Author: Gary

Unlock the Power of Your Community with These Local Awareness Boosting Strategies

Posted on by Gary

Establishing a strong local presence is crucial for businesses and organisations in today’s cutthroat business environment. Local awareness not only helps businesses connect with their immediate community but also fosters trust and loyalty among local customers. Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit organization, or an individual looking to make a positive impact locally, there are several strategies you can employ to boost local awareness effectively.

1. Build Relationships within the Community 

One of the most effective ways to increase local awareness is by building genuine relationships within your community. Attend local events, join community organizations, and engage with neighbors and fellow business owners. You can create a positive and lasting impression by actively participating in local activities and demonstrating your commitment to the community.

2. Leverage Social Media 

In today’s digital age, social media platforms offer powerful tools to connect with your local audience. Create and maintain accounts on well-known social networking sites, including Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Share timely information about your company or organisation, regional news, and neighbourhood activities. Engage with your fans by swiftly answering comments and messages.

3. Support Local Causes

Demonstrate your commitment to the local community by supporting local causes and charitable organizations. Partner with local nonprofits, sponsor community events, or organize your charity drives. Not only does this help raise awareness for your business or cause, but it also shows your dedication to making a positive impact locally.

4. Optimize Your Online Presence

Make sure your business or organization is discoverable online. Make a user-friendly website that offers crucial details like your location, business hours, and contact information. Use search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies to increase the position of your website in local search results. Encourage pleased clients to provide favourable reviews on websites like Google My Business,

5. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses

Collaboration with other local businesses can be mutually beneficial. Consider partnerships or joint marketing efforts with complementary businesses in your area. For example, a local bakery and coffee shop can collaborate on a promotion, helping each other attract more customers.

6. Host Local Events:

Organizing or hosting local events can significantly boost local awareness. These events could range from workshops, seminars, or community gatherings. Be sure to promote these events through various channels, including social media, local newspapers, and community bulletin boards.

7. Offer Local Specials

Create special offers, discounts, or promotions exclusively for local customers. This strategy not only incentivizes local residents to choose your business but also makes them feel appreciated and valued.

8. Engage with Local Media

Local media outlets, including newspapers, periodicals, radio stations, and TV shows, frequently impact how people in the area think. Reach out to local media outlets with interesting stories or news related to your business or organization. Press releases, interviews, or feature articles can help you gain valuable exposure.

9. Attend Local Fairs and Expos

Participating in regional trade exhibitions, expos, and fairs can be a great method to reach a wider local audience and promote your goods or services. Set up an engaging booth and interact with attendees to leave a memorable impression.

10. Measure and Adapt

Finally, regularly monitor the impact of your local awareness efforts. Use tools like website analytics, social media insights, and customer feedback to gauge your progress. Adapt your approach based on what your neighbourhood finds to be most effective.

In conclusion, boosting local awareness is fundamental to building a strong and sustainable presence within your community. By actively engaging with your local audience, leveraging digital platforms, and demonstrating your commitment to local causes, you can create a positive and lasting impact that benefits both your business or organization and the community.

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The August 2023 Issue Of MoneyCentral Magazine: Jenna Chan

Posted on by Gary

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In the ever-evolving world of hair loss and skincare, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and affordability: Jenna Chan. With over two decades of experience in the industry, 59-year-old Jenna Chan has become a trailblazer, providing accessible PRP & PRF hair loss treatments, Neo Graft Hair Transplants, injectables, and fillers across Australia. But her journey is not just about business success; it’s a tale of determination, resilience, and a mother’s unwavering commitment to her children’s future.

Jenna Chan’s story is not that of an overnight sensation but rather a lifelong dedication to her craft. With a career spanning more than 20 years, she has not only honed her skills but also refined her mission to make top-tier treatments affordable for everyone. As a single mother facing challenges head-on, Jenna has embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship, determined to reshape the skincare world.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jenna Chan’s Hair and Skin Science clinics experienced a surge in demand, igniting an exponential growth phase. With her finger on the industry’s pulse, she seized the opportunity and expanded her vision. Today, her clinics have become a symbol of excellence. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about giving clients the confidence to face the world with rejuvenated skin and hair.

Jenna’s journey is intrinsically tied to her aspiration to provide her children with more than she had growing up. At 59, she took the courageous step to launch her own anti-aging skincare clinic, a move that wasn’t without its challenges. As she navigated the highs and lows of business ownership and single-handedly raised her family, Jenna’s story became an embodiment of strength, determination, and unyielding love.

Hair and Skin Science’s commitment from day one has been to offer affordable, effective hair loss and skin treatments performed by medical experts. The clinics have not only fulfilled this promise but exceeded it.

With treatments carried out by medical doctors and nurses, they’ve conducted over 100,000 PRP hair loss treatments and 30,000 PRP skin treatments. These figures aren’t just statistics; they’re testaments to lives transformed and confidence restored.

In the world of skincare, Hair and Skin Science has emerged as the go-to destination for the famous ‘vampire facial.’ By harnessing the body’s own resources, the procedure rejuvenates the skin, leaving clients with a fresh and youthful appearance. This innovative technique, beloved by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, has solidified Hair and Skin Science’s reputation as an industry pioneer.

Jenna Chan’s journey has evolved into a family affair as she partnered with her son, Royce. Together, they have not only embraced success but multiplied it. With the recent launch of eight additional clinics, their collaborative efforts have brought the total number of Hair and Skin Science clinics to an impressive 25.

Jenna Chan’s story is one of passion, innovation, and family values. From her early struggles to the heights of success, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the hair loss and skincare landscape. Through affordable treatments, unwavering dedication, and love for her children, Jenna Chan is transforming not just faces but lives throughout Australia.

MoneyCentral magazine recently had the opportunity to connect with Jenna Chan to delve into her entrepreneurial journey, and here’s a glimpse into the insightful conversation.

Can you tell us about your journey in the beauty industry and how it led you to launch your own anti-ageing skincare clinic, Hair and Skin Science?

I have worked for several small cosmetic clinics for many years. Many loyal clients and friends encouraged me to open my own clinic, and they said they would support me….so I did. I opened my first clinic at 59 years old. Better late than never.

What inspired you to focus on affordable hair loss and skin treatments, performed by medical doctors or nurses, as your mission for Hair and Skin Science clinics?

Many cosmetic clinics had only focused on injectables, so I saw a gap in the market for medical cosmetic clinics offering both hair loss and skin rejuvenation treatments. Affordability is important to me as I’ve always struggled throughout my life with financial hardship, so I made it my mission to make our services accessible to the majority of people living in Australia. Everyone deserves to feel happy and confident!

With the exponential growth of Hair and Skin Science after the Covid-19 pandemic, can you share some insights into the strategies that contributed to your success during challenging times?

Thankfully, in Australia, the government was helpful in providing some financial support to pay staff wages and clinic rents. We did our best to pivot during the pandemic. However, our core service is in-clinic. We were able to provide hair regrowth & skin products to patients during the lockdowns.

My son and I had strategised to expand rapidly during the reopening post-pandemic. We saw this as an opportunity to sign leases at great prices and push ahead while other businesses were being very conservative.

How did you manage to navigate the financial hardships and highs and lows of doing business while being a single mother raising two young children?

It was tough being a single mother throughout the years. Truthfully, before Hair and Skin Science launched in April 2017, I didn’t have much to my name at all. I’m now almost 65 years old, and my life is completely different from what it was only seven years ago. It’s never too late to go after your dreams!

The ‘vampire facial’ has become a popular treatment at Hair and Skin Science. Could you explain how this procedure works and what makes it stand out from other skincare treatments?

One of our most popular skin treatments is the vampire facial, which became famous because of Kim Kardashian.

The procedure is performed in four simple steps:

1. A registered nurse takes a small sample of your blood.

2. This blood is spun in a centrifuge, separating the platelets (growth factors) from the red blood cells.

PRP solution is applied using tiny injections combined with microneedling.

Vampire facials combine the powers of micro needling and PRP. During a traditional micro needling treatment, needles create tiny incisions in the skin, stimulating the skin to repair itself with new collagen and elastin. However, in a vampire facial, this is coupled with platelet-rich plasma, which contains growth factors to help stimulate repair.

Opening 25 clinics in Australia in such a short period of time is a remarkable achievement. What were the key factors that enabled you to expand your business to this scale?

There are three key factors that I never lose sight of while building Hair and Skin Science. One is customer satisfaction, affordability, and employee satisfaction. I do my best to address these three core factors while continuing to expand continually.

Can you elaborate on your partnership with your son, Royce, in running the business? How has this collaboration contributed to the success of Hair and Skin Science?

Royce and I are like Ying and Yang! I’m so lucky that we work well together and have complementary skills. Royce is very good at brand building, marketing, and finance. I’m really good at being hands-on and internally operating clinics and empowering key staff. It’s important to find a business partner with a different skill set to grow the business to its full potential. In my opinion, if you’re about to start a business with a friend or relative, I’d make sure that your skills are complementary and not overlapping too much.

Hair and Skin Science clinics have performed an impressive number of PRP hair loss and skin treatments. What sets your clinics apart in terms of customer satisfaction and results?

We have built a culture at Hair and Skin Science of putting the customer first and always doing the best we can to provide an affordable service that provides excellent hair and skin rejuvenation results.

We also have unique treatment protocols exclusive to Hair and Skin Science. These strict protocols are used by all our medical doctors and registered nurses.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a business owner in the beauty industry, and how do you measure the impact of your work on your clients?

Being able to develop and nurture our registered nurses into leadership positions and give them opportunities to further their careers and aspirations. It is so satisfying to watch it unfold! Happy registered nurses mean happy patients! We measure the impact of our work through online reviews and word of mouth. If you’re doing a great job, patients will refer their friends and relatives.

Your story is truly inspiring, showcasing that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and achieve success. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those who face challenges like financial constraints or age-related concerns?

Never, ever give up. You cannot fail if you never give up. There are many people who became successful entrepreneurs much later in life. Age is not a reason not to go for your dreams. You have the experience and wisdom that many young people do not. I also see having financial constraints as an advantage! It forces you to get creative and really squeeze as much as you can out of every dollar. These skills that you develop will set you up for continued success.

Secrets to a Successful Work-from-Home Routine: Finding Balance, Productivity, and Well-Being

Posted on by Gary

The concept of working from home has recently gained tremendous popularity, providing employees with the opportunity to work from home without having to deal with a daily commute. However, while the idea of a flexible work routine sounds enticing, it can be challenging to strike a balance between professional productivity and personal well-being. This article explores some essential secrets to creating a successful work-from-home routine that maximizes efficiency, fosters a healthy work-life balance, and ensures long-term success.

1. Establish a Dedicated Workspace

Creating a dedicated workspace is the first step to a successful work-from-home routine. Designate an area in your home solely for work-related tasks, free from distractions and interruptions. A well-organized and personalized workspace can help trigger a focused and productive mindset, increasing overall efficiency.

2. Set a Consistent Schedule

Consistency is key to maintaining a work-from-home routine. Establish a daily schedule that aligns with your regular working hours, including breaks and mealtimes. A structured routine helps maintain a sense of normalcy, prevents procrastination, and ensures that you allocate time for work and personal activities.

3. Dress for Success

While the allure of working in pajamas is undeniable, dressing up for work can significantly impact your mindset and productivity. Dressing professionally, even at home, signals to your brain that it’s time to focus and work, creating a clear boundary between work and leisure time.

4. Limit Distractions

Working from home often means dealing with various distractions, such as household chores, family members, or social media. Identify your most significant distractions and take proactive steps to minimize them. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones or creating a do-not-disturb signal during work hours to maintain focus and productivity.

5. Prioritize Work Tasks

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, prioritize your work tasks each day. Create a to-do list and tackle the most critical tasks first. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more achievable and help you stay on track with deadlines.

6. Take Regular Breaks

Incorporating short breaks into your workday is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Step away from your workspace, stretch, walk, or take a quick mindfulness exercise. These breaks can help recharge your mind and boost creativity.

7. Stay Connected with Colleagues

Working from home can sometimes feel isolating. To combat this, try to stay connected with colleagues through virtual meetings, instant messaging, or regular check-ins. Maintaining social interactions can foster a sense of camaraderie and prevent feelings of isolation.

8. Embrace Technology

Utilize technology to streamline your work-from-home routine. Collaborative tools, project management software, and communication platforms can enhance team efficiency and help you stay organized and connected.

9. Set Boundaries with Family and Friends

Educate your family and friends about your work hours and the importance of minimizing interruptions during those times. Setting clear boundaries will help them understand and respect your work commitments.

10. Prioritize Self-Care

Lastly, remember that your well-being is paramount to a successful work-from-home routine. Take care of yourself physically and mentally by getting enough rest, eating healthy meals, and engaging in joyful and relaxed activities.

In conclusion, crafting a successful work-from-home routine requires intentional effort and discipline. By establishing a dedicated workspace, maintaining a consistent schedule, and prioritizing tasks, you can strike a balance between productivity and personal well-being. Embrace technology, stay connected with colleagues, and remember to prioritize self-care to ensure that your work-from-home experience is fulfilling, successful, and sustainable in the long run.

The Roadmap to Entrepreneurial Success: Essential Questions Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Must Answer

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Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires much more than just a great business idea or a passion for your chosen field. It involves careful planning, strategic thinking, and the ability to answer crucial questions that can shape your path to success. By exploring and addressing these key questions, you can gain clarity, build a strong foundation, and set yourself up for success. Here are five critical questions that entrepreneurs must answer on their journey:

What Problem Am I Solving?

Successful entrepreneurs start by identifying a problem or a need in the market. Ask yourself, “What problem am I solving with my product or service?” It’s crucial to comprehend the problems that your target audience is experiencing in order to create a viable business that provides real value. Conduct market research, analyze consumer trends, and engage with your potential customers to gain insights. By clearly defining the problem you are solving, you can create a differentiator for your firm and set it up for success.

Who Is My Target Audience?

Knowing your target audience is crucial for effective marketing, product development, and customer acquisition. Ask yourself, “Who will benefit the most from my product or service?” Define your ideal customer profile by considering demographics, psychographics, and behavioral patterns. Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. Tailor your messaging, branding, and marketing strategies to resonate with your target audience. By concentrating your efforts on a certain market group, you may successfully meet their demands and build a base of devoted clients.

What Is My Unique Value Proposition?

In a competitive market, it’s essential to differentiate your business and clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Ask yourself, “What makes my product or service stand out from competitors?” Identify your unique strengths, whether it’s exceptional quality, innovative features, superior customer service, or a distinctive brand story. Develop a compelling value proposition that highlights these differentiating factors. You can attract customers, build brand loyalty, and gain a competitive edge by offering something that sets you apart.

How Will I Acquire Customers?

Customer acquisition is crucial for any business’s success. Ask yourself, “How will I reach and attract customers?” Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that encompasses both online and offline channels. Think about digital marketing strategies, including email marketing, social media strategies, content writing, and search engine optimisation (SEO). Explore partnerships, influencer collaborations, and community engagement to expand your reach. Additionally, plan for customer retention by delivering exceptional customer experiences and fostering long-term relationships.

What Is My Growth Strategy?

Entrepreneurs must have a clear vision for the growth and scalability of their business. Ask yourself, “How will I scale my operations and expand my market presence?” Outline your growth strategy, whether it entails providing new goods or services, or expanding into new markets or exploring strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Develop a robust financial plan that accounts for scalability and profitability. Consider the infrastructure, resources, and talent required to support your growth plans. Thinking strategically and planning for growth can position your business for long-term success.

Answering these key questions is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build successful businesses. By understanding the problem you’re solving, defining your target audience, differentiating your value proposition, acquiring customers effectively, and planning for growth, you can lay a strong foundation for entrepreneurial success.

5 Surefire Viral Marketing Tactics to Rapidly Expand Your Reach

Posted on by Gary

Viral marketing is a powerful tool businesses can use to increase brand awareness and generate buzz around their products or services. Unlike traditional forms of advertising, viral marketing relies on social sharing and word-of-mouth to spread the message. In this article, we will explore five secrets of viral marketing that can help businesses create successful campaigns.

Emotion is key

One of the essential secrets to creating a viral marketing campaign is to evoke emotion. People are more likely to share content that makes them feel something – whether it’s happiness, anger, or surprise. For example, a heartwarming video about a dog who overcomes adversity is more likely to be shared than a dry product advertisement. By tapping into emotions, businesses can create content that resonates with their audience and increases the chances of it going viral.

Keep it simple

Another critical element of viral marketing is simplicity. Complex or confusing messages are less likely to be shared, as people often do not have the time or energy to decipher them. To create a successful viral marketing campaign, businesses should focus on creating simple and straightforward messages that are easy for people to understand and share.

Timing is everything

Timing is also an essential factor in viral marketing. Businesses should aim to release their campaigns when their target audience is most likely to be online and receptive to the message. For example, a campaign targeting college students should be released during the school year when they are more likely to use social media. Timing can also be affected by current events or trends, which can be leveraged to make a campaign more timely and relevant.

Harness the power of influencers

A powerful marketing strategy that can be implemented is influencer marketing to amplify the reach of a viral marketing campaign. Businesses can reach their audience by collaborating with influencers with a sizable following – increasing the chances of the campaign going viral. Choosing influencers who align with the brand’s values and message is important to ensure the partnership feels authentic and genuine.

Encourage sharing

Finally, businesses should make it easy for people to share their content. This can be done by including social sharing buttons on websites or creating shareable graphics or videos. Businesses can also encourage sharing by running contests or giveaways requiring participants to share the campaign with friends. By making sharing a part of the campaign, businesses can increase the chances of it going viral and reaching a wider audience.

In conclusion, viral marketing is a powerful tool that can aid companies in generating buzz about their brands, products or services. By tapping into emotions, keeping messages simple, timing campaigns effectively, harnessing the power of influencers, and encouraging sharing, businesses can create successful viral marketing initiatives that connect with their target market and get results.

3 Surefire Tips On Empowerment and How To Engage Your Employees

Posted on by Gary

With the different industries slowly opening up after being upended by the pandemic, business owners are now re-calibrating for immediate strategies to achieve their long-term organizational goals.

SKYBIZ, the business solutions arm of SKY Cable Corporation, rolls out some important tips and solutions that will help employers grow both their business and their employee’s morale in this post-lockdown era.

Encourage a favorable set-up

The remote set-up became the new standard in most businesses, employees are able to go on with their daily tasks while working in the comfort of their homes, connecting with their peers purely online. Now that a lot of industries have gone back to their pre-Covid set-up and with the hybrid work arrangement gaining popularity, business owners should allow for more flexibility for employees to get their work done either at home or in the office.

A comfortable working environment is crucial for employees’ productivity, performance, and job satisfaction. Whether you are working from home or back to the office, the physical space where work is done should be conducive for every employee to excel daily.

Engage professional and personal growth

A well-balanced life is something that both employers and employees should strive for. Businesses will continue to grow if their people also grow, hence, it’s important to make the workplace a safe place where employees can unleash their maximum potential professionally and personally.

Most companies have incorporated different activities and practices that can boost the morale of their employees. A shared activity outside the workplace like a Monday morning reflection over coffee or a Friday night sports fest will strengthen the working relationship within the company allowing employees to feel more at ease and closer with their peers.

Invest in tools that empower

With most of the work transactions and meet-ups done digitally, businesses should invest in a reliable service provider and solutions tools that will empower them to grow their business in this digital age.

SKYBIZ is extending its BizTastic BunDeals with its Biz Broadband Connect and BizFiber Connect plans that include reliable business-grade internet connection for SMEs suited for their day-to-day activities, bundled with a three-month Microsoft 365 and a voucher from ABS-CBN Dash or Grab.

5 Tips for a Safer Online Shopping Experience In 2023

Posted on by Gary

For many shoppers, the online marketplace has been one of the best features of the technological age – you get what you want without travelling to the shops and negotiating the long queues and the arduous effort of getting there. For business owners, it’s a cost-cutting strategy to get their products out without costly overheads.

However, how sure are you that you are not paying more than you think you’ve bargained for? Horror stories of buying fakes and low-standard materials have been seen on posts and other online platforms. So how do we protect ourselves from these possible threats?

It would be very hard to figure out if what you’re buying is the real thing or a triple-A imitation. So we sought out brand maven Barbs Aguirre-Miravalles, the Division General Manager for Fragrances of LUXASIA – the leading omnichannel partner for luxury beauty and lifestyle brands to reach Asia Pacific consumers for some tips to help consumers figure out what they are buying.

Find a reliable source

Most e-commerce platforms have a marketplace where in it is open to all resellers. It is difficult to spot authentic resellers from counterfeit resellers as most would put 100% authentic on their product pages. When in doubt, I recommend shopping at the retailer.com sites or brand.com sites so you can be guaranteed that the products come from the original sources.

Compare and review

It would help to read reviews, but it would still help to compare prices and product details/ specifications from the original brand websites to know what you are buying. Check the source of the products.

Beware of cheap items

Counterfeit items are sold at cheaper prices precisely because the ingredients/materials used to create this is not comparable to the authentic item. We suggest watching Netflix’s ‘Broken’ to understand the danger of counterfeit items. This is dangerous to one’s health, especially for cosmetics and ingestible. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. You get what you pay for, so the lower money you spend equates to the quality you will receive in return.

To further help our readers, we dug deeper into precautions necessary for doing online purchases courtesy of the Australian Filipina:

Always make your purchases from a secure connection.

After clicking the link to the site, check out the prompt in the address field. It would usually read https://www, but if you read “Not Secure,” then it’s not worth your while.

Create a unique password.

If you keep on forgetting your password, get a secured password keeper like dashlane which keeps all your unique passwords that can be generated by the system or from a story of your life that no one knows about.

Be mindful of the information that you provide the sites

Identity theft is one of the most rampant crimes going around, and giving more information than you have to may just be the biggest mistake you can ever make. Standard information would be information on the payment method, shipping address, telephone number and/or email address. If the merchant asks for more, walk away.

Check the shipping details.

Some merchants charge exorbitant shipping fees that can turn a shopping bargain into an expensive mistake. Look to see if they provide tracking and insurance. Understand what carriers they use, and be particularly cautious if the item won’t be shipped within ten days.

Always remember, before you CLICK & SHOP, STOP & THINK.

Source: The Australian Filipina

Swarovski and EssilorLuxottica announce a ten-year licensing agreement

Posted on by Gary

Swarovski and EssilorLuxottica announced recently that they have signed an exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture, and worldwide distribution of Swarovski Eyewear.

The agreement will be effective until December 31, 2028, with an automatic renewal option of an additional five years. The first collection under the agreement will be available on the market from September 2023.

This agreement combines Swarovski’s creativity and savoir-faire with the knowledge, innovation, and expertise of EssilorLuxottica.

The partnership builds on Swarovski’s luxury credentials alongside its enduring commitment to eyewear as a key fashion accessory. Swarovski Eyewear, which features designs inspired by the brand’s jewelry families, brings an additional facet to Swarovski’s customer offering, and complements its extraordinary jewelry, home décor and accessories collections.

The first collection will be developed under the leadership of Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert and launched in time for the FW23 season.

Alexis Nasard, CEO of Swarovski, said: “We are delighted to further evolve our Swarovski Eyewear business with global leader EssilorLuxottica. This is in-line with our LUXignite strategy, and is a natural partnership for us, forged from a shared passion for beautiful design coupled with impeccable quality and savoir-faire.”

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica said: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Swarovski, a brand known for its artful design and incredible attention to detail. We have always seen each pair of frames as a piece of art to be worn, which makes Swarovski and its story such a wonderful fit.”

About Swarovski

Swarovski is a place where magic and science meet. Swarovski unifies all parts of its organization under one spellbinding idea and brings forward a wondrous new world of crystal craftsmanship. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and sells the world’s highest quality crystal, gemstones, Swarovski Created Diamonds and zirconia, jewelry, and accessories, as well as crystal objects and home accessories. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. A responsible relationship with people and the planet has always been an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage. This manifests today in the company’s well-established sustainability agenda with youth-focused education programs and foundations to promote human empowerment and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact. For more information, please visit swarovski.com.

EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. Formed in 2018, its mission is to help people around the world to see more and be more by addressing their evolving vision needs and personal style aspirations. The Company brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technology and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to set new industry standards for vision care and the consumer experience around it. Influential eyewear brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley, lens technology brands including Varilux and Transitions, and world-class retail brands including Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Salmoiraghi & Viganò and GrandVision are part of the EssilorLuxottica family. EssilorLuxottica has approximately 180,000 employees. In 2021, the Company generated consolidated pro forma revenue of Euro 21.5 billion. The EssilorLuxottica share trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESLX.PA; Bloomberg: EL:FP. For more information, please visit essilorluxottica.com.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Swarovski

Editorial credit: Luca Lorenzelli / Shutterstock.com

Prominent Buyer’s Agent launches Australia’s first ever simple step-by-step guide for everyday Aussies looking to invest in commercial property

Posted on by Gary

Chinese-Australian buyer’s agent Helen Tarrant is Australia’s number one commercial property buyer’s agent. With house prices fluctuating and interest rates continually rising, she believes it’s time Australians end our ‘love affair’ with residential property. Having built a multi-million-dollar property empire herself, Helen is finally unmasking the hidden secrets surrounding the alternative investment pathway – commercial property.

Traditionally, this property market area has felt confusing, inaccessible, and unaffordable for many investors…and this is where Helen’s new book comes in.

This Spring, Helen’s first book Cashed up with Commercial Property: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Cash Flow Positive Portfolio, will launch in bookstores Australia-wide. Published by Wiley, the book will be a first-of-its-kind educational guide that makes commercial property investment easy to understand and accessible to all – no matter your age, ethnicity, or background in investing.

Whilst most of us feel like we need to either win the lottery (or have cashed up family members) to get our foot on the property ladder, Helen’s own story proves this doesn’t have to be the case. After migrating to Australia from China as a young girl, Helen’s family had only $70 to their name. She moved house 9 times and worked three jobs to support her family throughout high school. After completing a Master of Laws at university, she founded her own beauty therapy business. She was burning the candle on all ends, yet still felt like she couldn’t save, or find any work life balance. It was during this time that a single moment with her landlord changed the course of her life forever…

“My landlord would show up, collect my rent, and then just go out fishing. That was all he did. His income from the rent of his tenants in our building meant he could live the life he loved. Cue my light-bulb moment…maybe I should look into commercial property. After doing some research I found that commercial property had the potential to halve my investment journey time and help me make ten times as much cash flow than investing in residential. And so, I took a leap of faith and never looked back,” Helen says.

In 2012 Helen purchased her first commercial property, a Japanese restaurant in North Sydney for $395k. Fast forward a decade, Helen’s property portfolio is worth over $30 million.  And due to the way that commercial property is geared, during that time, Helen was also able to build her income, earning an additional $20k plus in positive cash flow per week from her investments alone.

These simple ideas and lessons Helen learnt along the way was what eventually inspired her to become a buyer’s agent. Realising there were many misconceptions in the market and no one really educating everyday investors about commercial property, she found a niche providing essential education and strategies for the average Australian seeking to get their foot in the door. Helen now has helped over 1,000 Australian investors find financial freedom through commercial investment, with a total property portfolio worth over half a billion.

Cashed Up with Commercial Property is unique in its category, as it features real life case studies and practical guides for what is required to invest in commercial property. It provides helpful comparisons on investments between residential and commercial, as well as sound strategies that any Aussie can use to generate additional income as they work towards their property/investment goals.

One such case study is Sydney mum Joey. With three kids under five, Joey works as a compliance consultant while her wife, Diane, is a dentist in her own practice. “Joey first approached me when she had 11 residential properties, was negatively geared and in desperate need of some cash flow so she could support her growing mortgages and family lifestyle. Over the past three years we have helped her source excellent commercial investments that would drive a sound return and help her reach her cash flow goals. In that time, we have secured her three properties and close to $100k in passive income, and that’s after outgoing expenses,” Helen explains.

In her book, Helen debunks the biggest myths about commercial property and provides encouragement that no matter who you are or what your property goals are, she can help you on your journey. Three simple pieces of advice her book, includes:

  1. Embrace the Mindset ChangeTrying something new always comes with uncertainty and a bit of gear-shifting. But embrace the mindset changes and don’t apply the same things you know about residential, to commercial. It’s a learning curve, but the payoff (literally) is worth it.
  2. Don’t wait!Ever heard the old idiom, there’s no better time than now? Well this is completely true in commercial property. The market is always changing, so no matter who you are, I recommend getting some advice and starting now, even if it’s small, because the longer you wait, the lower the yield. Build the right strategy and don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone.
  3. Allow Yourself to Dream Big!We can so often feel despondent about property – whether you’ll own the dream home or are scared of being priced out of the market. But with commercials, we encourage you to dream big no matter where you’re at in your investment journey. Map out your big-picture goals, and then with the help of your team, we can help you work backward so you can figure out the best way to start now.

Cashed Up with Commercial Property is published by Wiley and is available for purchase through all good book retailers for $32.95.  For more information or to purchase a copy, visit: https://helentarrant.com/

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Medianet

Jim Thompson signals the beginning of a new chapter

Posted on by Gary
Jim Thompson, Thailand’s iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok’s must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter.

 

Jim Thompson, Thailand’s iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok’s must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter.

Jim Thompson, Thailand’s iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok’s must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter. Inclusive of the original Jim Thompson House Museum, it features a new “Museum About the Man”, a Home Furnishings Exhibition, a café and a new Iconic Store.

Jim Thompson, Thailand’s iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok’s must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter.

Local and international visitors will get to soak in the rich history and stunning architecture of what was once the residence of Jim Thompson and explore the beauty of Thai culture, silk traditions and the Thai spirit of innovation as well as discover exhibitions about the life and work of the “Silk King”.

Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson explains, “We are excited about this new chapter. This is not just any lifestyle brand; it was founded by an iconic man who revived the Thai silk industry. The project will be 100% completed by April 2023 with the opening of a restaurant, a bar and a multifunctional hall, all reflecting the spirit of Jim Thompson.”

Jim Thompson House MuseumComprising of 6 teak houses sourced by Jim Thompson from all over Thailand, his residence also became home to an extensive collection of Southeast Asian art. After his disappearance in Malaysia in 1967, his home was carefully preserved and turned into a museum.

Museum About the ManDrawn from the archives of The James H.W. Thompson Foundation, “The Man Himself” highlights the critical milestones in Thompson’s life, from his early years to the last day that he was seen. The exhibition also charts the journey of Jim Thompson fabrics from Vogue to Broadway and on to becoming Thailand’s only global lifestyle brand.

Home Furnishing Exhibition‘The Evolving World of Jim Thompson Textiles’ is an exhibition that unveils the story of the Thai Silk Company Limited and the prominent creative figures behind the company’s successes in the textile and fabric world after the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967.

The Iconic StoreVisually stunning, the store offers over 6,000 products and exciting collaborative projects including menswear, womenswear, bags, knick-knacks, accessories, homeware, and exclusive collections only available at this location.

The Jim Thompson Art CenterThe Art Center is a place where ideas and stories are shared through creative experiences. It is also a gathering ground for cultural communities to come together, learn, discover and exchange dialogues.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by PR Newswire.