When the going gets tough, Teo Yi Ping and Bella Kuan seek respite by traveling together. They reflect on their close bond, the growth they experience from their journeys, and how saying ‘yes’ to adventures shaped their perspectives in life
When Teo Yi Ping and Bella Kuan interact, you can tell that what you see is what you get. As the only daughter to Tan Sri Teo Chiang Hong and Puan Sri Lisa Teo plus the eldest sister to three brothers, Yi Ping (known to friends as Ping) is not one to mince her words. Her headstrong nature played a part in her successful career pivot from public relations specialist to fitness instructor, creating her own brand of workout called BootyPopping.
In Bella, Ping found a kindred spirit. A lady who wears many hats, Bella is a musician, an entrepreneur, a fitness instructor and a 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 other hobbies and interests such as martial arts, snowboarding, surfing as well as diving.
The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship
When their paths crossed at a mutual friend’s Chinese New Year gathering six years ago, they connected immediately.
“I thought Ping was really chill. She gave off these cool, laid-back vibes. It was easy to talk to 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 was one of the hottest 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.
Over time, their friendship grew, and they began planning girl trips together. Joining their circle of friends was Cai Jin, Bella’s business partner, and another mutual friend, Mandy Gioh.