Shentonista Of The Year 2018 — Winners

As we look back every year, we always like to appreciate the people who’ve been part of our journey and shared their stories with us. Today, we’re excited to present our winners for #ShentonistaOfTheYear2018. After much voting and commenting over the past month, the results are in: Samantha was head and shoulders above the competition, winning the People’s Choice for Shentonista of the Year. Yong Ping clinched the Shentonista team’s choice for his witty replies and charisma that left a lasting impression on us, and Therese won Best Comment for her post on Vanessa’s photo, a testimony to their friendship that made us feel all warm inside (and maybe also a little envious of Vanessa).

As our overall winner, Samantha wins a 2D1N stay at Oasia Hotel Downtown, courtesy of Oasia Hotels & Residences by Far East Hospitality, but that’s not all. Each of our winners will receive a goodie bag with gifts from FRANK by OCBC, Starchie, and Freedom Yoga—just some of the wonderful clients whom we’ve had the pleasure of working with.

Here’s a look back at Samantha’s and Yong Ping’s posts:

May 2, 2017 — Low Glow
Samantha, Graphic Designer. Top and pants from Love Bonito, shoes from Charles & Keith, ring from Taobao, vintage purse.

How do you usually dress for work?
I like a touch of Bohemian flair, but toned down. I like details like embroidery and prints, but not sequins or anything too bright.

A lesson I’ve learned from my work:
To be kind. When you’re interacting with others, stressful situations can make it easy to be negative, so it’s important to be kind.

If you could do anything you wanted to, what would it be?
I’d like to be a museum curator. I also want to travel to Spain or Italy, I’d love to see Renaissance art and sculptures for myself.

What do you do for fun?
I like music, and I also sing at weddings. I was introduced to it by a friend who was in a Facebook group for brides, and that’s where people started to hire me.

Favourite TV shows:
I like the sitcom Fresh Off The Boat, and for something more serious there’s Netflix’s Designated Survivor.

Best decision I’ve ever made:
To pursue graphic design as a career. Although I’d studied design, I didn’t feel that I was capable in my craft, but I’m glad I took the leap.

May 7, 2017 — Rough And Ready
Yong Ping, Creative Director. Top from Chatuchak Market, pants from Bangkok, shoes from Vans, bag from PORTER.

Share with us the scariest thing you’ve ever done:
Getting married. After all, it’s a lifelong commitment to someone for the rest of your life. Having said that, I am glad that I took that plunge, it’s scary but exciting.

If you had more time to do something, what would it be and why?
It would be to drive my Land Rover around the region and beyond; shoot pictures, camp, meet people, travel myself silly with my wife and family and just be away from the daily grind.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?
Teleportation! When I was young, I always imagined it would be useful, especially when I forgot to bring my homework to school. It would have gotten me out of trouble a lot of times. Also, if I could teleport I’d enter bank vaults and take money to give away to people who needed it.

Share more about your Co-Curricular Activity in school:
In Secondary school, I was the chairman of the ELDDS (English Literary Drama Debate Society), as well as House captain and Vice-President of the Student Council. My time in secondary school nurtured me to lead, which I’m really thankful for. There’s only so much you can learn and retain academically, but the soft skills and experiences really stay with you for life.

What’s something or someone you’re most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of my parents, who sacrificed a lot to give me and my sisters a comfortable life. Like all parents, they wanted us to do well in school, but I’m thankful for their non-conformist attitude in taking our passions into consideration, and supporting us however we chose to excel. They didn’t have many options growing up, having pretty much worked in the family business all their lives. I think that’s why they wanted us to pursue things we love doing, and as long as we’re able to live comfortably, they’re cool with it.

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Thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey in 2018. We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing in 2019, and we hope to meet many more of you on the streets and share your stories as well.