Jaslyn Koh is the Founder of BrocnBells.com and The Busy Woman Project – both platforms built with a mission for individuals to live authentically, sustainably and be healthy mentally, physically, emotionally, socially. Short for Broccoli & Dumbbells, BrocnBells.com is a social platform to meet new people over health & fitness. Discover like-minded individuals who share your lifestyle, who go to the places you go, and are interested in checking out similar gym & healthy cafe hangouts as you – even while travelling for work/leisure. Jas is driven and inspired by growth, strength, experiences and connections. She is also a lululemon ambassador. Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Jas was in Investment Banking.
What is one thing you stand for and believe in, and why?
Leading life on your own terms – from the simple things like drawing boundaries and saying no, to selecting workouts that best suit your body type (but may not appeal to the rest of your friends), to bigger decisions like selecting jobs or creating brands that matter to you.
Growing up in Asia where collective thinking is prevalent and not following the herd is typically frowned upon, I’ve witnessed so many individuals packing their schedules with things that do not matter to them, or making decisions that do not resonate with themselves – leading to stress, and ultimately, poor health & well-being.
From a career in investment banking to becoming the founder of The Busy Woman Project and Broccoli & Dumbbells – how do the dots connect to now?
Something I’ve learnt is the importance of understanding one’s own core values and consciously reflecting if the current work you’re doing is in-line with the lifestyle you’d like to lead and the ‘success’ you’re looking to create. You define what success/failure means to you; this leads back to the thing that I stand for – leading life on your own terms.
As someone who’s driven by growth and experiences, can you share with us a story that inspires you?
No one story, but I’m inspired almost daily, whether it is through reading or from the simplest of conversations with the people I interact with. Growth in businesses and brands across borders are what excite me; however, the simple things in humanity like kindness, love and connectivity are what inspires me.
Top 5 tips for those who want to shift into a more healthy lifestyle?
1) Start with something small, and enjoyable. For me, that was signing up for an indoor cycling class experience and putting that down in my schedule. It resonated with me the most at that point in time as it seemed the closest to a nightclub setting (dark room, good music) – something which I was comfortable with and was previously a large part of my lifestyle. Needless to say, I pulled a friend along for that extra support and courage!
2) Discover something you truly enjoy, and only set goals that really resonate with you. Just like finding your purpose in life, discovering that ‘why’ behind your healthy lifestyle is a continuous journey, filled with trials and errors; but can help sustain that motivation when work or life gets in the way. It can be hitting xx kg in the weights room as that confidence and empowerment can be taken to your corporate job, or something as simple as remembering the good feelings, which leads me to my next point…
3) Remember how working out or eating well makes you feel – whether it is that dopamine hit which boosts happiness, sense of satisfaction, or that productive energising work day you had.
4) Know that each & every one’s journey is different. What works for your bff, may not work for you. Continue discovering! (see point 2)
5) Find that like-minded person, and/or tribe that can support you on your goals, for a sustainable journey! Together, it is much easier to stay on course when you have each other as accountability partners.
What’s the biggest misconception that people may have about the work that you do?
That building communities and doing good means giving up on profits and business strategies. I am a firm believer of creating businesses that are able to combine profit, people and doing good.
What is the relationship you have with your clothes?
I actually have a pretty small wardrobe of clothing and shoes now. When I was working in a corporate setting, I shopped online almost weekly, and have multiple pairs of heels and dresses for different settings. Now, I go more for functionality, one-piece dresses or jumpsuits for convenience, and brands with values that speak to me.
#ChangeBeyondTextiles is…
The power to influence and impact beyond that first step. We all have the power to change something and make a difference, however small. A conscious thought leads to an action, which grows when someone else around you is inspired to take another little step, creating more positive change. This continues to manifest, but it all starts with us – our little choices!
What does sustainability mean to you?
Making conscious choices that can be continued in the long-run. This starts from understanding yourself and identifying what is important to you. From sustainable fitness, to food choices vs. fad diets, to choices regarding fashion that can affect the environment we are in.
We are inspired by Jaslyn’s passion for a sustainable lifestyle and are proud to have her as Fieldtesters, a group of inspiring individuals that test MATTER products in their everyday journeys of passion, to help us improve durability and design. Jaslyn is wearing the Classic Jumpsuit + Daka Jungle in Size 1.