浿機

A: Mornings are usually a rush. Before heading out, I drink some olive oil because I have digestive issues and want to take better care of my health. Once I get to the office, I make a cup of coffee to wake myself up, then meet with my team to discuss the day’s schedule.

A: I spend quite a lot of time at my studio, which is near Dongmen Station. The places I usually go are pretty limited—mostly Da’an and Xinyi Districts. When I go out for meetings with clients, brand events, or photo shoots, I’m usually around the Xinyi shopping district. Today is quite an exception: I’ve come to the Xinyi Fuxing Branch in Zhongshan District, somewhere a little different from my usual haunts!

A: “les piccola” near my studio is said to be a little Paris on Jinhua Street. The restaurant’s atmosphere feels romantic and elegant, as if you were in Paris—great for photos and delicious, too. I highly recommend the made-to-order “butter, honey, banana, and cheese crepe.” Pair it with a latte for the perfect afternoon tea. les piccola Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/lespiccola

A: I binge-watch TV shows, mostly American ones. Lately, I’ve been watching “America’s Next Top Model”—I absolutely love it!! I’ve also recently gotten hooked on a game called “Identity V,” and even made my coworkers download it so they could play with me (laughs). After work or on my days off, I try to stay away from crowded places. I don’t really go shopping either; I prefer staying home, where I can relax more.

A: “A white shirt”—I prefer chiffon or rayon fabrics with a slight sheen that hardly wrinkle at all. People are so busy these days and don’t have time to iron, so it’s especially convenient for office workers to just grab one and wear it. I also recommend a “pencil skirt” in a print or a bright color. It keeps the outfit from looking like a boring office-worker look and adds a focal point.

A: “Rings.” I feel completely uneasy if I go a day without wearing one. To me, they’re like a good-luck charm.

A: After working as an office employee for three years, I started my own business and opened an online boutique, selling clothes that I personally patterned and designed. Every month, I would make special trips to Europe and Japan to select home goods, clothing, and accessories. The first three months went smoothly, but after six months I realized how demanding it was. It was my first time being a business owner, and I hadn’t thought things through thoroughly when it came to understanding the market or managing the business internally. I went two full years without paying myself. A steady income is still very important. I could manage for a year or two, but did I want to keep living that way indefinitely? In the end, I had no choice but to close the business, even though it was painful. During that time, I had continued writing my blog and taking on freelance projects, so I thought, why not try turning my passion into my work? Starting when I was an office worker, I would ask my colleagues to take photos of me during lunch so I could write and share outfit posts. I kept blogging while on an exchange program in Japan and later while studying in the UK. I realized that when you find something you’re truly passionate about, that passion can drive you forward. Share, learn, and don’t limit yourself by what you think you can do. I’m no longer working alone now. With a team, I look for freelance projects or try cross-industry collaborations so we can grow together and, as much as possible, expose everyone to more opportunities and experiences.

A: To me, being a slash worker isn’t about having several part-time jobs. It’s about refusing to settle for a mundane, relentlessly busy life and making the most of the things you love. It’s not merely about having multiple income streams or identities; the most important thing about being a “slash” is a certain attitude toward life. Whatever you do, “you have to truly understand what you want,” then build outward from your areas of expertise and pursue diverse opportunities. I think the key for slash workers is to lay a solid foundation. Don’t try to do everything and end up specializing in nothing. Always be prepared and look for opportunities to take the initiative.

A: “Thank You Again Today! The Miracle of Creative Management” by Yoshio Kobayashi

Being a boss is not easy. I’ve been an entrepreneur for two or three years, and I’m still learning how to be a good boss and manager. The book is largely about a manager whom his subordinates called a “devil manager” and a “cold-blooded person.” His management style led to high employee turnover, widespread complaints, and a low-spirited workplace, so he decided to make a change. This has made me place particular importance on team harmony and take a more comprehensive approach to handling matters, putting myself in my employees’ shoes. Whenever I have a bit of free time, I also chat with my colleagues and check in on how everyone is feeling.

Because I’m not a foreigner, I may not be able to put into words what draws me to Taiwan. But whenever I perform overseas, I find myself missing all the things I love about Taiwan. To me, Taiwan is home—the familiar language and my friends, and as someone from southern Taiwan, I feel an even deeper connection to this land. The most enjoyable part of traveling is exploring. You don’t have to look up restaurants or tourist attractions in advance; stumbling upon a restaurant as you wander down the street or discovering an interesting little shop around the corner are all wonderful surprises.

Quiet and clean. I must have stayed in well over 200 hotels during my touring career. Eventually, I realized that what matters in a place to stay is having a peaceful, comfortable space to rest in after a busy schedule.

Sunshine and warmth. Before the pandemic, when I couldn’t travel abroad, I stayed at Dandy Hotel Daan Park Branch. Although the room didn’t face Daan Forest Park directly, it felt very comfortable, and thoughtful little touches, like a personalized card waiting for me at check-in, made me feel so warm and welcome.