IN conjunction with International Women’s Day, BookXcess celebrates women who break boundaries and excel in their respective fields.
Nicole Chia, founder of Minimalist Lab, and Lieutenant Lohappriya Manisegaran, the first Indian female Pilot of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, are exemplary female figures who are sharing their inspirations, journey and aspirations for all women to succeed, and #choosetochallenge in their respective industries.
Nicole Chia, founder of Minimalist Lab
BookXcess: What is your favourite book and why? How does this book inspire you to challenge yourself?
NC: I recently read the Chinese translation of a Japanese book by the chairman of Muji, Tadamitsu Matsui. The book shares the success of Muji – a minimalist Japanese brand – and how it gained its popularity through unique business strategies, store expansion techniques, product innovations and talent development.
I was inspired by how the brand can stay focused internally while expanding its business globally, building remarkable success through persistence and staying true to its beliefs. They shared and helped shape the world’s perception of the Japanese culture (eg: Japanese products are of good quality). The book highlighted the different strategies that have failed and how they persevered and stood true to their brand philosophy.
This book serves as a reminder to me that it takes time to build a brand that is recognised by the masses. It is a great book to improve a business owner’s mindset that only through perseverance will you find the success you seek for your brand.
BX: Share your experience persevering throughout the arduous journey to get where you are right now?
NC: Minimalist Lab is a reflection of myself; having gone through many phases in its lifetime. It started as a small independent local jewellery brand that has grown to become one of Kuala Lumpur’s semi-fine jewellery retailers, offering modern and subtle, premium quality jewellery for everyday women.
I incorporated my personality within this brand, dedicating myself to the lifelong path of entrepreneurship and growing this brand has been a projection of my personal growth. This business is a passion project that has given my life meaning and as a result of that, I work hard towards building a meaningful brand for myself and the people who believe in me and themselves. The brand celebrates the individuality of women and their unique sentiments are reflected in the pieces we offer. We embrace the femininity of women and we commemorate their differences. I am looking towards creating a community of unique individuals through the creation of jewellery.
BX: What is one advice you’d give all the girls out there to inspire them to challenge themselves?
NC: Listen to your heart, find your passion, integrate it with your life and commit. Commit. Take the first step, no matter how small. The simple act of creating an Instagram Business account is one step closer to you building your own business.
Commitment is the next and lifelong step. Choose to challenge yourself and be equipped with the hard skills and soft skills needed to grow. There is no right or wrong, choose the level of the game you would like to play and continue to push forward one step at a time. Your passion will always stay a dream until you take the first step and try to realise it. Seek clarity and try and you will find yourself closer to achieving your success.
Lieutenant Lohappriya Manisegaran, first Indian Female Pilot of Royal Malaysian Air Force
BX: What is your favourite book and why? How does this book inspire you to challenge yourself?
LLP: My favourite book by far is Michelle Obama’s memoir, 'Becoming'. The book taught me a lot about hard work and the journey to success. This book was eye-opening and inspiring; gifting me a glimpse of how much work it takes to become successful and all the struggles to face along the way.
It caught me by surprise how she went from living in a little Chicago apartment to studying at Princeton and Harvard, and ultimately becoming the First Lady.
I enjoyed reading about Michelle’s childhood and seeing her development. There was a strong determination from her earlier days with just the right amount of perfectionism. She described her struggles of being in the spotlight and having a voice people heard.
She advised me about dealing with criticism and how to become confident. A quote from the book that resonates well with me is, "If you don't get out there and define yourself, you will be quickly and inaccurately defined by others."
This book taught me about hardship and success and how they come hand in hand. There will always be an easy way out of hard work, but to be successful, we need to push through and choose to challenge our limits, no matter what others think.
Michelle Obama’s journey greatly inspired me to follow my dreams and push through my difficulties. She is someone who never gives up and powers through any situation, and I greatly admire her values.
BX: Share your experience persevering throughout the arduous journey to get where you are right now?
LPP: What I am today and who I am today was not accomplished in a day. Sacrifices were made. Many hurdles had to be overcome. Some days will be happy and some days will break your heart. Success is never easy.
However, I found a strong support system in my family and friends. I am also very grateful and humbled by the opportunity given to me by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to entrust me to become their pilot. These are the people that kept me going through the years along with my strong determination to achieve my dreams. It is what has led me to become a woman successful in this field. It made me believe in myself and from then on, every person who thought I would fail could only make me more adamant. I chose to challenge and here I am.
BX: What is one advice you’d give all the girls out there to inspire them to challenge themselves?
People will criticise and stereotype but it is up to you to defy the odds. Take it as a challenge and prove their assumptions wrong.
Coinciding with the celebration, BookXcess rolls out an exclusive International Women’s Day Promo for selected women author titles until 14th March 2021. For more information, visit www.bookxcessonline.com. – The Vibes, March 8, 2021
