I’m excited to share that @mercurysocial the PR and Events company I founded in 2000 has been acquired by HK-based Brand Technology group Gusto Collective. While this is a dream come true in so many ways, it’s also a bittersweet decision to let go of Mercury. I have been looking back on my 23 year journey as an entrepreneur, the stumbles, heartbreaks, lessons learned, the joys, glories and victories. I have shelves full of best-in-class trophies that my team has swept for their standout work, and I know nothing would have been possible without the loyalty, commitment, courage and support of Mercurians past and present. . We will continue doing the creative, disruptive, world-class PR, Social and Events work we’ve always done -but now tech-empowered, digitally-savvy and Web3 ready. This is everything I’ve dreamed of for my team, here’s to the future. We are ready for you. . #mercuryPR #mercuryEvents #mercurysocial #empoweredwomen #businessowner #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #founder #femalefounder #femaleentrepreneurs

Never mind what people say. You don’t always have to defend yourself, or justify your actions, because your truth lies in your outcomes. 22 years ago, I was the only person rowing this boat. Sometimes, our boat got riddled with holes, and my co-captains would grab buckets with me to bail out the water. At other times, it seemed the boat would sink, and I had many sleepless nights fearing for my crew - would we sink, could they swim? I have had several first mates abandon sinking ship through the years, we have rocked through tight cash-flow tsunamis, navigated turbulent waters with a skeleton crew, and finally steered a Covid-crippled ship to safe harbour. No one sees the fight behind the scenes, where I used every ounce of heart, hope, wit and wisdom I could muster to keep the ship upright. We sailed out of every storm, because my crew believed we could. Today we are expanding, fuelled by twin engines - demand and disruption - to bring the team to the next level. I can’t wait to share more of what we are working on. Because today, I don’t think we are a ship at all. I believe we’re actually a plane. I am steering her out of the water and into the sky. So it’s ok that people think “she doesn’t actually work” or “she got lucky” because my future doesn’t depend on what others think. And I will show them we can fly. . “What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” - Erin Hanson #onward #dreambigger #futureready #mercuryrising #mercuryPR #mercurysocial #mercuryevents #mercuryintegrated #dreamteam

Let’s talk about Grit. People only see the success, never the failures or the struggles. . Few people know that my company, now 18 years old, had been down a million (twice now), that I couldn’t afford to hire a team and ran my first fashion week (2004) with only 1 staff and 1 intern, I’ve had to endure clients who defaulted (one owing me over $700k), or that I’ve survived partnership splits which are never pretty. But none of this left me bitter or depressed. Battle-scarred, yes. Defeated, no. . Each failure and setback forced me to grow. So many times, it would have been easier to quit, to fold the business and walk away, but that’s not me. . Truth is you’ll face challenges at every level of growth. The bigger your company grows, the bigger your challenges. Every day I’m still learning. . I’m sharing this because I’m concerned about the rising depression and youth suicide in Singapore. Everyone’s life looks better than yours (social media is partly to blame for that). We all have our challenges. It’s how we face those challenges that define us. These are battle scars I’ll show the boys one day - to teach them the important of Grit. Grit will trump talent any time. I have shared a story from Forbes on this. Share that please with your young people - Grit over IQ brings success. Don’t let the bumps in the road fool you into thinking it’s the end of the journey. It’s only the end when you stop. Then you’ll never see the beauty that lay just round the corner. Lastly if you got this far, then I’ll tell you why I shared this photo of myself with Roberto Cavalli at my Fashion Week in 2010 - it was one of my lowest points, when the company was down $1M. Look at my smile, you’d never know 🙂 #Grit #resilience #lovemom🌈

Our latest Business Shower (like a “Baby Shower” but celebrating friends’ work milestones and new businesses!) is for the launch of Emotional Inclusion, a book by brave, beautiful @molliejdd Mental health awareness is more important than ever in today’s world of uncertainty and strife. What an amazing lunch with these sweet, strong women, who each brought their stories to the table. Thank you Mollie for raising awareness for organisations to prioritise mental health at work @emotional_inclusion Thank you @fleurwonderland for floral decor in the perfect palette and bouquets for the ladies!

Let’s escape and leave it all behind. This boutique bungalow on a working tea estate in the town of Demodara, where the weather is cool in Hill Country, Sri Lanka @nineskies_teardrophotels #nineskies #ellasrilanka #letsrunaway

Girlfriends make the world go round. Does it seem like I’m surrounded by beautiful people? Yes I am! My tribe are beautiful inside-out. I’m grateful for your love and friendship @tinamrstyphoon @tiara.s_sg @the_paperqueen

Needing a new business headshot? Here’s a hack for the folks on LinkedIn, I used Photo Leap app (AI Headshot) to make these, and its AI is “ALMOST Intelligent “ - it did give my husband an extra limb (see last pic) and can have rather dubious fashion sense, but it’s really interesting to see how fast AI is constantly evolving. Have fun with it!

Happy 39th @annahaotanto 🎂 Loved your answer to the question: “What do you look forward to most about turning 39?” Her answer: “I look forward to turning 40! Because my friends have shown me how amazing the next decade can be!” Truly, your happy girl era lies ahead, it’s going to be even better than you hoped.

Home Team @singaporeair Thank you for always taking such good care of us, you make all the difference ✈️ #singaporeair

Came across this astounding “beach club” in the middle of nowhere, while searching for a zip-line in Ella Sri Lanka. Opened just 6 months ago, it’s a pretty surreal experience, with live DJ music, a posh VIP area with a jacuzzi and private pool. Oh, and $6 cocktails… this is in the middle of Hill Country, Sri Lanka after all @98acresresort

A visit to 100-year old Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, an engineering marvel built entirely from rocks, bricks, and cement with no use of steel or metals throughout the structure. Something otherworldly about this atmospheric bridge, one of the most photographed landmarks Sri Lanka. Jake took a pretty good photo, don’t you think?

This wildling has his own personality 😆 Hanging out in @wildcoastlodge . #wildcoasttentedlodge #boymama #srilanka #travelwithkids