(Photo credit: Priscilla Tan)
RL: Hi Priscilla! You've made several career changes throughout your life. Fashion designer, jewellery designer, art therapist were some of the impressive skills under your belt, and now as an interior stylist. What triggered you to make these career changes?
PT: I believe the career changes were triggered by markets and opportunities that came my way. I grew up loving fashion and felt it was my only calling. By going through the changes and I learnt that my creativity is boundless, what is more important is grit, passion and the desire to learn and discover new ways of expression.
RL: How have your dreams and goals changed throughout your life?
PT: I am still dreaming and working towards new goals. The biggest part about being in the creative industry is about being relevant and I constantly hone my eye to stay in touch and constantly reinvent myself in different ways. My version of meeting my goals is more driven about the journey rather than the final result as that is usually the part I remember the most.
(Photo credit: Priscilla Tan)
"I speak with friends and family that love me for who I am and through their counsel I am able to snap myself out of those emotions."
RL: You seem like a rather confident person. Were there moments that you doubted yourself? If so, how did you overcome it?
PT: Oh gosh, I have serious insecurities issues everyday. Imposter syndrome is a big part of my own personal journey. How I overcome it is by changing my mindset and looking at things from a positive standpoint. I speak with friends and family that love me for who I am and through their counsel I am able to snap myself out of those emotions. Doing social detox is one of my tips to detach myself away from any comparison thoughts and following social accounts that have motivational quotes and sharing gives me strength when I am down.
"I believe surrounding yourself with beautiful things is the best therapy and the best present for oneself."
RL: What is your philosophy of life? How has it translated to your styling philosophy?
PT: I believe surrounding yourself with beautiful things is the best therapy and the best present for oneself. Hence, coming home to a space that is well designed and decorated is a big part in changing people's lives. They instantly become home bodies and cannot wait to share their home stories with their loved ones.
(Photo credit: Priscilla Tan)
RL: What are your thoughts on objects holding memory and energy in a space? How do you know when to purge or do a space makeover all together?
PT: I think everything in life needs to have a place. That is how you can balance beauty with function. I believe what is more important in any home planning is sorting out storage needs/designs first. One simple way is to see what you have at home that you have kept for a long time but do not use and then give it away or sell it. That release is one way for a new change in layout or even new pieces that you enjoy or will use.
"Buying items in your home that reminds you of your travels or things that make you happy can bring so much storytelling in your space."
RL: I’m a huge advocate for self-love. Share with us some home styling tips that you think can transform a space to evoke feelings of self-love.
PT: Get your favourite candles and light them for a few hours daily, a beautiful scent always makes me feel pampered. Buying items in your home that reminds you of your travels or things that make you happy can bring so much storytelling in your space. Good quality white beddings are a must- haves in every bedroom, they are the foundation of a good night rest and it looks so chic all year end. Frame pictures of your loved ones or your favourite travel destinations so you are always surrounded by the loves of your life.
(Photo credit: Priscilla Tan)
RL: Lastly, what are your future goals and plans for STYLEDBYPT?
PT: I will love to be able to create more home magic in people's lives. It will be a dream to work with clients around the world and to build a stronger brand presence in New Zealand where I live now. I secretly wish I will be able to find a mentor to guide me through my personal or business decisions but someone once told me Life is our mentor and it is so true.
