Natassia Siu
CO-FOUNDER OF SKNEDIT
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you're having a holiday get-together, a cosy family dinner or an exciting gift exchange, here are your must-haves for festive gatherings - as shared by our #LBCommunity. As we wrap up this year, these inspirational women also share with us their heartfelt stories about life and their learnings this year, as well as their goals for the upcoming year.
Introduce yourself and tell us how a typical week goes for you!
My name is Natassia, and I am the co-founder of SKNEDIT, pronounced [skin ed-it], i.e. “skin + edit”. I have always been obsessed with skincare as self-care, and launched our online business as a way to do what I love.
When you run your own business, work is basically 24-7… but I do aim to have some work life balance! I (try) to get all my work done from 9am – 5pm and I like ending my days with some exercise like tennis in the evening (because the sun is my biggest enemy) before having dinner with my family. Tennis is my newfound (post-COVID) hobby that I am obsessed with! It definitely is a great way to de-stress after a long day of work.
What do you enjoy the most about the holiday season?
Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year. I love everything about it, from the music, family, décor… to the presents (obviously) and literally everything in between.
The end of year holiday season is always about family, and giving thanks to the good things that have happened through the year, and learning to let go of any negativity.
Christmastime reminds us to be nicer and kinder to one another, and everyone’s happiness is just so infectious. I find that people tend to be in a better mood, and we all look forward to a better year ahead.
"Prioritize yourself. Life is too short to be anything but happy, so we have to make time for self-care! No matter how busy life gets, just take 10 minutes out of your day to do something for yourself."
List your 5 must-have things for a Festive Gathering!
1. I love watching (and re-watching) Christmas movies. My favourite in particular is Home Alone 2.
2. I love wearing pyjamas to match with my family and friends. In Christmas movies, we always see the characters wearing matching pyjamas to open their Christmas presents, and so I guess this makes me get into the festive mood too!
3. I love the smell of fresh pine. I actually brought in my favourite brand of candles called Hollow Tree onto SKNEDIT, I love their scent called “The Lions” because it’s pine based and smells JUST like Christmas.
4. I am an absolute snow bunny. My family actually used to travel every Christmastime pre COVID, and we love to ski.
5. This song “Last Christmas” by Wham is an absolute must in my household. My dad will do his signature dance and it makes us all laugh.
What inspires you?
The greatest inspiration is my tight knit support system. I am blessed to be surrounded by such strong headed, capable family and friends. They inspire me to be a better wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, friend, and an all-round better person every single day. I love them, and I will do anything and everything to be the best version of myself for them!
What is the toughest challenge(s) you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
I’ve actually never been rejected so many times in my life until I started this business! Starting and running your own business isn’t easy and there are good days and there are bad days. I am truly lucky to have the best support system. I have Emily, my best friend as my business partner and we make the best team. My husband and family are always so supportive. I also learnt to ask and accept help from others when I’ve needed it.
