenaline activities, or just have an enjoyable time sunbathing on unspoiled beaches, these four cities provide the perfect opportunity for you.
