What’s in your backpack series? Let’s head to Singapore…
What’s in your backpack?
At Nariva Boutique, we love the differences that make us women unique, but also the things that bring us together and make us so similar. Whether it’s what you do; where you live; whether you’re an oat latte kinda girl or a green tea geek… more importantly though, we’d love to know what you carry in your backpack. ‘Cos the contents of your bag or backpack tells us a lot about you.
This month we head over to Singapore to interview one of my favourite people, Claudette, I call her Claude. She is an inspiration all round, one of those women you can always go to who’ll turn a problem into multiple solutions. Plus she has a seriously contagious laugh.
Claude has a super crazy busy career working in the male dominated world of finance. Read how she juggles all that crazy testosterone world of banking and her home life. Raising her little boy, while living an expat life in Singapore.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a driven, ambitious hustler, I love life and I laugh a lot, quite often at myself and the situations I can sometimes get myself in. I’m definitely a glass half full person. I also enjoy people and love being with people who I care about and who care about me.
“Claude’s favourite word is ‘love’ so I’m gonna list what brings her joy, below – wait for it, it’s a long list.”
I love going to the movies, reading, eating, yoga, travelling, discovering new places and things, cycling and I’ve just started running.
I am also a full time mum to a 9-year-old boy. Raising him by myself and loving the adventure (most of the time!). I work in finance and I live in Singapore with my son, nanny and toy poodle Milo.
“Sounds like you have your hands full …solo parenting, a stressful career and Milo, I love how you balance it all with all those hobbies and past times. You really understand the power of ME time and CHILL time – I love it.”
2. How’d you come to be living in Singapore?
We moved to Singapore in 2009 when my son was 9 months old as I head hunted by a British bank.
3. Give us an example of your typical morning?
I have a morning routine, which I have down like clockwork
So first, I meditate and pray for 10 mins, I then plank for a minute (wowsers, I usually try and increase these after a while, but that is pretty impressive.) followed by a drink of hot water with lemon. I also have a fresh green juice. I then get my son ready for school and finally I shower and frantically (well not so much) get myself ready for work.
“I love how you make time out for you in the mornings – that awesome. It really does help ground us busy women right!”
4. What’s your go to Mantra?
Every morning I repeat the following words out loud or to myself. It allows me to feel more present and calm. It’s almost like a mini version of the Lords prayers. But these words are so powerful I try and pass this level of consciousness on to my son. “I love you, I am sorry, please forgive me and thank you!”
5. Tell me what’s do you carry in your bag or backpack?
I try and pack light but the following six items can usually be found in my backpack.
- Red lipstick (usually MAC or Chanel)
- My moleskin diary (the only make I use)
- My fat purse 😊
- A pen
- My medicine box with my vitamins
- Lavender essential oil / Jasmine, ylang ylang and peppermint
“These are my travel essential goals! Love these! Definitely not your whole world, or kitchen sink. Love the essentials oils too”
6. Is there ONE thing you carry in your backpack that you cannot live without and why?
My red lipstick – powers me up for any situation 😊
I’ve really enjoyed speaking with Claude, it’s super encouraging seeing her balance her world, as well as take on the challenge of living in another country.
Watch out for the next interview series, where we fly to the other side of the world. Where in the world can we fly to now? Where could we head ?… the possibilities are endless…
For further information what it’s like living, and working abroad or Singapore please reach out to me or Claude. Or follow her on your bright and sunny Instagram page. This super busy chick also runs a film location setting and photo shots location business in Singapore, I told you she’s a hustler. Plus those of you travelling with little ones or boys – Claude has a host of ideas, places to see and things to do in and around Asia.
Nariva Boutique is a lifestyle brand which encourages busy women to take time out for themselves. We want women to be bold and unashamed of ME time, CHILL time and selflessly doing the possible, (which most call the impossible) for themselves. We also design and hand make leather backpacks which embody this philosophy.