Some girls have all the luck, goes the 1980s ditty.  No lady embodies this saying more than my dear friend, Nikki Tang, who not only possesses a lovely countenance, carries herself well, speaks confidently and relates sweetly and pleasantly with others, but also succeeds in her many endeavors, especially as a "beautypreneur" which is how her friends, associates and employees describe and define her.

It is a most deserved appellation as Nikki serves as the CEO of DMark Beauty and DermAsia, two companies that she affirms are "committed to making a difference in the beauty and skincare landscape."

In a dinner with Nikki at her favorite dining place, Chef Jesie's in Rockwell, last December yet, before everyone got into the frenzy of merrymaking for the holidays, she shared with me her journey as the brains and mover behind the companies, DMark Beauty and DermAsia, which she described  to be "at the vanguard of revolutionizing the beauty and skincare industry.

"With DMark Beauty setting its foundation in 1997, we have been pioneers in delivering an extensive array of cutting-edge beauty and skincare products designed to meet the myriad needs of our clients. DermAsia, established in 2004, complements this by offering advanced medical aesthetic devices that are at the forefront of technology, and aims to elevate the standards of beauty and wellness."

She further elucidated over steak and vegetable salad, "Together, our mission is to empower individuals by enhancing their natural beauty through our innovative solutions, deeply rooted in science and artistry. Our commitment is all about about creating lasting impacts on well-being, confidence, and the overall quality of life for those we serve."

Well said by a lady who is the perfect testimony to the beauty and wellness philosophy that she espouses.

As we are celebrating the coming of the Year of the Dragon 2024, I felt it most fitting to share with you my intimate and all-encompassing conversation with Nikki who is easily one of the most beautiful and best-dressed of our women, including those who belong to the Chinese-Filipino community  whose impact on the socio-economic development of our nation has never been more strongly and significantly felt.   

A well-educated lady who attended the most prestigious Chinese schools in elementary and high school, Nikki pursued her Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering and Management, a formidable field of study that we normally would equate with intellectual prowess especially of men. Her diverse education, that included De La Salle University for college, she pointed out to me, "resulted in the blending of my cultural roots with technical and managerial skill sets, and thus have  been instrumental in shaping my approach to entrepreneurship and business management, providing a strong foundation for my journey in the beauty industry."

The following are excerpts from my interview with Nikki:

Daily Tribune (DT): You identify yourself as a beauty entrepreneur. How did you become interested in the field?

Nikki Tang (NT): My interest in beauty and skincare was influenced by my mom and grandmother, who incidentally, are both entrepreneurs. This passion grew throughout the years through their guidance, and I have been dedicated to the beauty industry for almost three decades, constantly seeking to innovate and improve the offerings in the market.

DT: As a lady of Chinese roots, what Chinese beliefs and traditions do you practice in your business?

NT: I integrate the principles of balance and harmony from Chinese philosophy into our business practices, ensuring that our products and services not only enhance beauty but also promote overall well-being. We also observe traditional Chinese customs in our company, such as celebrating Chinese New Year and incorporating Feng Shui principles into our office spaces.

DT: What Chinese character traits do you possess and in what way do they help you in your business?

NT: Perhaps that would be diligence, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. These qualities have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving success in the highly competitive beauty industry.

DT: As it is the Chinese New Year, what are your wishes for the Year of the Dragon?

NT: My wishes for the Year of the Dragon are for prosperity, health and continued success for our companies, our clients, and everyone around us. The Dragon symbolizes power, luck and strength, and I hope these qualities shine upon us all this year.

DT: How will you welcome the Chinese New Year? Where will you be and what will you do to celebrate this special day?

NT: I will welcome the Chinese New Year with my family and close friends in a gathering that honors our traditions. We'll have a special dinner featuring symbolic dishes, exchange red envelopes (ang pao), and set off fireworks to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune.

DT: What will you eat on New Year's Day?

NT: Every New Year's Day, we always enjoy a feast — that includes fish (to symbolize abundance), dumplings (for wealth) and sweet rice cakes (for a sweet life), among other dishes that are rich in symbolism and tradition.

DT: Tell me about your parents and family, including your parents' business and professions.

NT: My parents are entrepreneurs who have always been involved in the business sector, instilling in me the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of giving back to the community. Their businesses have varied over the years, but the lessons learned from their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have been invaluable.

DT: How did your parents raise you? What values did they impart to you?

NT: I'm fortunate enough to have parents who have raised me with a strong sense of discipline and respect for others. They taught me the value of education, the importance of perseverance and the virtue of humility. From my young age, they discouraged wastefulness and emphasized the importance of family and community.

DT: Tell us about some happy memories of your growing-up years.

NT: Some of my happiest memories involve family gatherings during holidays and festivals when we would cook together, travel, share stories and participate in traditional Chinese games and rituals. These moments of togetherness and cultural celebration have strengthened our family bonds.

DT: Let's talk about the present. What is a typical day for you especially at work?

NT: A typical day for me involves a mix of strategic planning, brainstorming, and engagements with business partners and clients.

DT: What is your management style?

NT: My management style is participative and collaborative. I believe in empowering my team, encouraging open communication and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

DT: There are so many beauty, health and wellness products in the market. What are the advantages of your products and services?

NT: Our products and services stand out for their quality, innovation, and effectiveness. They're all based on years of scientific research. We prioritize safety and efficacy, integrating the latest scientific advancements with traditional beauty wisdom to offer our clients the best solutions for their needs.

DT: What is your edge over your competitors?

NT: We've been blessed to have had the opportunity to serve a wide range of clients throughout the years. That being said, perhaps our edge lies in our commitment to excellence, personalized customer service and our ability to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of our clients.

We also pride ourselves on our ethical practices and sustainable approach to beauty.

DT: What is your morning beauty ritual? What is your evening beauty ritual?

NT: My morning beauty ritual includes cleansing, toning and moisturizing, followed by sunscreen. In the evening, I focus on deep cleansing, nourishing treatments, and hydration to repair and rejuvenate my skin.

DT: What is your formula for keeping young?

NT: I've always believed that true beauty should come from within. My formula for maintaining beauty and youthfulness includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and a consistent skincare routine.

I also believe in the importance of mental and emotional well-being, practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques.

DT: What accessories do you love to wear? What jewelry adorns your body? Favorite jewelry brands?

NT: I love wearing accessories that are elegant and meaningful, such as a classic watch or a piece of heirloom jewelry. My favorite jewelry brands are those that combine craftsmanship with ethical sourcing, reflecting both beauty and responsibility.

DT: What do you love to do outside of work? How do you unwind from the week's heavy load?

NT: Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and cuisines, and spending quality time with my family. I also unwind by practicing yoga, reading and indulging in spa treatments that rejuvenate both mind and body.

DT: How are you as a mother?

NT: As a mother, I strive to be supportive, nurturing, and present for my two boys. We bond over shared activities like travel, dining out, making sure to spend quality time together despite a busy schedule.

DT: What are your favorite travel destinations and why?

NT: My favorites are mostly cities that offer a blend of dynamic culture, architectural marvels, and unique experiences. Tokyo captivates me with its harmonious mix of tradition and cutting-edge modernity, providing endless inspiration and a sense of wonder.

Barcelona is another favorite for its vibrant street life, iconic architecture by Antoni Gaudí, and rich culinary scene. Brussels draws me in with its charming historic core, impressive art museums and, of course, its renowned chocolates and beers.

Lastly, Dubai, UAE, astonishes me with its futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, and adventurous activities like desert safaris. Each of these cities offers a distinct flavor and an array of experiences that rejuvenate and inspire me.

DT: Who are your heroes and people you admire, respect, and want to emulate — both living and historical figures?

NT: I admire trailblazers who have shattered ceilings and paved the way for future generations in their respective fields. Among these are Zhang Xin, co-founder of SOHO China, for her visionary contributions to the real estate industry and philanthropy in education, demonstrating that determination and vision can propel us to extraordinary heights. I also hold in high esteem Lucy Peng, a co-founder of Alibaba and a luminary in the technology and finance sectors, for her leadership and pioneering work in shaping the e-commerce landscape. Their courage, intelligence and serious dedication, alongside global figures like Michelle Obama and Marie Curie, serve as great sources of inspiration and motivation for me.

DT: What puts a smile on your face?

NT: If there's one thing that not only puts a smile on my face but also makes me smile from within, it is witnessing the positive impact our products and services have on our clients' lives and seeing my team grow and succeed. The impact just brings me immense joy and satisfaction.

DT: What do you do for civic work?

NT: I am involved in various civic initiatives, focusing on education, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Through our corporate social responsibility programs, we aim to make a positive impact on the community and inspire others to do the same.

DT: What awards and distinctions are you proudest of?

NT: I am proud of awards that recognize our commitment to excellence, innovation, and social responsibility in the beauty industry. These accolades not only affirm our efforts but also motivate us to continue making a difference in the lives of our clients and community. 

DT: What can one expect from you and your company this 2024?

NT: In 2024, one can expect continued innovation and collaborative education from our companies, with the launch of new products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are also committed to expanding our reach and impact through sustainable practices and community engagement.

DT: What is your advice to young women who would like to become entrepreneurs?

NT: Whenever I have the opportunity to impart insights to aspiring entrepreneurs, my core message emphasizes not just passion, resilience and serious commitment to one's vision but also highlights the critical importance of agility and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey. It's essential to navigate the ever-changing business landscape with flexibility and view challenges as stepping stones for innovation and personal development. Continuous learning and an open-minded approach to new experiences will enable you to pivot effectively in response to market demands. Moreover, grounding your entrepreneurial endeavors in integrity and respect remains non-negotiable, as it will always serve as the foundation upon which lasting success is built.

DT: What is your wish for this country?

NT: My wish for this country is continued progress and prosperity, with greater opportunities for all its citizens to achieve their dreams and contribute to the nation's development in meaningful ways.

DT: What tips can you give others on how they can benefit from the Year of the Dragon?

NT: To benefit from the Year of the Dragon, embrace the qualities of courage, innovation, and determination. It's a year to pursue your dreams boldly, take calculated risks and seek growth and transformation in both personal and professional aspects of your life.