International Women’s Day 2021
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge, which highlights the importance of challenging biases and misconceptions in the interest of creating a more inclusive and gender-equal world. At YY, a brand curated by women for women, we have chosen to highlight 7 special women who have influenced us. As the iconic Meryl Streep once said “We believe the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and confidently themselves, who bring light into the world.”
8 mins read
MICHELLE OBAMA
“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” ― Michelle Obama (FLOTUS, 2009-2017), Becoming
Becoming by Michelle Obama - a personal memoir by one of the most influential women of our time, encouraging women to believe in the power of their story and to own it. Coming from a lower-middle-class family in the Southside of Chicago, Michelle Obama’s journey of moving from political pavement-pounder to FLOTUS inspires us all. What is more inspiring is how she has remained very much true to herself through it all, possessing a down-to-earth accessibility that makes you want to stop and listen.
2. RAY EAMES
“What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.” — Ray Eames, co-designer of the Eames Chair
A well-designed product has the power to greatly improve one’s quality of life. The value of thoughtful design to a good, lasting product has affected every decision that we make at YY Wellness. We are committed to curating a product that stands the test of time. YY Wellness has always been about treasuring and honouring past wisdom and traditions, and making this accessible to our generation and beyond. Ray Eames’ mantra of “what works good lasts”, is the perfect encapsulation of what we believe in at YY Wellness - we want to make centuries of tradition, simple.
3. NOELEEN HEYZER
“I do it by building teams of people and giving them a common purpose and vision. I try to inspire them by talking to their hearts as well as their minds. I try to bring out the best in people by building on their strengths.” - Interview with Her World Magazine, 2007
Dr. Noeleen Heyzer is a Singaporean social scientist who was Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the first woman Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Her leadership model is a real inspiration to us. Teamwork is not just about a collaboration of talent and resources. It is also about building each individual’s confidence and strengths, and together, achieving a common purpose and vision for the benefit of all. We especially admire Heyzer’s passion and advocacy for older women in the workplace and in leadership. Through her influence, she has brought much awareness to several similar social issues and slowly but surely, is changing the world as a result.
4. FRIDA KAHLO
“I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone… because I am the subject I know best.” -- Frida Kahlo
As a global icon, Frida Kahlo was unapologetically passionate about who she was and what she did. When faced with adversity, she dared to be different and in doing so, shed light on issues regarding race, class and gender. Her famous self-portraits depicting the full extent of her anger, frustration and hope, along with her infamous unibrow, speak volumes about her values. Despite her helpless medical situation and her tumultuous love life, she allowed herself to be known and loved unconditionally. Recognition and appreciation of her work didn’t grow until after her tragic death, and with that, she brought international attention to Mexican art.
Kahlo is beloved because as women, we can all identify with at least one or more aspects of her life, especially how we can all learn about our imperfections, try to accept them and grow into our uniqueness as individuals.
5. PHOEBE PHILO
“I find mediocrity hard, I find that whole area difficult. I'm a very passionate person; I care very much about what I do. I believe I give it a lot, so it's gotta be good; otherwise, what's the point?” - Phoebe Philo, fashion designer.
Our journey in YY Wellness began as simple tea consumers. This eventually led us to deeper and deeper research on TCM teas, finally culminating in the birth of our key product - the YY Period Care Routine. Throughout this journey, we have always asked ourselves the same rhetorical question Philo posed - “if we don’t make it the best, what’s the point?” Are we just using our product to make a living? Or are we creating a real value-added benefit to our customers and consumers? Suffice to say, we are wholly passionate about what we are doing, and we hope to bring the best to whoever needs it.
6. WINNIE HSU
“One of the earliest memories I have of my mother is a simple act of kindness. One evening, while driving with the rain pouring outside, she saw an older woman on the side of the road, carrying boxes with no umbrella. She asked my father to stop the car and passed the woman an umbrella. While we were driving away, she lamented that we should've driven the woman back to her place.
My mother moved to the States twice in search of a better life. The first time was when she was 16, following my grandfather. The difficulties as an impoverished Asian immigrant no doubt made her teenage years challenging. The second time was when she was 34, only this time with my sister and me. My mom practically raised my sister and me alone while my father continued to remain in Asia for work. It wasn't something she wanted but something she had to do. It was her sheer will and the thought of giving her kids a better future that enabled her to endure what I imagine to be an arduous and lonely journey. When difficult life decisions pushed my mother's life in directions she didn't expect, she remained committed to the calling of Motherhood. Her quiet inner strength in dealing with the challenges of life while remaining kind and earnest have since become deeply rooted in me.” –– Felicia on her mother
7. ONG AI JEE
“My mother is known for being loud, boisterous and direct. At the same time, this straight-talking woman won’t ever let you doubt how much she loves you. In fact, she is so often in your face with her displays of love, it’s hard to ignore.
Because of my mother’s exuberant personality, I tended in the opposite direction, towards being more low key and quiet (like my father.)
Nonetheless, I have always appreciated my mother’s persistence in loving people. She rigorously cares for the poor and the sick and doesn’t mind going the extra mile to serve others even if it means added difficulty on her part, volunteering at hospitals and caring for people in their homes. She also often lends her financial support to those who need it in every way she can. My mother constantly teaches me to be compassionate towards those around me and to consider others above myself, which is a value I am still learning and growing in.
To me, my mother is an amazing blend of quirky and kind and I love and respect her so.” –– Maria on her mother
