How to win at life: Take a step down to move on up

MANILA, Philippines - Last week, Fashionista.com published an interview with Keija Minor, the first African-American to become editor in chief of a Condé Nast publication, who got her start by quitting her job as a corporate law associate at the age of 27 to become a magazine intern, taking an 85-percent pay cut in the process. That’s the industry equivalent of being the nanny of seven musical children first before upgrading to the babely Capt. Georg von Trapp’s missus. Yeah, Maria knew exactly how to solve her own problems.

For a lot of people, though, it takes more than just guts to come down from such great heights (whether it’s the top of the corporate ladder or the nunnery at the highest point of a mountain) in order to pursue whatever it is you feel you should be doing instead. And even then, it’s a risk. Perhaps the sagest advice my own brother has ever given me was, “You’ll never know the joys of elephant training until you’ve tried it.” Conversely, you’ll never smell the stench of Dumbo’s dung until you’ve actually stepped on it. And yet, Keija Minor isn’t exactly an exception to the rule — we know tons of people who’ve stepped down from the proverbial pedestal with only a prophecy of the Beach Boys to go by: that everything will turn out alright. Here, we feature five women who aren’t just doing alright, but are killing it in and outside of Manila.

Isha Andaya-Vallés, 33

When you’ve been in a particular industry for nearly a decade, making the decision to step away from the career ladder in order to focus on your family isn’t the easiest choice to make, especially for women who are constantly faced with the pressures of having to “lean in,” as Sheryl Sandberg would suggest. But it’s the choice that Isha Andaya-Vallés made a year ago, which coincided with the knowledge that she was pregnant with her first child. When her former employers came calling again, however, she realized that maybe leaning in is exactly what she’s wanted in the first place.

What are you doing now?

I’m the executive editor for Preview magazine. I used to be the managing editor of Stylebible.ph. I took a year off to open a few fish and chips shops with my husband called Chuck’s Grub Fish & Chips.

What made you do it?

I think that both occasions of career-switching corresponded with changes in my personal life. Chuck’s Grub Fish & Chips was a start-up/passion project that my husband and I began before we got married and when I chose to work on opening those stores, I was also pregnant with our first child. Fast-forward to a year later, I was given the opportunity to work in publishing again and I found that I had missed the energy and ins and outs of the magazine industry, so I welcomed the chance to go back. It’s a great time to be back, too; we have big plans for 2014 that should stir things up for the readers and the industry.

How long did you deliberate before making your choice?

It took me about a month to deliberate on returning to Preview. I consulted with Pauline Juan who I really consider to be a mentor, before making my decision. It was really helpful as I had a lot of questions, not just with regards to the job but also concerning the greater aspect of balancing a career with family life. My husband was also a great sounding board during the time I was making the decision and I’m grateful for his objectiveness and support.

What are the most challenging aspects of what you’re doing now?

I think the trickier part was getting back into the mindset of print. Print and digital media are alike and different in many ways and after four and a half years of working in Stylebible, I had to shift my frame of mind back to the pace and process of print.

What are you most proud of so far?

I’m proud of having closed my first issue. It’s really thrilling to see your work in print. I guess I will always love the energy and creative spirit of working in this industry. In the 11 years that I’ve worked on and off in this industry, so much has changed and so much has come full circle. The difference between now and when I first joined the magazine is that I have a clearer picture of the brand: what it is and where we would like it to go. I’m truly looking forward to the Preview that’s in-store for the readers this 2014 and seeing how much fun it was to plan for this year, I’m certain the succeeding years will be just as enjoyable, if not better.

Pauline Camille Prieto, 21

It was only four years ago when Pauline Prieto broke out in the industry and into every conceivable editorial in every major (and minor) fashion publication in the country. By the time she turned 21, she already achieved all the things a model could hope for: constant ramp work, scores of magazine covers, billboards, even TV commercials. For many, it’s inconceivable that she would leave behind a flourishing career that she actually loved to go back to school in New York, but as she’s discovered, nothing worth doing is without its risks.

What are you doing now?

I’m studying Interior Design at the School of Visual Arts. Before, I was modeling in Manila, Hong Kong and Thailand.

What made you do it?

It was when I came to New York early 2013 and got scammed a few thousand dollars that I decided it was time to put modeling on a hiatus and focus on the bigger picture and go back to my first love.  I was debating between two things I was madly in love with, so it honestly took me quite a while till I was completely certain I wanted to shift gears. The truth is, I’ve been in love with architecture and design since I was a little girl. My grandfather would give me books about landscape architecture and have me make drawings for him when I would come over and spend the afternoon. He was a wise and loving man and he was the first person who saw that this was what made me who I am and helped me hone it. In retrospect, changing gears actually wasn’t just for me, it was for him too.

What helped to make the transition process smoother?

My boyfriend, cousins and friends really helped keep the screws in place. My friends and cousins would take me around and teach me the ropes while my boyfriend has been the best support system when it comes to keeping my grades in check, finding internships, and getting my life sussed out. I am very fortunate that I’m lucky enough to have these people in my life. They are literally my lucky stars.

What are the most challenging aspects of what you’re doing now?

The most challenging aspects are the expenses. I am doing my hardest to be as independent from my family as possible and being unemployed in a city like New York is not helping. I have recently sent out my resumé to a few places and heard back so fingers crossed that something gets thrown my way. At one point, I did miss home a lot. I had Thanksgiving dinner with my boyfriend and his friends from college and it was when they were toasting each other that I remembered my friends and family and had this desire in me to have them all within arms reach. One day where I cried on the train and my boyfriend hugged me, and I knew it was going to be A-ok. I really don’t know what I would do without him because calling back home can only do so much.

What are you most proud of so far?

Being in a city that lets me be as creative as I want. It makes me very happy that all my professors see great potential in me and constantly push me.

Bea Soriano, 26

Bea Soriano could’ve easily chosen to spend her entire life earning her keep as a pretty face, whether as a model or some type of TV personality or host. After all, she’s surrounded by friends who have. But we’ve begun to see less and less of her in the last few years — last time we checked, her last magazine cover was in August 2012 for Rogue. While spending less time in front of the camera is a conscious decision, it also has to do with the fact that she’s insanely busy these days handling the hugely popular Sunnies by Charlie brand, which is on its way to becoming a major player in the retail industry.

What are you doing now?

I’m the co-founder and operations director of Sunnies by Charlie. I used to model during my free time in college. When I graduated, I started a fashion brand with my partner, Eric Dee, Jr., called Charlie. We then focused on our strongest product, which were Sunnies.

What made you do it?

I wanted to do something that I was truly passionate about. I’ve always wanted to have a business since I was young. It took me about six months to make sure that I was equipped to make my concepts come true.

What helped to make the transition process smoother?

From day one, I was lucky to have had my current business partner, Eric, to discuss everything with. We share the same vision and we keep each other motivated. Also, my good friend Gab Perez pushed me to go into business. They were both there to help me build my confidence and take risks. Now, I’m so blessed to be with a very strong team. Martine Cajucom, Georgina Wilson and Eric are such good business partners and we are so fortunate to have very different strengths. It helps build a better team.

What are the most challenging aspects of what you’re doing now?

It’s always a challenge to have the right timing. When it comes to trends, it’s always about the right time. Release a trend too early, and people will not understand it. Too late, and people will be over it. I’m anxious (in a good way) every day! You always have to be on top of everything, especially in such a competitive industry.

What are you most proud of so far?

As a new entrepreneur, I find it so nice when I see random people using our products. I’ve been seeing a lot of people wearing Sunnies by Charlie even out of the country, and that really makes my day. We have a vision for Sunnies by Charlie. We are working on a very solid foundation and from there, we will build our dream.

Michealle Torres, 34

Mich Torres was largely credited for giving Metro magazine a much-needed revamp in 2010, when she took over as its editor in chief, after coming from Elle Singapore. But she left Manila behind last year not for a better opportunity — “As corny as it may sound, I moved for love,” she says. She headed for Paris without a guaranteed career in a country where she didn’t speak the language, yet somehow managed to land on her feet.

What are you doing now?

I moved to Paris in June 2013 and started working as a correspondent for Hermés and Bulgari Philippines and also as the executive producer for Runway TV Europe. Recently, I’ve also taken up the post of rédactrice en chef (chief editor) of Prestige International magazine Paris. Before this, I was editor in chief of Metro magazine.

What made you do it?

The decision to finally move to Paris was made around January 2013, but there were plenty of things to consider before the actual move. As corny as it may sound, I moved for love. I met my fiancé in 2011 when Metro did a photoshoot in Paris. It was a long-distance relationship for a few years and then we decided that we wanted to be together. For me, that’s all you need: just one good reason.

Were you at all prepared for it?

Paris is one tough city, especially for people in our industry. As with foreign talent in any country, you have to prove yourself more and get yourself out there more. It’s like starting from scratch and establishing your identity again, networking, and meeting people — not to mention dealing with the language barrier.  It takes a certain amount of humility to ask friends, or friends of friends for help to find a job or even just a referral but I see no shame in that. I just had to steel myself from negativity and always think positive, bringing that attitude into every challenge and disappointment that came my way. I made myself believe that things will work out, that sacrifices will pay off and I’m grateful that now it’s really starting to.

What are the most challenging aspects of what you’re doing now?

I wish I knew how to speak French—really! I’ve been taking up French lessons at Alliance Francaise here in Paris so that has helped so much as far as the language barrier goes. Most of the challenge really comes from making a name for yourself in a city where everyone wants to work in fashion and magazines. It’s a slow, but sure process.

What are you most proud of so far?

I love that I’m still able to work in this industry that I love and that with this magazine I can promote Filipino talent which, I have always believed, is world class.

Ana Isip, 33

When you’re young, you can afford to take risks, especially when it comes to your career, because you’re usually just responsible for youself and your own well-being. But more often than not, young people don’t know what they want yet. It’s one of the great ironies of life. Ana Isip had a really stable job that could support her growing family, but realized that it wasn’t what she wanted to do with the rest of her life: She wanted to be a makeup artist — not exactly the most reliable source of income in a competitive industry. And yet, with a supportive spouse and a little patience, it all worked out.

What are you doing now?

I’m a freelance makeup artist (Anaisip.com). I was a merchandise manager for Toys at SM Inc. and I was also the education manager (trainer) for Estée Lauder.

Were you at all prepared for it?

It was difficult at first because I gave up a stable income and had to start from scratch. No one knew who I was, so I had to do a lot of free services like pro-bono shoots and weddings of my friends and relatives just to build my portfolio. Eventually, I met a lot of people in the industry then I started doing shoots for magazines, fashion shows, play productions and also TV guestings, which helped in booking paying jobs. Eventually things started to pick up and people already started to know who I was.

What helped to make the transition process smoother?

The transition became easier for me because my family, especially my husband, supported me all the way. He didn’t even think twice when I said I wanted to resign from my job and become a freelance makeup artist. He is my biggest supporter up until this day.

What are the most challenging aspects of what you’re doing now?

The most challenging aspect for me is having so little time with my family during weekends, especially in December and January because I’m a bridal makeup artist. I deal with it by making sure that all my free time is spent with my husband and my three kids.

What are you most proud of so far?

I really love doing makeup for weddings because it is always an honor to be chosen by a couple to be their makeup artist on their most special day. Being a part of a wedding makes me feel really blessed. It is always an achievement for me when a couple books me for their wedding.

Photos by GABBY CANTERO, Makeup by ODESSA ANDAL for MAC, Hair by DAN MENDEZ for Bench Fix