Life's A Beach

When the going gets tough, Teo Yi Ping and Bella Kuan seek respite in the open sea and sky. Here they reflect on their close bond, the growth they experience from travelling and how saying ‘yes’ to adventures shaped their perspectives in life

- LILY ONG

However, upon seeing how Teo Yi Ping and Bella Kuan interact, you can immediately tell that what you see (on social media and real life) is what you get. For one thing, Ping has a strong personality and is not one to mince her words. As the only daughter to Tan Sri Teo Chiang Hong and Puan Sri Lisa Teo plus the eldest sister to three brothers, this tough-as-nails young woman is known for her fierce loyalty and protectiveness over her loved ones. Her headstrong nature played a part in her successful career pivot from a public relations specialist into becoming a full-time fitness instructor, who created her own brand of workout called BootyPopping.

In Bella, Ping found a kindred spirit who shares the same passion for living life to the fullest. Truly a lady who wears many hats, Bella is a musician, entrepreneur, fitness instructor plus influencer. Together with her friend Lim Cai Jin, she runs a local, all-natural, organic skincare brand called Handmade Heroes. You would think these commitments would keep her busy, but Bella still carves out time in her schedule to pursue her other hobbies and interests such as martial arts, snowboarding, surfing as well as diving.

Therefore, when their paths crossed at a mutual friend’s Chinese New Year gathering six years ago, while they were in their early 20s, they forged an instant connection. “I thought Ping was really chill. She gave off these cool, laid-back vibes. It was easy to just sit down and get to know her,” recalls Bella.

Ping laughingly admits that she wasn’t sure what to expect when they first met. “I had definitely heard of her, because she is one of the hottest bloggers and influencers around. I wasn’t sure then how to approach or speak to her, but when we got to know each other, I was so struck by how funny, friendly and real Bella was,” she says.