The creative girl boss: Galissa

Tell us more about yourself.

I’m Galissa and I recently turned 30 (yes it’s true). After completing a fashion merchandising course, I co-founded Beriwell, Singapore’s 1st Acai Soft Serve café. These days, I assist my dad in our family business and in taking the company digital as it’s been around before I was. I’m an island girl at heart! I love all things sun, sand and surf. You’ll often see me in a bikini or living in linen. 

 

Galissa wears the Johanna Pants 2.0 in Smoke Green, size S.

 What does a typical day look like for you?

My typical day is never really typical. I head to the office between 9am-5pm and I work on all types of content creation throughout the day and when I’m off work. I try and focus on things I love, sharing all things beauty, love, self-care and fashion at @galissas. I try to get rest but I truly never stop (although I don’t recommend it). In 2021, I hope to add fitness back into my routine since a bad back injury. Fingers crossed.

Have you discovered anything new about yourself lately?

Prior to the Circuit Breaker, I was constantly creating content for companies I worked for and even my own café after I left university (I missed it a little). I was also creating content while being stuck at home and unemployed at that point. My creativity unfolded and that’s when I started creating content on my own. I discovered that after announcing my fashion line was halted due to COVID-19, I received so much support and interest and that’s when I realised many people believed in me and had an interest in me and my style to a certain degree. 

Is there someone or a book you read that has influenced your growth as a person? How?

My late grandparents have always been a strong influence in my life. From a very young age, I knew they were very special people. They were loved by everyone whom they crossed paths with. My late grandparents also survived a long distance relationship in the 1960s-80s, my grandfather was a sailor and was away for a good portion of their married life. They were both independent people, loved fiercely and were soulmates till the end. My grandmother was the embodiment of a strong independent woman for me. She raised 2 children 11 months apart while my grandfather sailed the seas with no communication in that era. She provided for her family, was a generous lady who always lend a helping hand to everyone in need. I remind myself everyday to be someone like them as they’ve left such a strong impression even though they are no longer with us and that speaks volumes of their character. 

You have to experience the highs and lows and everything in between. Only you can accept your path.

Have you met with any criticisms for being who you are? How do you handle them?

Too often. I have never been the person to follow the typical ideal route of what your life should be like especially not for a Singaporean. It took me a very long time to come to terms with who I am and there’s no quick fix. You have to experience the highs and lows and everything in between. Only you can accept your path. I now choose not to let people who don’t matter to affect my mental health like I used to. Your own happiness matters most.

What are your intentions for 2021?

My intentions for the new year are to build my dad’s business and develop a team who can take the business to a new level, set more time for myself to work on my personal goals and hopefully creating a few designs to call my own. 

If you had one message for your 20-year-old self, what would it be?

“Trust the process” is a quote I now live by. Everything that goes wrong teaches us a lesson and makes you a stronger person. I wished I believed in myself more when I was younger but I now know I’ll be okay.

Follow her journey on Instagram @galissas.

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Sol Sessions is our way of connecting with everyday girls who are living and discovering their own life's journey. We hope these stories will inspire us to connect within ourselves and create a conscious way of living, led by purpose.