Roadmaps for Next Generation

Woke up really early today despite it is a public holiday. I suppose to rest, but my mind was bothered by what is upon my heart. And instead of brewing over the disturbed thoughts, a new inspiration came about. And last night, I decide to introduce something afresh to the industry that is close to my heart.

Some of you know that I have been in the wedding industry for coming to 10 years. It has been an amazing journey, and it really has. I have come to know more about myself, and what drives me towards perfection, but most importantly it has enabled me to know better the One who creates me - Almighty God,  and that He is the ultimate perfector of our faith. 

Blogging is a therapy for me, a pity I have not been consistent. Some who reads my blog are surprised at my boldness of truth, but I suppose that is one side you will see of Hannah Chong. To me, the best way to teach and share is to be transparent, and be sincere. There were a few times my pals and partners ask me : Hannah, why don't you teach about wedding planning. Honestly, that thought never really come across my mind, mainly because I don't think I am qualified to teach. When I looked at the gurus such as Colin Cowie, Preston Bailey & Mindy Weiss whom are the benchmarks I strive to become, I concluded I need to excel even more to be considered.  

Over the years, I have seen new talents, young talents and have also recruited young people. I have been a Sunday school teacher and worship leader before, and I have witnessed when we train our kids and youths well, they will become real talents that shape the future. Some of my youths have now grown up to be matured young adults in their 20s, and I am blessed to have some who have worked for me, or interned for me. Every time I think of these interns, I am grateful because they opened up my eyes to see things in different light.

But I have also met a fair share of young people who are shortsighted and are really different from the ones we brought up. Their viewpoint to passion and opportunities are quick fix and fast glory. I was thinking last night : how can we help or influence this new generation of talents? Will we see a quick fix planner, or will we see a rising star in the midst? A pal last night laughed with me : Hannah, how long do you see yourself doing this? Honestly I don't know, I always dreaming of retiring, but never seems to be happening. But if I ever retired soon, I hope to do one last thing for this industry, I hope I can influence or impact right values to the new talents and entrepreneurs. I always believe the best teacher is not just to teach by words, but by investing time, efforts, and even money in those who are truly passionate and diligent. 

This year will be an interesting year for me, as I continue to do the above, I believe God is expanding my heart to see how He sees. I am not sure will I be burnt in the midst of expanding my heart. But I am certain I will grow to be a better person. And I have just started our Heaven's Gift series of career roadmaps for wedding planners. It consists of principles and guidelines I have held on dearly that have sharpened me and made me a better planner. May those who desire to enter into the wedding planning industry be blessed in our series at our corporate facebook http://www.facebook.com/HeavensGiftPL

2013 - A year of Life and Love, Health & Happiness.

2012 went by so fast, and looking back, it has been a very unpredictable year. Somehow the industry as a whole seemed to encounter challenges, experienced many changes and evoked a mixed of emotions for the coming year 2013. Many of us were pushed to make changes, reviewed our milestones and reset new ones.

For us at Heaven's Gift, we have experienced an unexpected and unplanned journey. The year started with key projects and much travel. And before I knew it, we were invited to recreate new trends on how wedding shows should be done. It was a year filled with bridal shows, more than we ever have imagined to create. But the greatest unexpected step we took was the launch of our second brand - Celebrate Heaven, a one-stop online stop for weddings and party products catered to assist couples to create their weddings and parties at an affordable price. Eventually, the year ended with what we love most - creating one-of a kind weddings we always dream to have. And I am sincerely thankful for those couples who came along our lives and willing to embrace the vision we set for each of them. 2012 was a year of ups and downs, but looking back, it was a year of many pleasant surprises.

Reading the news about 2013, I refuse to believe what the economists projected for this year. Many have claimed that 2013 will be a slow down for consumers and businesses. And I was reminded that this year could be likened to what we had gone thru in 2009/2010. It could be a year of sifting, a year of refining or it could be a year of readiness and conquest.

This year marks the 10th year anniversary of Heaven's Gift. The number 10 always represent completeness and order. I somehow was reminded that all these past years of hard work was to reinforce the very principles I hold on dearly as an entrepreneur. But besides just being an entrepreneur, I felt a tug in my heart asking : Hannah, what's your life goal for the next 10 years... was it merely for business?

The question was real, and is close to my heart. Life is more than just business. Tho I am thankful for all the learnings to make me the business woman and artist I am today, life definitely has more meaning than these alone.

What do I really hope to see in the next 10 years?? These are my thoughts, and Lord, pls guide me.
- To impart the right attributes and principles of entrepreneurship to the next generation. Just as my bosses have taught me well, I hope to be able to do that as well, not just in mere words/trainings, but be a living example.
- To spend more time creating beautiful moments for those I love. As a special events planner, I have spent my last decade creating special moments for my couples, and at times neglected the very people at home whom have released me to do what I do today. At the end of the day, what is close to our hearts is our loved ones and families.
- To care for the needy. It is always a privilege to serve the rich, and we are grateful to be given the opportunity for that. But my heart cried out to the poor. During last Dec outreach, when I saw that there were still many Singaporeans who were really poor and could not even feed their households, I was humbled again to be reminded - be contented, but be evermore compassionate, don't let the daily affairs of your life cause you to forget the poor.
- Finally, I want to laugh as much as I can, to love as long as I live. The greatest joy of a human race is to find life, love, health and happiness.

2013 - I can't wait to write the conclusion of this year experiences.... let it come at the right pace, let me experience the destined place.

Taking care of ourselves...

Just came back from the hospital, and was really thankful that mum's surgery was smooth. Looking back despite the anxiety within that was accumulated for the past 1 month since the launch of Celebrate Heaven, I could only conclude : God has been gracious with us. While I was busy with the launch of our second brand, at the very same time, I was given news of the health conditions of our parents. Every checks, every updates happened so fast, that before I knew, the surgery was on, and now it was completed.

These past few days, going in and out of the hospital, I couldn't help but noticing somethings. There are many young doctors and health professionals. While they are busy taking care of the patients, I also have noticed : the doctors and nurses are working late, eating late, and looking unhealthy and tired as well. It is a common evident to notice that some were overweight.

And a voice within me reminded me : Hannah, that's the irony of life. While we are busy taking care of others, don't forget to take very good care of yourself. Otherwise, you can't fulfill the very role you are called to do. Yes, it's a wake up call. I believe this does not just apply for the health professionals, but for everyone of us, who work so hard to fulfill our clients' wishes, provide for our families and loved ones, let's not forget to take care of ourselves, so we can run further, do much and be happier professionals.

I am reminded of this quote by an unknown author :

As we focus so much on reaching out, helping and doing what's best for others that we completely forget about the person who needs us most. If you do nothing else today, remember to take extra special care of that person. That person is you.

What makes Hannah tick?

So happy that today is a public holiday.. somehow the feeling of knowing that everyone is off, allows me to be rested and not fuss about what is required to follow up. Being a party and wedding planner, my constant job is to plan for others' and be in control of every detail. And when it comes to my own personal life, many would have thought I love to plan... and the truth is I rather not.

Today's shopping incident was a good example. I went to buy some shelvings for my room.. and usually in my job, I would have taken all measurements properly before any purchase. But somehow I didn't do that for my own room.. I went to buy all that I liked, and then when I got home, I realised one of the cabinet didn't fit into my room, so I ended up returning the cabinet. But instead of being upset, I ended up buying more accessories to decorate my place and I forgot about the concern of storage.

The entire shopping experience was therapeutic for me despite the going in and out of Ikea with long queues of cars and people awaiting. 

Within two hours, I repacked my room.. and I felt so good about it, even though my Dad couldn't tell much difference about the changes - But I do - it is making something new again.

I was thinking through why was I so satisfied tonight- what makes me tick? And I found my answers :

1. The freedom to be myself, regardless of what others think?
2. The freedom to create anything with my hands, despite I can be quite clumsy. 
3. The freedom to love someone, even when the other party may not reciprocate. 
4. The freedom to buy something without having to worry about the cost and consequences.  
5. The joy of knowing that every choices I made, someone up there is taking charge of it, and in His time, He makes all things beautiful!
6. The joy of embracing one truth : I am deeply loved and highly favoured! So be happy!

The Birth of Celebrate Heaven

One of my ex-brides was talking to me recently, "Hannah, you have not been updating your blog.. I am still waiting to read your next post." It's amazing my brides are truly my fans.
Yes, I have been so busy, this year is supposed to be a quiet year for us. I wanted to do less weddings but very unique projects, so I can also take time to review what I want to do next. In the month of May, I decided to take a long break to London & Paris, and spent some time alone, rethinking some of the steps I have made in my life - both personal and corporate.

And never in my life have I ever imagined I would start off a second brand, or expand my business after this trip. Those who know me well will know that my only dream is still to settle down and raise up a family, the very reason I have setup Heaven's Gift, and now ironically, the birth of a second brand - Celebrate Heaven takes place before my precious dream.

2013 will be my 10th years in Heaven's Gift, and looking ahead, I did ask myself one fundamental question : Am I happy with what I have accomplished in the last 10 years. I supposed this question has been answered. Physically and mentally, I am fortunate to have met some of the most amazing people in this industry, and at the same time, honoured to have been trusted by some of the most beautiful couples of ours, who took the plunge to give me the opportunity to do what I have set my heart to do i.e. to perfect my vision as a wedding planner, a party planner and now a special events planner. All the works you have seen in our website are reflections of our passion, our precision and our perfection. Spiritually and emotionally, I do dream to accomplish more.

Over the years, we have been privileged to serve some of the society and elite families, yet at the same time, I am always conscious of the other side of the world - the less fortunate, and the poor. Born from a poor family, I have learnt that some of the best moments in my life were time with my families, though little we have, we spent every effort to celebrate a moment. I remembered when I was young, my uncle and aunt - Vincent and Serene (whom I have respected much), used to fetch us in his small little car, awaiting to hear that my aunt would close a door to door sales. And in the car, we would be praying that the sales would be closed, so that we could go out for supper to celebrate. Those moments were precious.

When I was approached with a business idea and opportunity in June, I didn't want to just create another business idea, I want to spread a message - Celebrate life like the way you would celebrate in Heaven.
The name Celebrate Heaven was inspired in an unique setting. I have previously thought of a company name that reflects a bit of Heaven's Gift, and yet clearly illustrates what we do. There were many names considered : Party Heaven, Wedding Heaven, Chic Heaven, The Heaven etc etc.. and yet none felt right. I remembered it was the night instead of going home, I went to church prayer meeting and decided to just spent some moments not thinking about work. And a voice spoke right where I sat - Hannah, why didn't you consider the word "Celebrate, and called it Celebrate Heaven". I couldn't believe what I heard, so I started googling during the service, to check if the word was used or repeated anywhere in the world, all I found then was some worship songs and Christian messages. But the name Celebrate Heaven lingered in me. When I looked back, God knew exactly what best for us, He is God afterall. Celebrate Heaven is the perfect name for the second brand and clearly spells out the desires in my heart even before I could imagine or ponder further. To celebrate life like the way we would imagine in Heaven is what I hope everyone of us will do.

I remembered someone once reminded me when I was in the States : Hannah, as much as your pursue your perfection as a planner, remember, you can do what you do today, simply because you were released by your loved ones back home to be who you are today. So as much as you spend the time to fulfill your clients' dreams, spend as much time to create the beautiful moments for those you love back home. This was a life changing reminder that has stayed with me all these years. And that's the spirit of I want to share through Celebrate Heaven - to create the opportunity for every one of us to spend time with our families, people whom we love, making every celebration, be it small or big, a memory to stay for a lifetime.

So with Celebrate Heaven, we have brought some of the international labels and products we love and are creative tools for making celebrations stylish and unique. I really love every of our labels, they are inspirations for future party trends.

Seriously I do not know what the future will hold for us.. but I do know, I want to celebrate life as long as I live, and as much as I love. To God be the glory.

My 3 weeks experience away from home..

It has been 3 weeks since I was back from Europe. My 3 weeks stay in London and Paris was my longest trip away from home since I started Heaven's Gift. But it is one that is filled with timely encounters, precious memories and awesome experiences and I am so glad that I have the time to be away. Thank God for my team who released me to do what I wanted to do.

We have had a great show in Tatler Wedding just 2 days before I left for the trip. Talking about Tatler Wedding show, do look out for the editorial on this. My first Tatler show, yet one that myself and team enjoyed every minute in the planning and the actual day of execution. Though it was a corporate social event, I personally felt it was to me an intimate friendship party - I get to enjoy the fun of the event, worked with people I newly discovered and certainly respected. It was a blast. Awesome! And I can't wait to create another Tatler Gala.

Before the trip, I was going through some soul searchings in my personal life, and some were painful, some were doubtful, some were uncertain. Yet, the busyness of Heaven's Gift does keep me going.  Often you realise busyness doesn't solve the concerns in life, it only shelves them aside. Now looking back the past 1 month, how the trip came about and the timing of all the events coinciding to one another within the trip, I can only conclude : God is sovereign, always good, nothing is ever coincidental. He knows what is best for me and He will path each step for me so precisely. All is good.

I stayed like a British resident, enjoyed the way an Asian's life would be in London. Got to enjoy the stay in simple local town council housing as well as unexpected luxurious penthouse in Westminister. Went to unplanned  trips to Bath &Versailles, and encountered some interesting occasions - The Passing of Olympics Torch and the 4 days Jubilee Celebrations. Met up new aspiring artists and inspired by their boldness and passion in their works, and visited many museums in a trip, and finally embraced the charm and ever-creative cities of London and Paris. It was a trip that allowed me to experience both simple living as well as indulgence living.

In conclusion, I relearn the following principles as an entrepreneur and as an individual, and I thought I should share with my readers my personal quotes and principles , may it bless your heart as it has certainly blessed my life.

1. Never stop believing in yourself and what you dream to be. Your vision and faith marks your future ahead. And it will always be amazing!
2. Let go concerns that block your heart to feel the wind of destiny that is coming your way.
3. Sometimes what you see at current state is temporal, but what you believe within is eternal and powerful.
4. Mix with people who are passionate, and who put feet into their dreams. They are your dream anchors, as well as your passion companions
5. Whatever you do, expect pleasant surprises, these are what I called Divine Miracles created just for you!
6. Don't be contented at your past achievements if you really want to be the pacesetter for extraordinary things. Passion pursues Perfection...
7. Today's well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. So live well, play hard, and never stop loving. 
8. Finally, you can plan all your life, but remember : Man plans, but ultimately God directs your path.

Yes, I love what I do... 

Preparation for this weekend Diamond Jubilee Celebration...

Today, I decided to revisit London places of interest like a tourist, alighted myself at Westminster Bridge Road, strolled along the River Thames, saw the Big Ben, the London eye, the various bridges... and walked past the different eateries.. and took a long walk to Buckingham Palace...  one thing was sure, everyone was excited in preparation of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration which will begin from this weekend onwards for 4 days..

I pondered a while, if we would to celebrate our ex-minister mentor, Lee Kuan Yew's reign as our founder and leader for the last 50 plus years, will there be the same corporate and individual excitement in our land. I really hope it will..  He has built the Singapore today, and as I travel about in the world, I have to say Singaporeans ought to be really proud what He has done for us - a country that is so young and yet is so known in the world for who we are and what we can do.. 

Take a look at some of the interesting shots of the way the English has prepared for the upcoming celebration of their Queen.. they truly love and respect their queen, and I can't believe when I saw the people buying the cardboard statue of the queen to be placed in their parties, when the salesgirl was trying to see how to wrap the cardboard statue, the customer exclaimed : "Pls don't bend our queen, I want her to be in shape..." that's so funny..

Harrods presents a series of customised crowns for their Queen

Jelly bean crown - anyone wants to wear or try it?!

Decorations of Royal coloured flags

Lots of goodies for the Diamond Jubilee Party for you to choose.

I wish I can buy them all...

Her majesty favourite corgis...

Do you want to bring the Queen home??

The concert stage is in the process of setting up, 

to be ready for next Mon's performance..

Can't wait to see the event this weekend....