Every talent is a gift...

Jan passes by so fast, and I decided to give myself and team a longer CNY break from 23-26 Jan. Time flies, before we knew, we have to begin our work tomorrow.. Somehow the beginning of a year always serve as a good reflection of past year growth, as well as setting milestones for the coming future.

Early this year, I have just discovered an ex-staff of mine has started her own event cum wedding planner company for a while, initially there were mixed feelings and emotions within me. She was one whom I have high hopes on and invested much, and one whom I believe we could grow the company with... but everything happens for a reason...

A friend of mine who is in the same business used to asked me, "Hannah, how do you manage your gals, aren't you afraid they will ever steal your trades or duplicate the business models for themselves??". My answer then was simple : People will come and go, if I have called this company Heaven's Gift, it must be a gift from God to me, and to the people that have come in contact with, esp the employees. Everyone He brings in has a role and purpose for the establishment of the company, as well as for the purpose of fulfillment for his or her life"

Truly, during this period, my words are tested. Yes, it is painful and disappointing to let my gals go for any reason. Having now being as an entrepreneur for last 8 years, I have also discovered, I am given with a vision of what Heaven's Gift will be , and my role is to be a faithful steward who will run with the vision set for me without regrets and fears, and God will always provide me the right resources for the right time. Now I looked back, I still believe strongly each talent is a gift from God, every staff was given for an assigned role. And my team has made a difference in what Heaven's Gift is today, and most of all, a difference in who Hannah is today as well.

Yes, it took me a while (few weeks) to ponder whether to upload this posting. I decided if I am a true blogger to share my life as a dreamer and an entrepreneur, I have to be transparent about my journey growing a business. Every blog is a true expression of the real Hannah within. A company is organic, change is inevitable. But one thing I am sure, the people I have trained will always be a part of Heaven's Gift, no matter where they will eventually venture to. The company has made an impact in who they are today, and will continue to be. My passion is to keep believing in new talents, keep training and investing, keep trusting and growing till the day the Lord asks me to stop and redirect me to another path or journey. To God be all glory.

2011 - A year of amazing couples with awesome creations....

Just finished the first wedding of the new year, and I am really happy... a couple that allowed me to see generosity in another level... What a motivation for 2012.

I can't help to reflect back the happenings in last 12 months in 2011... the year started a bit shaky, and I was not ready for it, as much as the Lord then has prompted me that He would open new opportunities and new horizons. When I heard Him then, I wondered how would it all happen, as I have had no single wedding projects/events under my category for 2011 when we were still in February. And the moment I learnt to trust and surrender, and before I knew, the projects came in so quickly thru unexpected openings, and next we knew, we on a amazing journey where we grew much in the last one year...

These are some of the projects that have created a new wave for my team. Thank you God for giving me these couples who believe in us, and allow us to create the experiences that are one of a kind for them... 2011 is truly a year of empowerment... and 2012 will be a year of His governance, goodness and greatness.

(The following pix are taken by a few great partners of mine i.e. Eadwine from Plush Photography, Eng Hong & Aloysius from 39 East, Kelvin from Lighted Pixels, Wansheng from Feldberyl, and me trying to take some shots ... you may have guessed which ones are those ;)

We are fortunate to have met so many beautiful people

It has been an hectic year, and yet I enjoy every minute of it. Frequent travelling does make me lose touch sometimes of the life in Singapore, and yet in the midst of the busyness, I am so grateful God has allowed me to meet so many beautiful couples. The last 3 months have been an enjoyable time for me, I have discovered some of the most loving, most interesting and most generous and sentimental people I have ever met.

I have just finished one wedding at Capella as well as St Regis. The one at St Regis was a huge setup with 16 hours of turn around transformation. I only slept for 1.5hrs from 12.00am to 1.30am, and managed to catch

another morning nap from 5.30am to 7.00am.. Yes, after the event I was really exhausted, wiped out. But I would never forget this lovely wedding. One couple that makes me want to fall in love again and again. The groom was formally working in events management and an ex- producer. Despite that, he was filled with graciousness when he discussed the wedding plan with me. One that consistently exudes charm, sincerity and generosity, and he is marrying someone who is chilled, no fuss and very sentimental. What a pair, and I will tell you, I do really love this pair. It was a night of great laughter, joyful tears, and lots of drinking and dancing. It was the best birthday gift God can ever give me. I can't wait to show you the pix soon, for now I will just show you one pix.

When I looked back, 2011 has been a great year for us. My team has grown, despite the many changes. I have also learnt to let go to have fun. I have been blessed with so many beautiful people given to us - from couples, to my faithful photographers, and to the partners I have grown over the years. Honestly, if I retire now, I am pretty ready.. I think I have achieved what I dreamt to do.. . But I believe God is preparing me for the next phase.. and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me next..

And this coming week, we will be in Bali for another great concept for a beautiful couple... the only difference for this trip is I want to go back to enjoy Bali like a tourist in the midst of planning someone's else wedding... Yeah Bali here we come again..

Discovering new cities in the midst of planning...

I have never travelled so much as a planner. And in the last 3 months, the frequent travel reminded me of my past corporate career life. Yes, I miss travelling, and I can't deny as much as it is hectic, I kinda love the discovery I made in the last 3 months.

Over the past years, we are grateful to be able to get to design and plan weddings in these cities, and in each city, I often wonder what is in store for us and the learnings God will design for us to acquire.

Chennai - a place I have met good people. When I first visited the place, I was apprehensive about the skills and the capacity this city can have. And I must say the last project changed my perspective of Indians. It was a concept that required transformations of the Taj hotel facets from the entrance, to the flooring to every wall panels of the banquet area, including all the furnishings. Yes, it was a transformation that required precision. We met a bride who knows what she wants, and we are so privileged to see our skills been stretched and utilised to the fullest to create the final look. All the precised drawings from us to the

installation delivered by the contractors were unbelievable. The final lightings and the intricate details were the final amazement. And it was a project when my team understood work enjoyment in the midst of stress and pressure.Whenever I looked back, I thank God for the opportunity, it is a project that has brought us to another level of growth. A pity we can't display any picture, but the learnings alone is treasured most.

Bali - I love this island, and I would never stop visiting this place. It is a place filled with beautiful people who loves to serve. Whenever I step into this place, I learn to be chilled, relax and enjoy every moment interacting with the locals here. Looking back from 2007, we may not have planned as many weddings in Bali as in Singapore, but each one is an amazing opportunity to stretch our faith. Delivering the tiered wedding cake down on bumpy road to the villas built on cliff, constructing first ever floating stage and dancefloor on pool in Atas Ombak in the midst of storms during Nyepi, walking down to the altar in the midst of flowers and on waters... yes, crazy concept and constructions, but I love it... just love it. I think my job strengthens my faith. The impossible is perfected in our weakness. Often in every Bali weddings, my couples would ask me : Hannah, what if it rains? And then you would see me looking at the sky and said : Almighty Father, once again, demonstrate Your power... and He never fails once.

Tianjin - It has been 7 years since I last visited China. I was there not for a wedding, but to shoot a story. China has advanced so much, both in works as

well as the attributes of their people there. I met one of the nicest people from Tianjin, well mannered, poised and skilled. I remembered years back in my corporate life, my VP wanted to send me to China to work, and I was apprehensive.. today, I can't wait to do one wedding here.. Time has truly changed. I believe in due time, China will take over many. My prayer for this nation is : May they always remember the One that has made a way for them...

Penang - my new found love. I never thought that I would fall in love with Penang, it has been almost 20 years since I last visited Penang. And a quaint city, a city of great people. I love the food, the people, the friendliness, the historical influence of the Peranakan, the British, the French and the Europeans then..

Amazing architectures, and beautiful people. I love the taxi drivers, we met some of the most friendly and comical people who have given us a glance of the people living here. This may be my next Bali, a place I can imagine retiring, and I believe my family will love this place.

Cheju - Strangely I have come to Cheju twice before this recent trip. But I did not have any recollection how it looked like, and esp not the way the Koreans have described this place to be - Serene, beautiful and cherished etc.. It was always

a touch and go visit for me then. The only thing I remembered then was I love the children here when I was teaching them in one of the church camps, they were bubbly, adorable and eager to learn. This time, I grow to love Cheju or rather the new Jeju (they have just changed their name to Jeju 2 years ago). I love the Korean cuisine, local or fine, they are comfort food for me. When I saw the view from the hotels built on cliff overlooking the beaches, I understood why the Koreans love this place - the place of retreat. It was difficult to communicate with the locals due to the language barriers, but there is a sense of trust and willingness I saw in the Koreans. The most amazing things about the Koreans is their cosmetics industry and the K-Pop Cultures. I learnt so much about skincare from them. The way the Koreans has created their own unique cultures that have impacted the world intrigues me.

When I looked back of the places the Lord has opened doors for us from Tokyo, to Bali, to Seychelles, to Chennai, next to Penang & Cheju.. I concluded has it not been Him and His grace and provisions, it would be impossible for us to ever imagine to do what we are called to do. We always look for familiar grounds, but He has opened the unfamiliar ones and brought us to experience the familiarities.. God is awesome, and we are truly blessed.

Yes, 2011 and 2012 is exciting... A year ago, my prayer was - Lord expand my horizons and open the way beyond Singapore, uttering a prayer not knowing what He will lead me to. And a year later, I stand amazed at His provision. He is the lover of my soul, in the midst of me dreaming, He has already pathed the way. Thank you Daddy God... yes, we are blessed...

The Hillsong Experience reminded me to believe in my dream...

The last 2 years, I have been to Hillsong conference, and it was always an unbelievable encounter with God, you almost felt that God has tailored this conference just to speak to you.. My first conference was in 2004, when I first started the business, the Lord spoke very clearly the vision I have for my dream and this is my fourth time visiting and enjoying it once again.

The Spirit-inspired words of the speakers, the amazing theatrical works of each night, the friendliness of the volunteers and most of all, the unity of the church is demonstrated again and again each time I gather with the rest of the world for Hillsong conference.

7 years have passed quickly for my journey in Heaven's Gift. This 7 years journey is filled with discovering passion, joys & woes, my strengths and weaknesses, but most importantly realising the graciousness of God and His goodness in my company, or rather I will say His company.. I am a mere steward of His works. Someone asked me : have you ever felt like giving up the works? Of course and for sure, esp when I met setbacks, or having to deal with difficult clients. But whenever I take the position of a third party eye looking at the business, I am grateful for what the Lord has brought me - a journey of understanding grace, favour and excellence in the Lord.

Actually now looking back, it is always interesting to be reminded how and why I started the business. It is certainly different from what many would imagine. I wanted to settle down in my homeland amidst all the travelling, and I figure if I ever get married, I need a job that can be mobile to support my hubby as well as grant me time to look after my kids.. yes wow.. I do plan ahead in an unconscious way :) My youth often asked me : Auntie Hannah, what is that one dream of yrs ??? It is so simple and yet so profound : marry a God-fearing man and serve God with him for the rest of my lives with my kids. And truthfully I really believe God has a big plan for my future family, and every steps of training till now was tailored for that vision and that one dream I have. Way in my young adult years, I literally had a picture of how my future home would be like, the office I would have created with my children, and the ministry of my husband and myself . Interestingly. I have never really written about this part of my life - it is private, sensitive and an area I constantly learn to have faith in. I have never thought I would start a wedding planning business, to me having a business takes a lot of risk, careful planning and perseverance, but I was fortunate to be mentored by all my old bosses, and you learn about vision and passion, and what drives you to do what you do. I am driven by my dream - a dream I cling on to believe , a dream God has planted in my life for Him to unfold...

This time in conference, the Lord spoke once again. Hannah, no dream is coincidence, everything was crafted with my thoughts of you. Today, God spoke again in the service. The Lord loves you, and with God, all things are possible. Yes, I believe in marriage, tho I think getting married is a miracle for a man and a woman. Imagine two different gender with different makeup, different personalities, different upbringing, different habits to be able to stay under one roof, loving and enduring each other in love, raising up children, grandchildren and at times great grandchildren.. it is a miracle of God's love. I always salute couples who have been married for at least 20 years, and recently I stood in awe of one who has married for 40 years... wow, it is a faith journey. I always feel God must have brought me through wedding planning to learn about marriage and families. I have seen a fair share of how families, couples and individuals learn the ropes of submission amidst conflicts, compromising and loving in this past 7 years. Sometimes I have to tell you : I was put off to be married, it could be very intense looking at some case studies. But often I discover love and submission, and esp these past 2 years, I witnessed some of the most beautiful people I have met who willingly give up his or her rights for their partners... to help to fan the passion and strengths of each other, and to learn to love unconditionally.. And next week, I believe I would witness such love and be blessed by another love story... yeah, Tianjin, here I come...

New wine skin is birthing forth...

Can't imagine myself having the time to blog during office hours, and in reality I am doing it right now. I feel really good about it. Just finished a setup for a corporate cocktail event, and I was talking to one of my staff : Did we have everything arranged as planned, I am feeling very relaxed, or did we miss out something?? And as always, our confident Eleanor always replied : No Hannah, everything is in tact, we are ready to go..

And tomorrow will be another spectacular gala... in the same period, while we are busy with these 2 events, we decided to do our spring cleaning... sounds crazy, yes we are .. 2 days of packing into boxes, and half a day of fumigation, but within a day, we rearranged our library, our filing, our shelving again. In the midst of projects deliverables, we managed to do much housekeeping. I am so very proud of my gals. Somehow I knew they all have grown up, and they have taken ownership of their roles as planners and designers.

I looked back, for the past 1 month, I

have witnessed ourselves being chilled, steadfast in the midst of crazy project timeline and deliverables.. I thought for a while, what has happened to us, did we miss out something... Just like in Chennai, my team was so ready in every stage of the construction and transformations. Against crazy timelines, surrounded by the mass of raw materials and limited resources, we actually had a great time working with the local team, and there was a sense of inner peace which we have rediscovered in the midst of working against all odds..and today, the Lord reminded me something : You have always prayed for favour and transformation, and I am answering your prayers.Yes, the team is still the same team as in the past years.. but the heart has been renewed. As planners and designers, we know we need to be precise in perfecting the concept, but we have also discovered over the years, the works of our hands will only be perfected with the works of the Almighty. He provides us the favour, the impossibilities to do the possible. Just like He has always

provide us the perfect weather... an element I always marvel - the right time to rain, the right time to shine.. even the perfect breeze that you sometimes do not ask for.. We have learnt to work hard, as well as have fun...

Lord, thank you for everything.. let the next 2 years to be the years of empowerment beyond our imagination and beyond our asking.. Above all, to You be all glory...

Happy Spring Cleaning & Happy Father's Day!!!

Yesterday was hilarious, my entire team had a dramatic office spring cleaning experience, we threw away many many past copies of wedding stationeries, old magazines and raw materials (we really have accumulated so much materials). Next we have our office fumigated literally for 4 hrs to drive away any possibility of pests... and soon we will have all our cabinets organised once again to be ready for our 8th year of operations.

As our level 2 office was fumigated, we ended up sitting at level 1 showroom on the rug & sofa to continue our work. I can't wait to finish the unloading and packing of materials, 7 years of past materials, there are so much to clean up. Yet at the same time in our cozy corner, myself and team were kinda enjoying rolling up the beads, cutting the ribbons for next week's wedding...Somehow, this whole spring cleaning is a good exercise, I looked through some of the past works and designs and saw how we have evolved. I started as a planner who loves floral arrangement and handicraft to now a company that loves concepts and enjoys designing sets. I still miss those intricate handwork, and maybe this is why we are still designing our own wedding stationery.. We have grown and evolved.. but somethings within us still have not changed - as we were chatting briefly what inspired us to be in this job, we came to a conclusion : there's a part in us just really love weddings and be a helper in weddings.. and being ladies, we still love to roll up our sleeve and do the girlish thing - sewing, tying, and packing can sometimes be therapeutic haha...

After part 1 of spring cleaning, I have a good dinner with family celebrating Father's Day.. We had Taiwanese porridge at Oasis.. munching the

good old dishes with sweet potato porridge brought back much memories - the good old times, and finally ended the night with my family for a movie - KungFu Panda 2. Pastor was right, our family and the people around us are God's sent, God's gift from Heaven. They make us who we are. No matter how different we are, how time has changed us, our family will always be God's tools to mold us, to shape us. Thank God for all our parents, and particularly today, for our fathers. Thank you all daddies out there, you help us to catch a glimpse of who our Heavenly Father is. Happy Father's Day...