In this month’s edition of K.BLU Women We Know, we talked to singer-songwriter, Yogi, founder of Yoga Movement, a certified yoga trainer and a soon-to-be momma, Alicia Pan. Talk about woman who does it all, she took the stage at the age of 17, released 2 EP albums, founded Yoga Movement with her partner-in-life Peter Thew and watched it grow from 1 outlet to now 6 outlets in just under 5 years. This adrenaline junkie shared with us how she stays afloat in her yoga journey and on top of all her games in life.
 
Who and what do you think of when you hear “Fearlessly Female”?

I think of someone who isn't afraid to defy the odds, and someone who doesn’t seek validation from society on a daily basis. A ‘fearless female’ is someone who has a clear indication and direction in life and stands for it no matter how hard it is to achieve. 

Do you have a female leader you admire in your life?

Malala Yousafzai - nothing says courage more than than standing up for womens rights and defying oppression in one of the most dangerous countries for women in the world.

What is the one thing that scares you the most and want to try at least once?

Base jumping! That Sh*t cray!

What is the hardest life hurdle you’ve gone through and what did you take away from it?

Which one? HAHA! I feel like I have got through many hurdles both in my entertainment and entrepreneurial careers- through all that, my biggest takeaway is that is impossible to know EVERYTHING - but trust and have confidence that you will find a way to figure things out and they will all work out eventually.  

What keeps you going when things get tough?

I think when I have a goal in mind I am generally not a quitter - so even through hurdles I know I need to get to my goals. I am almost impulsive when it comes to wanting to achieve things fast. 

What is the one life lesson you learned that can’t be taught in school?

Life IS unfair in many ways - face it. You HAVE to hustle to stay on top of the game!

What is your definition of success?

Success is such a subjective thing - to me, success means being content, and having a comfortable home to go home to, having good health, and having friends and family who support you in everything you do. I am very lucky to have all of those. 

If you weren’t working in the job you are in now, what would you be doing instead?

I would probably still devote 100% of my time on performing, recording and songwriting.

What is your ideal holiday?

A deserted island with an endless supply of tropical fruits and food, a hammock and crystal clear water surrounding. 

What or who are your style influences?

I like to try and be pretty laid-back when I am not busy so beach-boho vibe is my thing!

What three values are most important to you?

- Good things come to those go out there and earn it.
- Never be a victim.
- Be kind to animals.

 

Alicia is wearing Coral Porcelain Bandeau bikini set SKU 1451A & 1451B

Living in a sunny climate, what are some of your must-haves when it comes to your skin?

Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize!!!! I do love the sun though, so I can’t complain!

What is one thing on your bucket list?

Is it weird to say that I think at this point I’ve checked everything off my bucket list? I am content :)

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself nurturing, teaching and taking care of my little boy, living by the beach.

Is there a song lyric or a quote you live by?

“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life” - Muhammad Ali 

What makes you want to practice / teach Yoga?

The look of content on the students’ faces after a session because of how good they feel is extremely rewarding and makes me love the teaching aspect of it. Similarly, the feel-good factor in both my mind and body makes me practice. 

How are you able to juggle work and yoga workout?

My work and personal life are completely intertwined. I run a fitness- lifestyle brand so it would be a little bit sad to have to completely separate the two. :P

When did you start doing yoga?

I started back in 2006 when pursuing an entertainment career in Taipei, Taiwan. It was my way of finding ‘personal space’ back then.

How has yoga changed your lifestyle/improved your lifestyle?

Yoga has such incredible benefits, both mental and physical. The practice of breath and movement has really helped me maintain calmness in times of supposed calamity and anxiety - and the movements in the practice itself have been great for both strengthening and toning both joints and muscles, in turn preventing injuries from happening. 

Any yoga poses that are meaningful to you? Or which poses are those you took a long time to achieve?

I am and will always be struggling to achieve different poses - everyone is built differently, and while a pose may be easy to achieve by one person, it may not be possible to achieve at all by another. Yoga is all about body awareness, hence there are no milestones to meet in terms of what poses you can or cannot do.

Favourite pose?

Triangle - I love a good side body stretch while working the legs.

What do you look for in yoga wear?

Breathable and stretchable fabric.

Any tips for beginners?

It’s not all about flexibility - so stop getting discouraged if you cannot touch your toes! The beauty of Yoga is that it IMPROVES both flexibility and strength.

Do share with us some of your favourite healthy meals (be it homemade or purchased outside)

I have to be very honest and admit that I love foods of all kind - I believe in eating in moderation. If I decide to have a slightly more sinful breakfast, I balance it out by eating well for lunch and dinner, and vice-versa. I personally do enjoy a healthy grilled chicken-breast on top of a home-made salad consisting of kale, baby spinach, red onions, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber and homemade lemon-ginger dressing. 

How many times do you workout in a week?

I try to move everyday - even if it means walking to get groceries instead of driving

Alicia is wearing NEW Turquoise Porcelain Bomber jacket SKU 1714

Any words for beginners to stay focus and determined?

Start your day by moving - this will not only wake you up for the rest of the day but also allow you to have the option of taking it easy