Some women reimagine success, others transform industries, and a rare few do both while uplifting others. This International Women’s Day, we spotlight the changemakers who inspire not only through their achievements but also through their impact. Leading this celebration is our March cover star Kylie Verzosa, whose path from beauty queen to business mogul and mental health advocate epitomises purpose. This feature honours the power of women who own their narratives – proving that impact is greatest when driven by passion and intent.
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Kylie Verzosa – Acclaimed Actress, Entrepreneur, And Mental Health Advocate
The name Kylie Verzosa might bring to mind her reign as a beauty queen, but her impact transcends the pageant stage. From winning Miss International 2016 to becoming an award-winning actress, entrepreneur, and global fashion figure, Kylie embodies what it means to be a modern Filipina powerhouse. With SOLÁ, her shapewear brand, she champions confidence and body positivity, while her historic partnership with L’ORÉAL Paris puts a Philippine brand on the global map.
Besides beauty and business, Kylie is also a passionate mental health advocate. Open about her own struggles with depression, she has leveraged her platform to dismantle stigma, launching Mental Health Matters – an initiative beginning as an online support group that has since evolved into a comprehensive organisation offering resources, education, and safe spaces. Through her work, Kylie continues to inspire empowerment, demonstrating that true strength lies in purpose-driven action.
Find out more about SOLÁ and Mental Health Matters.
Sonia Samtani – Founder Of All About You Centre
For over two decades, Sonia Samtani has been supporting deep healing and transformational journeys through the practice of hypnotherapy, coaching, regression therapy, and inner child healing in Hong Kong. As a pioneering hypnotherapist and master hypnotherapy trainer, Samtani has been helping others resolve a plethora of mental health issues as founder and CEO of the award-winning All About You Centre. Leading the 852’s only English-speaking centre offering programmes in hypnotherapy, NLP, and tarot, she holds outstanding expertise for embracing lasting change. With both theoretical knowledge as well as practical application at the forefront of Samtani’s work, all those in Hong Kong facing anxiety, trauma, physical pain, and more are welcome in All About You’s non-judgmental environment. With private sessions, certified practitioner training programmes, personal development workshops, and more, Samtani’s work with the centre seeks to remind you of your own capacity for empowerment – using years of experience to provide valuable tools for personal growth.
Ready to begin your own transformative journey? All About You Centre invites Friday Clubbers to experience its open house, Dare to Change, on 26 March from 4 to 8pm.
All About You Centre, 10A, Wing Cheong Commercial Building, 19-25 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 6133 5976, www.allaboutyoucentre.com
Cherisse Kofod – Founder Of Cherry Bobbins
Cherisse Kofod, aka Cherry Bobbins, is a self-confessed online shopping addict turned disruptor in the world of inclusive fashion. With over 15 years in the industry, including roles at Net-a-Porter and CASETiFY, she left corporate fashion to launch Cherry Bobbins in 2023, led by her personal struggle to find well-tailored clothing for curves. The brand’s mission is clear: to create stylish, size-inclusive garments that celebrate individuality without compromising on ethics. Cherry Bobbins prioritises sustainability through compostable packaging, recycled fabrics, and encouraging customers to resell pieces, ensuring fashion’s circularity. Cherisse’s vision proves that clothing should reflect one’s identity, free from societal constraints.
Cherry Bobbins, www.cherrybobbins.com
Sarah Vee – Founder Of Women Of Hong Kong
Sarah Vee, the founder of Women of Hong Kong, has built a dynamic community where women from all backgrounds can connect, grow, and uplift one another – whether through networking, mentorship, or simply finding a supportive circle. Her mission goes beyond the scope of business; it’s about showing what a women-led community looks like – one where vulnerability is embraced and collaboration comes naturally. In 2024, she expanded this dream with The Women’s Lounge, Hong Kong’s first social wellness space dedicated to connection, learning, and empowerment. With over 13,000 members and counting, Sarah’s impact continues to grow – proving that when women unite, real change happens.
Find out more about Women of Hong Kong.
Frederieke van Doorn – Founder Of FREY.
After two decades in men’s tailoring, Frederieke van Doorn saw a glaring gap: women’s corporate wear was either ill-fitting, overpriced, or stuck in outdated norms. In 2020, driven by pandemic reflection and a desire for industry change, she launched FREY. – a brand revolutionising womenswear with tailored precision. By combining AI-driven customisation, sustainable Italian deadstock fabrics, and in-house alterations, FREY. bridges the gap between luxury and accessibility.
FREY., G04, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, Whatsapp: 9172 0701, frey-tailored.com
Madeleine Gray – Critically Acclaimed Author
Madeleine Gray has emerged as a defining voice in modern literature, known for her razor-sharp wit and fearless storytelling. Her debut novel ‘Green Dot’ – an exploration of power dynamics, queerness, and the chaos of desire – has been acclaimed as one of 2023’s most compelling literary debuts. A former literary critic, Gray channels her deep narrative insight into a fresh voice that captures the existential angst of a generation. She dismantles conventions, from upending the ‘sad girl’ trope to subverting traditional affair narratives. With a film adaptation in development and more novels on the horizon, Gray is just getting started.
Find out more about Madeleine Gray.
Jo Soo-Tang – Founder Of Rén
Jo Soo-Tang is creating life-changing opportunities for intellectually disabled youth in Hong Kong’s F&B industry. As the founder of Rén, she partners with top chefs and restaurants to equip these individuals with skills and pathways to independence. Dozens have already found their place in professional kitchens, and with every success story, Jo is transforming the industry. With Rén, she makes sure that everyone gets a seat at the table – and a chance to thrive.
Find out more about Rén.
Olivia Dawn Mok (Xiaolin) – DJ, Music Producer, Record Collector, And Classically Trained Musician
Olivia Dawn Mok, also known as Xiaolin, brings a rare combination of classical training and underground club culture to Hong Kong’s electronic music scene. A Juilliard and Berklee alum, she moves fluidly between analog synths, jazz improvisation, and raw acid electro, creating sets that are truly unexpected. From spinning vinyl at 宀 Club to making her debut at Boiler Room Singapore, her sound is a shape-shifting force – keeping dance floors in a state of anticipation.
Find out more about Xiaolin.
Friday Club. is where every day feels like Friday. We spark conversations that are both trendy and thought-provoking, exploring topics that truly matter while staying true to ourselves. We’re all about honesty, tackling tough subjects head-on, yet we never forget to embrace the fun life has to offer.
