Shih Fen Gavala
Age: 27
Hometown: Palmerston North, New Zealand.
What do you do for a living? I have a scarf label GAVALA and I’m a full-time Mum.
What has been one of your hardest moments or challenges?
Not growing up in a stable household and I guess having to take on difficult responsibilities from a young age. No family is perfect. But that experience has taught me to be the person I am today, I’m strong and I strive to provide the best for my family regardless.
Not growing up in a stable household and I guess having to take on difficult responsibilities from a young age. No family is perfect. But that experience has taught me to be the person I am today, I’m strong and I strive to provide the best for my family regardless.
Whats your best tip for travelling with a young family?
Well packing plenty of snacks is a must and also I prefer to travel with less or no baby accessories i.e Pram. Half or most the stuff you never use! A baby carrier or Sarong is easy and way more convenient.
Well packing plenty of snacks is a must and also I prefer to travel with less or no baby accessories i.e Pram. Half or most the stuff you never use! A baby carrier or Sarong is easy and way more convenient.
Shih Fen frolicking with her daughters in Bali, wearing the Byron one piece in Camo print
What is something you do to nurture yourself?
I like to tidy & organise my things; I feel really satisfied after it. (I feel you sister!!)
What advice would you give to 18-year-old Shihfen?’
I started my first Part-time Job at 14 working after school. And was the first out of all my friends to have a job for the first few years. I was earning pretty good money, and just spent it all on expensive shit (clothes, bags, shoes (materialistic stuff) and I actually didn’t save any of it. I was having fun and loved them at the time but I wish I were taught to spend my money wisely. I could have put it towards something worth investing in. So my advice would be “Don’t spend everything you have; don’t save everything you have”.
What advice can you give to young girls who are constantly/comparing themselves to Instagram models/influencers?
I’m sure you have heard this so many times, but you are perfect in your own way. Every woman is different, and all have beautiful qualities about them inside and out. Instead of spending time comparing you to others, spend that precious time loving yourself. With two young daughters, I want them to grow up with great self-esteem, nourish their skills and teach them to be positive about their own body and others.
Shih Fen wears the Delusions one piece in Bordeaux
How do you get motivated if you’re ever a bit down/tired?
I like to go for a walk in the park – even if it’s freezing outside. It clears my mind, and I get over it!
Who do you look up to as a mentor?
I have so many, too many to name. ☺
Finally, Cantik means “beautiful”, what is beautiful to you?
Beautiful to me is what shines in the inside. When my daughter’s smile and laugh, that is what I think is beautiful.
Follow @shihfengavala
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