Today, I found myself reflecting on the concept of being a "Global Citizen." It struck me that I am one, though I hadn't really considered it before. Growing up in different places, constantly adapting to new environments, cultures, and people, has deeply shaped how I see the world—and, more importantly, how I approach my creative process.
I spent my early years in Hong Kong, and everything I knew felt stable—until one day when my mother called to say we were moving to the Philippines. Suddenly, what I thought was home wasn’t anymore. Little did I know, this would mark the beginning of a journey that would take me across seven different cities and countries in the next decade. Each time, I had to adjust, adapt, and regain the strength to face new places and people. The challenge was particularly difficult during my adolescent years, but it became my new normal. I learned to value this constant change as a skill that helped me grow.
Throughout all these transitions, one part of me remained constant: my creative pursuit. Whether it was through art, design, or experimentation, creating became my way of coping with change. It gave me a sense of stability and excitement in times of uncertainty. Looking back, I realize that I was always creating, even without fully understanding how it would shape my future.
My creative process isn't really a process - I cannot force myself to be creative if the energy and flow isn't there. Sometimes inspiration can come in bursts or just appear in my mind and I have to be so quick to take note before it slips away. I think the most beneficial part about being a creative, is the fact that I've been fortunate enough to live in various places. When I create my shoes, I don’t focus on just one market or customer; instead, it's an amalgamation of everything I've observed from the different places I’ve lived.
This global influence is also reflected in the way I’ve built SHE OFFICIEL. Our atelier is in Ukraine, I split my time between London and Singapore, and our embroidery studio is based in New Delhi. The diverse locations and teams across different time zones pose challenges, but the collaboration makes it work. Each culture brings its unique touch to the brand, and this fusion drives the creative process behind everything we do.
Being a global citizen has undeniably shaped how I think, how I approach creativity, and how I build connections across borders. It’s a part of who I am, and it’s at the heart of everything I try to create.
Memories - me and my little brother at home for Christmas in Hong Kong. I can't remember the last time we spent Christmas in Hong Kong.
