Third Culture Kid; Mindset-Wellbeing; Gut Health ; Beauty in Business
Speaker "DREAM DARE DO"
BLOOM EVENT
Keynote Speaker "YOUR BEST YOU"
SOSU CLUB
Kristina is a Third Culture Kid (TCK). Born in the Philippines, living in the Netherlands, she has navigated multiple cultures and continents throughout her life. After completing her studies, Kristina built a successful career in multinational companies in the pharmaceutical and FMCG industries. Yet, she never truly felt at home anywhere—always floating between cultures and identities. This sense of not fully belonging and her drive to carve her own path led her to entrepreneurship. She founded IKA BEAUTY, a luxury beauty brand dedicated to reminding women of their best selves: “YOUR BEST YOU.” In addition to IKA BEAUTY, she co-founded BIODAMI, The Bioceutical Lab, a probiotic-based nutritional supplement brand.
Embracing identity as a Third Culture Kid
Kristina encourages you to embrace your identity, even when it feels complex and multifaceted. She wants others to understand that it’s normal to struggle with questions about who you are and where you belong. These struggles foster personal growth and a deep sense of self-awareness—making TCKs uniquely equipped to navigate the world.
A “Third Culture Kid” (TCK) is someone who has spent a significant part of their developmental years in a culture different from their parents’ or passport country. As a result, they develop a ‘third culture’—a blend of their heritage, the country they live in, and elements from other cultures they encounter.
KRISTINA SPEAKS ABOUT…
Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and Identity
Kristina has developed her own “third culture.” Like many TCKs, she has faced challenges such as feeling rootless and dealing with stereotypes. At the same time, she has gained a broad worldview, strong adaptability, and the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds effortlessly.
In her talk, Kristina breaks down the complexities of being a TCK. She raises awareness about the struggles TCKs experience—helping friends, colleagues, and employers better understand their perspectives. She also provides valuable insights for TCKs themselves, offering practical tools to navigate conversations about identity and belonging.
Kristina shows that being a TCK is a superpower. She inspires audiences to embrace their unique identity, adaptability, and global mindset—turning them into assets that help navigate both personal and professional landscapes successfully.
