Weaving Wanderlust into Fashion with Veronique Manchharam

Veronique Manchharam, founder of Bohème SG, draws inspiration from her eclectic life experiences, living in and travelling through diverse cultures. Her brand embodies a spirit of adventure and artistic freedom, enabling women to express their unique selves through fashion.

Q: What inspired the creation of Bohème SG, and how does it reflect the essence of modern women?

Veronique: My journey across global vistas—from Barcelona’s energetic markets to Bali’s peaceful scapes—fueled my passion for combining art with fashion. In 2013, Bohème SG was born—a brand that embodies self-expression, artistic freedom, and wanderlust, allowing women to embrace their individuality through every piece.

Q: With the theme of 'Accelerate Action' this International Women's Day, how is Bohème SG propelling change for women in business and fashion?

Veronique: 'Accelerate Action' means moving beyond words to create real impact. Bohème SG globally champions accessible fashion for the assertive, free-spirited woman. We transcend traditional gender norms with unisex designs and back education initiatives through international collaborations, reinforcing our commitment to societal change.

Q: Bohème SG is synonymous with individuality and self-expression. Can you elaborate on what empowerment through fashion means to you?

Veronique: For me, fashion is self-expression—it shapes identity and confidence. My designs reflect my moods and experiences, allowing people to embrace their own uniqueness. It’s fulfilling to see individuals adorned in Bohème SG at prestigious events like Formula 1, galas, and gatherings, feeling empowered and receiving admiration, which reaffirms fashion’s role beyond mere aesthetics—it’s about empowerment.

Q: Could you share one piece of advice for women aiming to establish themselves in the business or creative sectors?

Veronique: In today’s saturated market, it's vital to develop a strong, distinctive brand identity. Bohème SG thrives by fostering deep, authentic connections with our clientele, who often become part of our extended community. Success lies in not just selling a product but in building relationships and staying true to your vision. People crave stories and authenticity, and businesses that foster genuine relationships will always stand out.

Revolutionising Beauty from Within with Wynnie Tham

Wynnie Tham, the innovative force behind Dr. Ora, has made significant strides in the beauty and wellness industry. Her journey in establishing Dr. Ora showcases a dedication to merging Science-backed beauty solutions with heartfelt care.

Q: What was the pivotal moment that led to the creation of Dr. Ora?

Wynnie: My skincare journey started with a personal struggle. After damaging my skin from frequent diving, I experimented with countless products without success. This frustration led me to discover the profound impact of nutrition on skin health, which inspired me to launch Dr. Ora, combining the finest ingredients with Japan's revered Omotenashi approach to service and quality.

Q: How is Dr. Ora embracing this year's International Women's Day theme, 'Accelerate Action,' to promote equality?

Wynnie: At Dr. Ora, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate with female content creators to amplify their voices, encouraging them to share their #DrOraJourney and inspire others. Expanding into new markets like Hong Kong and Malaysia has allowed us to break barriers and make our products more accessible. We also work closely with female-led organisations that support women’s well-being, ensuring empowerment remains a core part of our mission. Change happens when we uplift each other, and I am committed to making a difference.

Q: What do you hope customers experience when using Dr. Ora’s products?

Wynnie: I want them to feel empowered. Skincare and wellness are not about perfection but about confidence, self-care, and embracing personal transformation. Whether it’s clearer skin, stronger hair, or simply feeling better from within, Dr. Ora is designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines. Our products are not magic, but they are backed by science and crafted with care to help people look and feel their best. That transformation, both physical and emotional, is what truly matters to me.

Q: Reflecting on your journey with Dr. Ora, what does this venture mean to you both personally and professionally?

Wynnie: Creating Dr. Ora has been both challenging and immensely fulfilling. Personally, it has allowed me to connect with my passion for wellness and advocacy for women’s health. Professionally, it's incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our products have on individuals’ lives, inspiring me to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in the beauty industry.

Crafting Scents for Empowerment with Joyce Lian

Joyce Lian's journey into perfumery began with a fascination for scent during her studies, leading her to leave a banking career for the aromatic world of fragrances. At Scent Journer, she creates mindful perfumes that do more than just smell good—they empower and uplift, resonating deeply with the modern Singaporean lifestyle.

Q: Can you share the defining moment that inspired the creation of Scent Journer?

Joyce: My love for perfumery started during my academic years, but the real turning point was the pandemic's quiet solitude. It was then I realised how profoundly scents can comfort and uplift spirits during uncertain times. This epiphany drove me to transition from banking to perfumery, aiming to craft fragrances that not only please the senses but also emotionally support and empower individuals.

Q: In light of this year’s IWD theme, 'Accelerate Action,' how are you promoting equality through Scent Journer?

Joyce: Scent Journer stands firmly for inclusivity. Our fragrances are designed to be gender-neutral, reflecting my belief that the beauty of scent transcends labels and stereotypes. We ensure diverse inputs by involving a panel of VIP customers in the development process of each new scent, which helps us embrace and represent varied perspectives and experiences, furthering equality in the fragrance industry.

Q: If you were to create a signature scent for International Women’s Day, what would it symbolise?

Joyce: For International Women’s Day, I envision a fragrance that captures the essence of quiet strength and radiant confidence. It would start with the lush warmth of ylang-ylang and osmanthus, weaving through the delicate grace of lily of the valley and iris and settling into a base of soft woods and white musk. This scent would be a testament to the enduring spirit and elegance of women everywhere—a true celebration of feminine resilience and wisdom.

Q: What empowering message would you like to impart to women globally this IWD?

Joyce: To every woman listening: your presence is a profound force, your essence profoundly memorable. Allow yourself moments to pause, breathe, and appreciate the uniqueness you bring to the world. Through Scent Journer, I hope our fragrances remind you of your inherent strength and the endless possibilities of self-discovery. Let each scent be a nudge towards embracing your inner power and beauty with confidence.

So, as we embrace the spirit of International Women's Day, let's carry forward the momentum of change and celebration. Dive into the world of meaningful gifts for women on iShopChangi, where you'll find a curated selection of beauty tools and devices that are perfect for her. 

Whether you're looking to commemorate the day with an empowering gift or seeking inspiration on how to celebrate International Women's Day through events and personal gestures, we've got you covered.

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