Entrepreneur.
Definition: A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.
As I sat typing out this blog post in my fancy hotel room in New York City, I feel a sense of satisfaction that for me – comes from achieving financial security and a comfortable life because I have built a successful enterprise. Because I have built this fulfilling venture from the ground up, on my own terms and against many obstacles along the way.
I look out the window into the city and I realized that being your own boss and owning your own business is the classic manifestation of the American dream – take a chance, work hard and built something great – so you can achieve financial independence.
So why are so many women afraid to do it? And if they do, why is it so hard for them to achieve success? A Harvard study for example, found that only 10% of venture-capital backed startups are owned by women.
There are numerous reasons why it’s a harder battle for women to make it as an entrepreneur but part of the great news is – its 2018 and the conversation to help women reach financial and business parity is happening loud and clear.
A lot of companies – including finance software innovator Intuit are trying to get more women to manifest their dream of being a successful business owner and as they say – visualization is the first step so it’s important that we highlight and celebrate the badass women in our lives.
Intuit is running a contest that ends of this month – nominate an entrepreneur in your life by posting a picture on Instagram and sharing why you think they are a #GirlOnFire. You both could win SXSW tickets and VIP access to all things Intuit.
Here are the steps:
Post 1 picture on Instagram
Tag @Intuit in the picture
Caption must includes:
Name of the entrepreneur being nominated
Story about why they are a #GirlOnFire
Tag @Intuit
Use #GirlOnFire hashtag
Use #Contest hashtag
Use #Contest
The grand prize: a 4 day/3 night trip for the winner and one guest to SXSW in Austin, TX. Winner must be available to travel 3/12/18 – 3/15/18. Trip includes:
Two tickets to SXSW
3 night’s hotel accommodations
Round trip coach class airfare;
VIP access to Intuit’s activation;
If there is one cause that I can’t be more passionate about its advocating and celebrating all the amazing women out there who are working tirelessly trying to build and grow a business. So thank you Intuit for this great contest and I truly am excited to see who all of you will be nominating. Whoever they are, they’re already a winner in my books.
So who’s your # GirlOnFire?
For shares that include a brand URL, please include the #ad hashtag in your social share.
This post is sponsored by Uber. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own as always.
Evergreen but stylish that is. Kuala Lumpur is one of those cities in Asia that pulsate with both modern attractions as well as historical landmarks, thanks to its rich history of being richly multicultural. There’s always something to see here, whether you’re a tourist discovering the city for the first time, or a local just looking to explore.
I am lucky enough to know Kuala Lumpur both as a local (as I lived here during my childhood and have lots of family here) as well as a tourist – having now lived half my life abroad. I’ve also learnt to appreciate the city more – playing tour guide to a lot of friends who are visiting the city. I’ve curated the below list of places to go and visit if you’re in KL, with an eye for the stylish and sophisticated traveler who wants to be seen as in-the-know – not any ol’ tourist.
In Kuala Lumpur, I tend to use UberBLACK more than anything else. I love how easy, pleasant and convenient my commute and travel has been with UberBLACK. I also find that with Uber’s “Scheduled Rides” feature, I can plan my appointments and meetings more efficiently as most of the time, I find my car arriving to pick me up much quicker.
By the way, the Scheduled Ride feature can be used up to 30 days in advance, so if you’re a planner like me, you can easily schedule airport pickups to and from the airport easily in advance.
KL’s award-winning mega mall is that one place you need to block an entire day for. Pavilion Mall, in all its 7-storey-glory, sits in the heart of the upscale Bukit Bintang area. It’s first of all a shopping haven—you can find high-end designer brands, mid-range fashion labels, and popular local stores. There’s also a spectrum of dining options available in nearly every cuisine imaginable. But if you came to chill, there are recreational places for you to enjoy, too: check out the Golden Screen Cinemas and Red Box Plus karaoke hub.
The inside of Pavilion KLCC mall. It is a one of the largest malls in South East Asia and boasts almost 600 stores ranging from mid to high-end.
Up for a night of fancy dining? It can’t get any better than Strato Italian Restaurant. Perched atop Troika Tower, this fine restaurant boasts striking views of the city that you can enjoy over homemade pasta, scrumptious pizza, and decadent tiramisu, among many Italian favorites. The modern ambiance is only enhanced by the superb staff—I’ve personally had lively conversations with them!
Malaysia has its fair share of upscale shopping centers, but standout ones like Starhill Gallery simply keep people coming back. The luxe structure plays a huge part in the shopping experience: towering dome-shaped interiors and reflective marble floors comprise the mall. It’s home to the largest watch and jewelry gallery in the world, as well as powerhouse brands from local and international fashion scenes.
L: Starhill Gallery is a shopping destination catering to both local and international luxury brands.
R: The beautiful view greeting all diners at Strato Italian Restaurant.
If Pavillion and StarHill Gallery malls are all about the sophisticated and glamorous side of Kuala Lumpur – it’s time to get back to the essence of the city – how it all started. Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is one of the first and oldest streets in KL. Before there were giant malls, there was Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, where ordinary people will go to get their shopping done.
It’s a busy stretch of a road dotted by dining spots and charming stores. The retail businesses you will find here go decades back and there are so many great finds at rock-bottom prices. Haggling and negotiating for a good price is common, and I know my mom and her friends still come here once in a while, as they get a sense of satisfaction from the act of getting the best prices possible for their purchases.
Taking a stroll through Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman immerses you into a cultural and shopping experience more authentic than any other!
A cafe that springs way back into 1921, Coliseum Cafe is a nostalgic destination in Kuala Lumpur. Just stepping into the place can make you feel like you time-travelled—the interiors are decked in vintage furniture and aged trimmings. To these day, locals frequent it for the hearty dishes—and the memories. If you’re a tourist, you’re bound to enjoy the tender steaks and Hainanese chicken. Down it with good (and cheap) beer and you’re in for happy hour, the Malaysian way!
And the best part about the Coliseum Cafe? It was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, the famous American writer and novelist. He used to travel around South East Asia, and had stopped in Kuala Lumpur for a spell, frequenting the Coliseum Cafe often – perhaps he found inspiration here for some of his greatest works like “The Old Man and the Sea” ?
History and delicious food at reasonable prices. What more could you want?
I rarely go on vacations, but if I am on one, I wouldn’t deprive myself of a chance to visit a spa—and in KL, I have my favorites. The Spa Village at the Ritz Carlton Hotel is one. This serene retreat whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of the metro. Their services are a balanced blend of global healing practices and traditional therapies of the region for your maximum rejuvenation. It’s uber spacious and stylish, with a well-trained staff to boot!
The Spa is located at the Ritz Carlton, and if you are in KL do yourself a favor and dine at Ritz Carlton Hotel. The cuisine at this lavish hotel is award-winning for a reason. For breakfast (or brunch!), you can pick from a selection that includes a diverse array of international and local flavors—think fresh oysters, premium cheeses, succulent meats, vibrant desserts. It gets better—many dishes are prepared à la minute. Top it off with free-flowing champagne!
This rejuvenated area next to the Klang River is so new that I would not have known about it if not for my architect brother, who was involved in the rejuvenation project. The Promenade is a welcome respite from the heat and provides new perspective on the Sultan Abdul Samad courthourse, one of the oldest and historic buildings in Malaysia.
The Sultan Abdul Samad Promenade is situated behind the historic Sultan Abdul Samad buidling.
If you’re looking for an alternative to dining spots and relaxing spas, feel free to explore the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Sprawling across 20.9 acres of land, it’s one of the largest bird parks in the world and houses around 200 species, 90% of which are native to South East Asia. The birds roam freely overhead and on-land, making an incredible interactive experience for visitors.
I’ve never seen so many birds my whole life – including 7-8 peacocks – all of which are quite tame. The white peacock seen here is also one of the most beautiful creatures I’ve ever seen.
So one of the things I enjoy is getting souvenirs and gifts from my travels for my family and friends in Los Angeles. However, I am not a fan of campy keychains and t-shirts bought at the airport gift shop. In Kuala Lumpur, one of my go-tos when trying to find tasteful and sophisticated gifts is heading over to Ilham Gallery – a gift store that features art objects and souvenirs from Malaysians.
So many tasteful souvenirs to choose from at Ilham Gallery. The t-shirts feature well-known as well as up-and-coming local artists.
To cap off a full day of touring, nothing beats a dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Tower Sky Restaurant—also known as the Atmosphere 360. It’s the ultimate destination for you to enjoy sweeping views of the lit-up metro as you indulge in a lavish spread of Malaysian dishes. But the most interesting part is, it’s a revolving restaurant—so expect to have loads of fun looking for your seat as you go back and forth towards the buffet table.
This blog post is created in partnership with Uber. However, all thoughts and opinion are my own (as always.)
A lot of you know that I don’t drive at all. And quite a few of you know that I am from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – which is where I spent the holiday season. So – together with my favorite ride-sharing service Uber, I am quite happy to showcase to my holiday activities in Kuala Lumpur with my family and what makes the holiday celebrations here special for me.
I am able to go around Kuala Lumpur with ease thanks to Uber.
Using Uber to go around the city has made celebrating so much easier – I don’t worry about parking, and can easily multi-task in the car – making me a very happy camper indeed. The best thing is – with Uber’s ‘sheduled ride’ feature, going from point A to B to C in a timely manner is so easy to do.
So back to my holiday plans – and here in Kuala Lumpur it all starts with food, and just like everywhere else, the best holiday plans is all about spending time with friends and family. And one of the best ways to comfine family and food is to indulge in a holiday-themed brunches to start the day right. The best place for a sumptuous and decadent brunch with family and friends to celebrate the holidays is at The Brasserie at the St Regis Hotel
Got to the St.Regis Kuala Lumpur for brunch easily thanks to … Uber. I used Uber’s “scheduled-ride” feature to get here on time.
Brunch at the St.Regis is one the most sumptuous brunches I’ve ever been to this side of Southeast Asia. And I love how they incorporate both the usual brunch classics but also traditional and local cuisine.
Enjoying brunch at the St.Regis. I am having ‘nasi lemak’, a traditional Malaysian dish that is as de riguer for a decadent breakfast here as pancakes or waffles.
Oh hello, time to call Uber again to go to our next destination after brunch.
My nephew and I posing in the giant gingerbread house at the hotel lobby while waiting for our Uber.
Because of the heat here in Kuala Lumpur, we tend to spend a lot of time indoors in air-conditioned weather and so we have big ginormous malls to contain everyone.
The KLCC Suria mall, one of the most promiment malls here – is located under the famed Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. Expect to see designer label boutiques such as Chanel, Prada, Pucci and Hermes as well as local designers and brands. Here in Kuala Lumpur just like in LA, really you need a car to jet from place to place – which is why Uber is a god-sent.
The massive Christmas decorations in the giant airspace in the middle of KLCC mall. It was really really hard trying to drag my nephew away from here lol.
And of course, the holidays is a great time (excuse?) to indulge in cakes and pastries – and one of my favorites is this little haven for cakes aptly called Sugar Rush.We’re talking rows of delicious cakes which makes great gifts when visiting friends or family members during the holidays.
And they deliver the cakes to you too via Uber Eats(!)
Finally to ring in the new year and with a bird’s eye view on everything -I headed over to Marini’s on 57, is often the go-to place to be for sky high drinks with an up close and personal view of the famous Petronas Twin Towers as well as a vista of the whole city.
I see you coming … 2018.
I got to Marini on 57 easily – and could celebrate the New Year in peace knowing that my ride home is just literally a click away thanks to Uber.
The view from Marini 57 of the spectacular KL Twin Towers.
Being in front of the camera a lot means that every single flaw is amplified. And for someone lie who talks a lot – having a great smile is definitely an asset. So I’ve been wanting to fix my teeth (to be specific my bottom lower teeth) for a while now but I didn’t have the time nor the inclination to wear braces again.
Doctor Leedia Riman’s fun wall decor. Happy clients all around.
I’ve had braces twice – once in my early teens and once in college – and now, almost a decade later, due to not wearing my retainers, my lower teeth are crooked again. As any adult will probably understand, braces are only socially, aesthetically acceptable when you’re at school. When you’re almost 40, it’s just awkward to do a business presentation or pose for night-out photos with metal retainers around your teeth.
Dum dum dum…
Fortunately for me (and for the rest of adults out there), there’s an awesome new way to get away with having braces without anyone noticing called Invisalign. Kind of a word play on “invisible” and “align”, which is exactly what you get.
The Invisalign is a clear set of BPA-free plastic aligner trays designed to gently straighten your teeth. It’s absolutely safe, smooth, and comfortable. There’s no tendency for food to get caught like it does with regular braces and no discomfort from metal wires. Best of all, it’s virtually invisible.
The way the Invisalign works is that your doctor scans your teeth and maps out your mouth’s movements so your plastic aligners fit your teeth perfectly. Afterwards, they create your customized set of aligners.
Here’s my Doctor explaining how Invisalign works.
I had my custom Invisalign treatment at Dr. Leedia Riman’s, of R Dental Group, based in Beverly Hills. Dr. Leedia comes from a family of dentists, and she’s absolutely lovely and professional. I remember when I first met her: she was so approachable and warm – I was looking forward to my dental visits – which I know was a good sign. I also know I was in the best hands when she had to fill in quite a few cavities for me and the process did. not. hurt. at all. I kept expecting and waiting for pain afterwards, and was even given a prescription of industrial-strength ibuprofen, but I did not feel a thing. If she is capable of filling a gazillion cavities with no pain, I know she is definitely the right dentist for me.
Me, trying to explain why I had so many cavities.
If you can’t talk with your mouth, use your hands.
Clearly, the dentist has some serious skills, so it’s only natural for me to choose her again to put my Invisalign on. It’s important to choose a dentist that you trust when you’re getting Invisalign on (or even just regular braces) because you’ll be coming back to your dentist time and time again!
And I wasn’t at all wrong in picking Dr. Leedia. She made me feel relaxed the entire time and was quick to advise me on after-care. There are still eight months to go for my treatment, but already my Invisalign aligners got me feeling selfie-ready. Can’t wait to show you the before and after results soon!
PS: I am on tray set 7 of about 20 trays (and I have to wear each set of trays for 2 weeks) so I can’t wait to show you my new and improved smile soon!
When my dear friend Catherine asked me if I wanted to join her #BridgingTheGap campaign, I was intrigued. You see—my birthday is coming up really soon and even though for me age is a non-issue, I realize that for a lot of women and brands, it is.
This is something that I had the pleasure of talking about with Lee Woodruff, a journalist whose wise words I could listen to all day. Lee is the co-founder of Bob Woodruff Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting injured men and women in service. The idea for the foundation emerged after her husband, television journalist Bob Woodruff, sustained a brain injury while covering a war in Iraq.
Lee is my partner for #BridgingTheGap – and I am delighted to feature her on TheAmbitionista.com.
Clearly, she has seen and been through a lot. Still, she demonstrates an easy confidence that would never have made you guess her back story.
On top of that, Lee is a New York Times bestselling author of three books. Three! I need lessons from this incredible lady!
Source: News OK
As someone who’s got a very keen sense of herself, Lee doesn’t like to be put in a box at all. Then again, when you’re someone who plays multiple roles: writer, speaker, media trainer, co-founder, mother, and wife, it is hard to sum yourself up in one number or inaccurate stereotype.
Personally, I’m in awe of all that Lee has accomplished. How does she do it all? I mean, I’m right here, trying to put my life together, running off to appointments and events, but also stalking cats on Instagram in between…!
Lee likes to joke about her sartorial choices. Her outfits are pretty much what she would have worn a decade ago, except now, she wears more tailored and classy versions. But to tell you the truth, I think she’s more comfortable in her own skin than anyone else I’ve ever met. And style is always about what feels cozy and true to your tastes—not necessarily what’s on trend.
Which brings us to Lee’s favorite wardrobe pieces: denim and long sleeves. Being in her fierce 50’s, she claims that “her arms are not as toned no matter how hard she works out”, so longer sleeves are preferred. I know a lot of women share this sentiment, and frankly speaking, it’s not just women in midlife. I come from a more conservative background and in a lot of situations, more coverage is needed. So designers—pretty please design more gorgeous clothes with sleeves!
Finding common ground like this is exactly what made Lee and I realize how designers have sort of boxed us into rigid categories, age, size, and ethnicity included. But just because women are past the age of 40 doesn’t really mean they’re not as fashion-conscious anymore.
Everyone has style—it’s just a matter of providing more options.
PS: If you want to see who else is part of #BridgingTheGap – head over to Catherine’s blog
This is a guest blog post by Katie William
Summer is finally drawing to a close. It’s about time for what many consider to be the year’s coziest and most inviting season – when the weather cools off but creature comforts emerge, and we all settle into a sort of pre-holiday season contentment. Or at least, that’s how I think of it! I also always love to see the fall styles emerging in look books and on internet blogs. There’s just a little more that can be done with styles for the cooler seasons, so it’s nice to see what’s new with each coming year.
I could never get to tall the exciting looks we’re seeing for 2017, but here are a few trends to watch for.
Fringe
Fringe is the kind of trend that circles back around now and then. Indeed, it was just a few years ago that during the spring one style site noted that celebrities were binging on fringe– and perhaps that’s what’s brought this fun little clothing quirk back around for the fall of 2017. Sometimes it takes a little time for a celebrity or runway style to truly trickle down to more mainstream stores and outlets. At any rate, on dresses, jackets, skirts, and most anything else you’d like, fringe is in this season. It’s always a nice way to strike a carefree look without losing any sense of elegance.
Pajamas
This might be my favorite trend in five years. Unfortunately it’s a little bit difficult to discuss because it appears to cover a huge range of looks, but suffice it to say bedroom-inspired fashion (at least, the appropriate kind) is making its way to the streets this autumn. That can mean silky-looking, matching top-and-bottom sets, open blouses tied by sashes, and even robe-like coats for cooler days. Pajamas basically exist to keep us comfortable, and using pajama inspiration for everyday looks extends that comfort to entire days out of the house.
Pantsuits
That’s right! We may expect to revisit 2016, when a certain politician named Hillary Clinton popularized the pantsuit in ways we never really could have predicted. Let us not forget, Clinton was once thought of as such a shoe-in for the presidency that bookmakers announced her as the next Commander-in-Chief, and many of her followers delighted in imitating her signature fashion sense. Now, several fashion blogs and even Marie Claire have highlighted the possible emergence of pantsuits during the fall season – though we’re mostly seeing slightly more stylish and less businesslike versions of the attire.
Moody Florals
This isn’t my term, but it’s a hard trend to describe in a way, so I’m borrowing it from Glamour’s rundown of six fall fashion trends to shop. The idea is basically to present an autumn-inspired version of the light and playful floral patterns we so often see in the spring. This means darker tones and, as they put it, a “moody” overall look, though you don’t want to go so far as to be glum. Some of the looks there, including dresses with dimmer coloring and little bright spots of blossoms, display the idea perfectly.
Plaid
I’ll finish up with a trend that sounds a little bit bland on the surface. Even the name itself is dull: plaid. But plaids in autumn tones are always comforting in their own way, and the pattern can go on most any article of clothing you like. Plaid tops, skirts, and sweaters in particular have been on display in fall look books, and you might also consider combining this look with the aforementioned PJ trend. Does it get much cozier-looking than that?
There are always better and brighter ways out there to get glowing skin. Whether you have lost your glow in recent years, or are trying to give your skin that extra luster, here are some solutions to get your skin glowing in 2017.
1. Avoid Excess Sugar.
Any food containing a high glycemic index, such as sugary sweets and carbs like bread, will increase cortisol, which will cause the sugars to weaken collagen. We need collagen to keep our skin firm and supple so skip the donuts and eat some veggies instead.
2. Exercise.
Exercise is important for many things, including strength, reduced inflammation, your heart, and your lungs. However, not everyone knows that exercise can work wonders for your skin. Exercise increases circulation in the body, which brings blood to the cells that carry valuable nutrients to the surface of the skin and helps carry away toxins.
3. Drink Green Tea.
Green tea is known to be highly effective at helping people with different ailments, not least of which is to create healthier skin. Green tea can help fight signs of aging by fighting free radicals. It is also known to reduce inflammation and improve your skin’s elasticity.
4. Eat Tomatoes.
Do you like tomatoes? These fantastic fruits are said to pack a punch when it comes to skin health. Instead of eating them, turn them into a do it yourself face mask. Mix a tablespoon of tomato juice and a few drops of lime juice and apply it to the skin with a cotton ball. To create a glowing complexion, mix honey and tomato juice until the mixture becomes a thick paste.
5. Addressing Pimples.
Unfortunately, acne isn’t a skin condition that everyone grows out of. Many adults still deal with painful pimples and other acne lesions, and the battle for clear skin can be tough. Learning what type of acne you have is a good first step, but maintaining a regular skin cleansing regimen is essential. Every morning and every night, be sure to give your skin a gentle scrub, and always make sure to wash your face before and after a workout. Consistency is truly the key to clear skin, and being diligent with your facial cleansing routine will help clear those pimples.
6. Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acid Rich Foods.
Foods such as salmon, walnuts, and olive oil contain healthy fats that help the skin build collagen. Many first-time vegetarians make the mistake of not supplementing their diets with adequate Omega-3s found in meat, which can lead to worsened breakouts. If you are a vegetarian, find alternatives that pack the right amount of Omega-3s to keep your skin looking healthy.
7. Get More Sleep.
Sleep is one of the most important factors to maintaining your youthful glow. Get your necessary seven to eight hours of sleep in order to allow your body enough time to rebuild damaged skin and produce collagen to keep your skin firm. Avoid sleepless nights by putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode before bed. Decrease the negative effects of the blue light on your phone by turning on your phone’s nighttime setting. Finally, avoid technology about an hour before bed so that you can settle in.
8. Relax More.
It’s easier said than done, but reduced stress is critical to keeping skin youthful and glowing. If you have preexisting conditions such as severe acne, rosacea, or psoriasis, you can lessen their effects or avoid them all together by reducing stress. If you have a busy schedule, there are a few ways to help reduce it. For example, take some time to yourself to take a meditation class, read a book, or cook yourself a healthy meal. Take some alone time to refocus your thoughts. Look away from your e-mail, and put in some headphones. Maintaining healthy habits like this will help reduce your stress and make your skin glow again.
9. Be Gentle with Your Skin.
You should never get into the habit of scrubbing your face until it is raw. In fact, even when you remove makeup you should use only the gentlest cleanser and gently wipe your makeup off. If you can’t get all of your mascara off in one try, for example, dab a Q-tip in baby oil to get the access mascara right off.
Getting that glowing skin you’ve always admired isn’t impossible. Incorporate these tips into your daily regimen and have beautiful, radiant skin in no time.
