Come What May

Tell us more about what it’s been like working as a PR Consultant. Is this something you foresee yourself doing long-term?
Since I’m in quite a niche field of PR—financial and strategic communications—the learning curve was steep, and there have been many ups and downs.

That said, it’s been pretty fun and eye-opening working with different people from different industries. I’m not sure if I want to continue this long-term, but definitely at least the next five years.

What did you do before becoming a PR consultant?
I think one job I had that most people find interesting, and a bit wacky, was in the funeral service industry. I was a Funeral Director Assistant cum Undertaker, where I arranged wakes and cremations.

There were many late nights and interesting experiences, but overall I found it fulfilling and quite honourable. After that, I did marketing, advertising, and the occasional oyster-opening in the pearl industry. That eventually led me to where I am now; I guess you could say life really took its course!

How do you like to spend your free time?
I was introduced to aerial yoga about a year ago and I became obsessed. Not only is it fun, but I get to workout at the same time—win-win! Sometimes, you just need to hang upside down in mid-air when work gets too stressful.

I also make music and song covers when I can. Music is my first love, and I try to stay in touch with it to avoid getting sucked into corporate life (laughs).

If you could relive one moment in your life, which would it be and why?
This is going to sound cliché, but it would have to be riding the Aerosmith rollercoaster at Disney World for the first time again; it was shocking, thrilling, and one of the best rides I’ve ever taken.

What are some of your resolutions for the new year?
I say this every year, but my resolutions are mainly to exercise more and eat healthier. I also want to pick up horse-riding, archery, and taxidermy. One of my goals in life is to take part in horseback archery competitions, and make my own chess set of stuffed mice—ethically, of course.

In the new year, I hope to become a better version of myself and bring joy to the people around me. Oh, and declutter my wardrobe too!

What are you most thankful for right now?
I am most thankful for the relationships I have. Having moved quite a bit in the last 15 years, it hasn’t been easy retaining friends. I’m grateful for the circle of friends I have now, and my family who has shown me unconditional love even at my lowest.

What have you learnt about yourself this year?
I’ve learnt that it’s okay to have bad days and it’s okay to cry. I used to think that crying wouldn’t solve anything, but it’s become quite cathartic for me this year. Maybe I should add “cry more” to my new year’s resolutions too (laughs).