Isabel Tiaoqui San-Agustín

Instagram: @longliveplants.ph and @casamia_cocktails

Twitter: longliveplants

Isabel’s 20-year career in fashion started after finishing her Masters Degree in Fashion Management at Bocconi University in Milan. She went on to work for the Gucci Press Office in Milan for 3.5 years and then another 3.5 years in the Gucci Press Office in London. She then joined the agency Karla Otto as PR DIrector handling brands including Valentino, Marni, Zadig&Voltaire, to name a few. She then joined Stella McCartney to launch her Kidswear line globally. After having her own first child, she started her communications consultancy firm in London. In 2013, after 12 years in Europe, she moved back to the Philippines. She was invited to join the brand harlan + holden as an industrial partner. The brand had 3 stores when she joined and then grew to 10 stores in the Philippines, including an online presence. Within 3 years of being in the company, they opened in markets around Asia, namely Korea and Indonesia. They also entered the food and beverage industry. The pandemic has been a real eye opener for Isabel--- for both the good and the bad. She has channeled her energies to other passions. That is how her plant business and cocktail businesses have been brought to life.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?: Skiing with my family on a sunny day with fresh powder on the slopes

Which living person do you most admire?: Anna Wintour

What is your greatest extravagance?: My personal chauffeur, JR

What is your current state of mind?: I've got this

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?: Modesty

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?: That's stupid

Which talent would you most like to have?: To play the guitar

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: My sense of direction

What do you consider your greatest achievement?: The relationships I've formed -- both personal and professional

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?: I'd come back as an Hermes Birkin. Considering this bag commands waiting lists, and symbolises power and class, it must (HOPEFULLY) spark joy for its owners.

Where would you most like to live?: Mountains of Niseko

What is your most treasured possession?: My Jaeger- LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Watch and Boucheron Quatre Ring -- "Push gifts" from my husband for when I gave birth to our 2 children.

What is your favorite occupation?: Musical composer

What is your most marked characteristic?: Optimism

What do you most value in your friends?: Loyalty

Who are your favorite writers?: Oscar Wilde, Antoine de Saint Exupery (The Little Prince), JD Salinger (for Catcher in the Rye). Very different genres but they wrote my favourite fictional stories

Who is your hero of fiction?: Mary Poppins

Who are your heroes in real life?: Athletes -- their discipline and sound mind

What is it that you most dislike?: Over-promising then other delivering

What is your greatest regret?: Not learning how to play an instrument

What is your motto?: Live with Passion and Compassion

(Sent via Alpha – Kilo Creative)