Third Culture Kid; Mindset-Wellbeing; Gut Health ; Beauty in Business
Speaker "DREAM DARE DO"
BLOOM EVENT
Keynote Speaker "YOUR BEST YOU"
SOSU CLUB
I am a Third Culture Kid (TCK). Born in the Philippines and now living in the Netherlands, I’ve navigated multiple cultures and continents throughout my life. After completing my studies, I built a career in multinational pharmaceutical and FMCG companies. Yet, I never truly felt at home anywhere, always floating between cultures and identities. This sense of not fully belonging, combined with my drive to carve my own path, led me to entrepreneurship. I founded IKA BEAUTY, a luxury beauty brand dedicated to reminding women of their best selves: “YOUR BEST YOU.” In addition to IKA BEAUTY, I co-founded BIODAMI, The Bioceutical Lab, a probiotic-based nutritional supplement brand.
Owning the TCK Experience
I know what it’s like to question where you belong. Growing up between cultures can feel complex, but I’ve come to see it as a gift. It fosters deep self-awareness, adaptability, and an ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. These experiences shaped who I am today and continue to influence my (entrepreneurial) journey. 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 unique blend of their heritage, the country they live in, and elements from other cultures they encounter.
What I Speak About?
Always fitting in never belonging + YOUR BEST YOU
I’ve built my own “third culture.” Like many TCKs, I’ve faced challenges such as feeling rootless and navigating cultural stereotypes. At the same time, I’ve gained a broad worldview, strong adaptability, and the ability to connect with people effortlessly. In my talks, I break down the complexities of being a TCK—raising awareness about the struggles we experience and helping friends, colleagues, and employers better understand our perspectives. I also provide valuable insights for fellow TCKs, offering practical tools to navigate conversations about identity and belonging.
I believe being a TCK is a superpower. By embracing our unique identity, adaptability, and global mindset, we can turn these qualities into assets that help us navigate both personal and professional landscapes with confidence. Because being YOUR BEST YOU isn’t about where you belong, it’s about owning who you are.
