“The things I do well, I try to do better. The things I don’t do excel in, I go for classes and read to improve myself in that respect. I find joy in learning, I find freedom in my learning journey.”
Multifaceted SUSANNA HAN models Cartier’s high jewellery pieces, and shares with Lionnel Lim her philosophies and new focus in life
– Susanna Han
THERE IS A SAYING, “PEOPLE WHO FIT DON’T SEEK. THE SEEKERS ARE THOSE THAT DON’T FIT.”
Susanna Han is the latter, which is not a bad thing. Constantly enriching herself and continually reinventing her persona, she is relentless in picking up new skills and knowledge. Obviously, she isn’t done shape-shifting.
Pursuing evolving challenges, she has signed up for piano lessons; apprenticed under the renowned visual artist Tan Khim Ser (Han’s calligraphy was part of an October art exhibition to raise funds for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund); done vocal coaching; and taken psychology courses in lead management, which yielded for her an advanced certification in Choice Theory and Reality Therapy.
She also enrolled in the William Glasser Institute, which conducts training in a certain form of psychotherapy. “I hope to go into volunteerism, hence I took up these courses. I hope to use this as a platform to do programmes such as art therapy for kids,” Han explains.
Most of us are content to pursue a hobby or two, but Han undertakes more activities now than when she held a job. “I cannot keep still, I am just trying to slow down... a bit!” she says, chortling. Her physical outlets are yoga, spins and brisk walks.
She is also working on a coffee-table book, Precious Moments, to be published next year. “It will be pictorial – a collection of memorable moments through my life. Some will be specially photographed, others taken from my collection of photos. The book will be of a limited print run and not sold. I want to gift them to friends and family.”
“I AM THE CLASSIC EXTROVERTED INTROVERT.
I’ve been to a lot of places, experienced a lot and done a lot in the past. I enjoy being sociable, but I’m actually very private. I need me time. I like to withdraw into my own space – I read, I paint; it’s very therapeutic. I’m very motivated when I’m trying to pick up something new. The things I do well, I try to do better. The things I don’t excel in, I go for classes and read to improve myself in that respect. I find joy in learning, I find freedom in my learning journey.”
The sharp dresser is a vvip of many fashion and jewellery brands, and often jets off to attend galas in faraway lands. Han has always enjoyed life – be it travelling or eating well. “I love well-made and beautiful things. Craftsmanship is something I strongly value. But I’ve come to a phase in my life where, especially in the past two years, I practise a lot more mindfulness in terms of what I try to achieve and where I’m headed in my next journey. Now, I’m just appreciating this low-key stage of my life. I’m trying to find my inner harmony and enjoying my own space.”
“AS I GROW OLDER, I DISCOVER MY EMOTIONAL FRAILTY AND I WANT TO DO AWAY WITH MY PRIDE,
and to trust and seek God for wisdom. Problems due to relationships and external circumstances aren’t within our control; the only behaviour we can control is our own.”