TRAIN FOR

CONFIDENCE

From a former Graphic Designer to her current profession as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter and instructor, Kirstie Gannaway was inspired by her brother at a very young age. Bolstered by her charming friendliness, approachability and candour, she now entrusts the next generation of budding fighters with the craft of MMA through her teachings.

What led you to become a professional boxer?

It started with curiosity and heading to the competition to cheer for my brother. Being awed by the heat of commotion and the fighting spirit of each boxer, I followed him to the gym and have never stopped training since. I strive to train to be the best version of myself mentally and physically. When am stronger physically, it transforms my mental health for the better.

What is your day-to-day worklife like?
What would your alter ego be?

Training six days a week has become a must for me as a professional boxer. It gets exhausting, but the payoff with determination and hard work at the end of it is rewarding and fulfilling. I've always wanted to be a bat woman (is this a thing?) for the animals. Other than seeing me in the gym or ring, you'll probably be seeing me scrolling for animals reels or physically being there for them.

On International Women’s Day, what’s an important message you would like to send out to women out there?

To see the success as part of the journey rather than it being the destination. We pick up from where we fall and complete the trial, moving on to the next phase with all the experience and knowledge gained.

SHE DEFINES
THE LINES

A self-taught artist and painter based in KL, Nini Marini is a former producer who left the corporate world to fully pursue her passion for art as a full-time artist. Nini has hosted multiple workshops to provide young women with the opportunity to build their basics in art and to encourage them to express themselves freely through creativity.

What led you to leave corporate life and pursue your true passion?

It took me some time to decide, but I’ve always believed in spending time nurturing my art. As I progressed up the corporate ladder, my time spent on art started to decrease and it came to a point where I decided to make the jump. I wanted to have enough energy for myself to let my art grow and to live a life full of creativity, to let my art lead the way.

What are some of the challenges and joys of being a woman in the creative community?

A challenge for me was finding peace in the position that I’m in. In corporate life, we’re governed by position and that often informs some of our identity. As a woman, I had to learn and grow to be empowered by my position as a female artist. Some of the joys of being a woman in the creative community is that I am able to nurture my freedom in art and really encourage others to express themselves. That really trumps everything, because I get to pay attention to my true passions that bring me joy.

On International Women’s Day, what’s an important message you would like to send out to women out there?

On International Women’s Day, I encourage young women to take the opportunity to explore their true selves and have the bravery to speak their truth. I encourage them to not be governed by what society has told them, but rather refine what they want to be for themselves.

SUPER WOMAN

A Sergeant with the Singapore Police Force in her past life, Victoria Hay is a talented cake artist who creates sold-out edible works of art. She joined the police force after bearing witness to an incident as a teenager but has since left to pursue her passion in creating artisanal cakes in her very own patisserie. She inspires with her determination and dedication in pursuing her passion and her art.

What led you to switch from a career in the Police force to an artisan cake decorator?

I chose to become a cake artist because I like art and I like desserts. I also studied at the Loughborough University of Fine Arts.

What is your day-to-day worklife like?
What would your alter ego be?

Compared to my previous profession as a police officer, my work now as a cake artist is less routine. I want to be a super woman who controls time so I can get more things done.

On International Women’s Day, what’s an important message you would like to send out to women out there?

Know your strengths and do not be afraid to embrace them. You are free to make your own choices and no one can disregard your opinion or your choices based on your gender.