Women make the world go round. Working tirelessly around the clock – women raise households while balancing career and social obligations and more. Paparazzi360 spotlights five women from various spheres in its 17th Cover issue.

BY YVONNE YOONG

Women’s International Day celebrated on 8 March this year is a tribute to women everywhere who shoulder huge responsibilities like raising a family while the modern woman balances her career and other social concerns.

But beyond this day, everyday is international Women’s Day as women continue to provide for their families and households and contribute to society in manifold ways – away from the spotlight and accolades.

Paparazzi360 spotlights five women from various spheres in this March 2026 cover issue: Branding Association of Malaysia’s Datin Winnie Loo; celebrity Sarah Lian; Asia’s queen of property Dr Renesial Leong; REN estate agent Juliana Teh and last but not least is Ukraine-born Malaysia-based Hanna Peleshok. Here is a collection of with their respective stories.

BY YVONNE YOONG

Wonder Woman For All Seasons

Datin Winnie Loo, President, Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM)

“When women rise with confidence and purpose, they don’t just change their own lives — they inspire a generation,” Datin Winnie Loo, President of Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM)

A woman’s woman friend. A hairdresser’s hairdresser. A mentor’s mentor. Datin Winnie Loo has found the sweet spot of balance in all the roles she has embraced throughout the seasons of her life. Indeed even as she turned 70 recently, she continues to glow and inspire young and mature generations alike. Her magic in being relatable, influential and relevant makes her a legend in her own right.

Armed with a pair of scissors, a lot of charisma and a steady head on her shoulders, she carries the weight of her responsibilities with a smile. But, above all this, she truly walks her women empowerment talk where others use it to mask self-glorification. In fact, she encourages young women to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

“What kept me going is my belief that when you pursue your passion with purpose, success becomes a journey rather than a destination.

“Even after many years in the industry, I still feel excited to inspire the next generation and contribute to building stronger brands and leaders.,” she said.

To her, the best definition of women empowerment relates to having “confidence, independence and having the courage to define one’s own path”.

“It means having the freedom to make choices about your life, your career and your dreams without limitations imposed by stereotypes.
True empowerment is not just personal success, but also lifting others as we rise,” she added.

“When women support one another, share knowledge and create opportunities, we build a stronger and more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

Despite having gone where other women have feared to tread, “supporting” other women to her is incredibly important. “No one succeeds alone, and when women encourage and mentor one another, we create a powerful ripple effect of growth and confidence,” she said.

Being unapologetic about building A Cut Above from scratch to embracing her role as President of the Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM), one of the highlights of her journey she shared, is having had the opportunity to mentor many young entrepreneurs and professionals.

“If my journey can inspire someone to believe in themselves and pursue their passion, then I am truly grateful to be seen as a role model. For me, leadership is about opening doors for others.”
 
Advising women to believe in themselves and in valuing their respective unique strengths, the key to her is to “keep learning and evolving”, simply because the world is changing faster than ever.
 
“Build your personal brand and stand confidently for what you believe in. And most importantly, stay authentic. Success is not about becoming someone else; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. In today’s digital and global world, opportunities are limitless for those who are prepared and courageous enough to pursue them,” she opined.

Acknowledging that challenges now differ from the past where she observed that women often had to fight for opportunities and recognition in the workplace – today’s doors of opportunity are thrown wide open.

However, with this, women are having to balance multiple roles simultaneously—career, family, leadership and personal aspirations. Hence, the key is balance, resilience and support systems.

“Women should not feel pressured to be perfect in every role. Instead, they should focus on priorities, build strong networks and embrace flexibility.

“It is also important for society to continue evolving so that both men and women share responsibilities more equally. Success today is about integration rather than perfection—creating a life where career and personal fulfillment can co-exist.
 
Reflections:
 
My journey has been one of passion, perseverance and purpose. Hairdressing has always been my first love, and that passion led me to build A Cut Above, which at its, peak saw 19 salons operating but this figure has been downsized during the pandemic to nine outlets.
 
Balancing my roles as a wife, mother, entrepreneur and President of BAM has never been about doing everything alone. I have been blessed with a supportive family, an incredible team and strong partnerships throughout my career.

What kept me going is my belief that when you pursue your passion with purpose, success becomes a journey rather than a destination. Even after many years in the industry, I still feel excited to inspire the next generation and contribute to building stronger brands and leaders.

Celebrated Celebrity

Sarah Lian, Wellness Entrepreneur & Certified Holistic Coach

“There is so much more value in collaboration than in competition. When women support each other and share opportunities, everyone benefits. In many ways, when you give, you gain,” Sarah Lian.

Celebrity Sarah Lian has worn many hats and is a lady with many talents, having spent about 20 years in the entertainment industry, working predominantly across Asia and North America in both film and television.

“I started out doing extra work on large film sets in Vancouver, Canada which allowed me to observe the industry closely and gain experience in different production environments. Over time, those opportunities expanded and helped shape my career,” she shared.

And, just about eight years ago, she steered her journey towards a wellness-focused path – a journey that has added a new dimension to her work which has brought her a great sense of fulfilment alongside her entertainment career.
 
But behind the glitz and glamour, was a lot of preparation work as she would attest.

“Looking back, my journey has been filled with what I once perceived as setbacks. Nothing was ever truly smooth sailing. At times I wished things had been easier, but I’ve always had to work hard to achieve the goals I set for myself,” she shared.

The pivotal moment when the shift happened for her was when she first moved to Malaysia to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry.

“I came with a clear intention and a strong commitment to building a career here. Once things began to gain momentum, everything seemed to snowball. I found myself appearing on radio, television, and in commercials. And, it felt like I was finally living the dream I had always envisioned,” she related.
 
Having a supportive network too was incredibly important during the difficult periods. At the same time, she admitted that she had to do a lot of “inner work”.

This may be hard ti believe but she reading admits that there is a part of her that can easily fall into a victim mindset so learning to move past that and challenge her own limitations have been an important part of her personal growth. It is not surprising then that she can identify with and is “deeply inspired by survivor stories”.

“I admire women who have endured immense challenges yet continue to move forward and inspire others simply by living their truth. Stories of women who refuse to be held back by excuses and who trust their instincts resonate strongly with me,” she shared.

Singling out Malala Yousafzai’s story as “particularly powerful”, Lian admires her “courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in education and equality” which she credits as remarkable.

“She represents the kind of strength and conviction that can create real change in the world,” she opined.

Dispensing a nugget of advice to women – and also to her younger self, she cautions against asking for discounts on what you want in life.

“Know your worth, trust your instincts, and go after what you believe you deserve without shrinking your expectations,” she stressed.

Admired for her eloquence, charisma and beiaty perhaps her equally attractive trait is her humble and warm disposition without airs devoid of ego.

Walking the talk on the importance of being kind to other women in an age of competition, she stressed tgat kindness is incredibly important.

“Empathy and kindness are essential in all relationships, including those between women. I believe society has moved beyond the idea that success for women is a zero-sum game,” she said.

“There is so much more value in collaboration than in competition. When women support each other and share opportunities, everyone benefits. In many ways, when you give, you gain,” she affirmed.

“I carry a deep sense of gratitude for the people who have supported me and for the many experiences that have shaped my journey.

“Those influences have kept me grounded.
My mission is to continue working with people who are on their own journey of self discovery, helping create spaces where they can reconnect with themselves and grow into who they are meant to be,” she summed.

Reflections:

I rely a lot on my intuition when it comes to managing my time and energy. I no longer push myself to work late into the night just to finish something. Instead, I try to be as productive as possible earlier in the day, usually working from the morning until early afternoon.

Once work is done, I make time to unwind. I enjoy going for walks with my dog and easing into a calm evening before bed. From time to time, I also like taking classes and attending craft workshops which allow me to explore my creativity and try new things.

The idea for creating the Women Wellness Festivak began when two of my close friends started a Women Wellness Festival early last year. When they decided to organise it again, they invited me to join them. It felt like a natural fit because each of us comes from a different area within the wellness space.

My aim for the event is to empower women to make informed and meaningful choices for themselves. We curated a programme that touches on various aspects of wellness so that participants can experience different ways of caring for themselves. By the end of the day, it is rewarding to see women leave feeling replenished and inspired.

Rising With The Right Property Picks

Dr Renesial Leong, CEO of PM Wellness Properties Sdn Bhd & author of “Property Jewels”

“The greatest opportunities in property are often hidden in plain sight — you simply need the knowledge to spot the jewel,” Dr Renessial Leong

Dr Renesial Leong, dubbed as Asia’s Queen of Property, has spent decades helping thousands discover the hidden “jewels” within the Asian property market. Her journey into property investment she shared, was not extraordinary and in fact, happened quite unexpectedly.

“Like many young professionals starting out, I was simply looking for ways to build financial security for the future ahead,” she shared. She happened to come across an article during a flight that discussed how property could be a powerful tool for wealth creation. That idea stayed with her and sparked a deep curiosity.

So much so that the more she studied the subject, the more she realised that property investment was not merely about buying real estate but it was about “understanding markets, recognising opportunities while exercising discipline and patience over time.”

What began as a personal interest gradually evolved into a lifelong passion. Over the years, she continued learning, investing and refining her strategies. The journey led her to share her experiences through writing and speaking with the hope that others could also benefit from the knowledge and insights she had gathered along the way.

“I have been fortunate to draw inspiration from several remarkable individuals. One of the business leaders I greatly admire is Li Ka-shing, whose vision, discipline, and long-term perspective in building his property empire are truly admirable. His journey demonstrates how patience, strategic thinking, and resilience can create lasting success,” she said.

“At the same time, one of my greatest inspirations has always been my mother. She did not speak about wealth or business in grand terms, but she taught me values that have guided my life — to remain humble, to work steadily towards financial independence one step at a time, and to always remember to touch the lives of others who may be less fortunate.”

Having navigated her way successfully in property investments locally and globally while amassing a tidy fortune along the way, her
advice to young women today is to first build a strong foundation — invest in knowledge, develop sound financial habits and cultivate confidence in their abilities. “Financial literacy is particularly important because it gives women independence and the ability to make empowered choices about their future,” she said.

And, while she believes women today have more opportunities than ever before – success she maintains still requires clarity, discipline and perseverance.

Believing that women can build deeply fulfilling lives though it may not always happen all at once or in a perfectly balanced way, different stages of life she stressed often require different priorities. However, what matters most is staying true to one’s values while remaining adaptable and continuing to grow.

“When women combine ambition with wisdom and resilience, they are capable of achieving remarkable things,” she opined.

Sharing that one of the pivotal moments in her journey happened when she realised that “opportunities often appear quietly, and it is our responsibility to recognise them” – from earlier on, when she began studying property investment more seriously, she understood that property is not merely about ownership but it is about identifying undervalued assets and having the patience to allow time to work in one’s favour.

“That shift in perspective changed the way I approached investments. Instead of simply following trends, I focused on understanding fundamentals — location, growth potential, and long-term value,” she shared.

Over time, that disciplined approach helped her build a portfolio of properties and also refine her investment philosophy. “It also reinforced an important lesson: success in property investment is rarely about luck; it is about knowledge, patience, and the ability to recognise opportunities when they appear.”

Dispensing advice to young women – she urged them to simply believe in their potential and to never stop learning.

“Success is rarely a straight path. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty along the way. However, those experiences are often the very things that strengthen our character and sharpen our judgment,” she shared.

“Young women today should not hesitate to pursue their ambitions, whether in business, investment or any field they are passionate about. At the same time, remain grounded in values such as integrity, humility, and kindness,” she added.

After all, success she stressed, is not only about personal achievement as it is also about “using what has been learnt to create opportunities for others and to contribute positively to the communities around us.”

When ambition is guided by purpose and compassion, success becomes both meaningful and enduring.

Reflections:

Every generation of women stands on the shoulders of those who came before them. If we have been fortunate enough to gain knowledge, experience or success in our journey, it becomes our responsibility to share it and help light the path for others.

When women empower other women, we create a ripple effect that goes far beyond ourselves. Confidence grows, opportunities expand and more women begin to believe that their dreams are truly possible. Sometimes empowerment does not come through grand gestures — it can be as simple as offering encouragement, sharing honest advice, mentoring someone or opening doors that may otherwise have remained closed.

Throughout my journey, I have always believed strongly in sharing what I have learned. Through my books, talks and workshops, my hope has always been to help others understand that financial independence is achievable with the right knowledge, discipline and mindset.

When women lift one another up, we create a culture of support rather than competition. And when that happens, the next generation will always go further.

Breaking The Glass Ceiling

Juliana Teh, Chief Commercial Officer of WEREG Properties Sdn Bhd

“I believe there is no glass ceiling. The world is fair to those who work hard and pursue their aspirations with determination,” Juliana Teh

One of the biggest hurdles she faced earlier on as a property agent was building trust and credibility in a highly competitive industry.

“In the beginning, there were many rejections, long hours, and months when deals did not close. It can be emotionally challenging because success in this profession depends a lot on persistence and relationships,” she shared.

However, having the wisdom to realise that the highs make the journey worthwhile — in helping clients find the right property, seeing their happiness when a deal is completed and knowing that one has played a role in an important milestone in their lives are moments she lives for.

“The pivotal point for me was realising that success is not just about selling but about building genuine relationships and providing real value to clients. Once I shifted my mindset to focus on service, consistency, and professionalism, opportunities started to grow. What once felt like adversity became motivation to work smarter and stronger,” she shared.

Women in the property industry she advocates, can empower themselves “by believing in their capabilities and continuously improving their knowledge and skills”. According to her, building strong networks, seeking mentorship and supporting other women in the industry can make a big difference.

“It’s also important to stay confident, resilient and professional. Women often bring strong communication, empathy, and relationship-building skills, which are valuable strengths in real estate. When women support one another and continue to learn and grow, they can thrive and become strong leaders in the industry,” she said.

“To be honest, through my sincere service I have been able to expand my network to many families. My services have not only extended to families but also to corporate clients, and in some cases even across several generations. Over time, many of my clients have come to treat me like part of their own family,” she added of her role as an active REN in the market.

“I consistently prepare myself each day to connect with potential clients, expand my network, and meet with associates and partners whenever opportunities arise.

Stating that while women can be strong and independent, she believes that having a supportive life partner can bring balance, strength, and shared growth in life’s journey.

Reflections:

I believe there is no glass ceiling. The world is fair to those who work hard and pursue their aspirations with determination. While no one can have everything, there is no age limit to achieving success.

Be hardworking, follow your inner voice, and pursue what you truly love. Love what you do, and do what you love.

I am inspired by Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, YB Hannah Yeoh, and Blackpink for their resilience, influence, and global impact. My role models are strong and resilient women who lead with integrity and compassion. Like many people, I have faced challenging periods. However, those moments taught me perseverance and adaptability. The turning point was realising that setbacks are opportunities to learn and growth which helped me move forward with greater confidence and purpose.

True empowerment comes from within. Be compassionate and kind. No tool can replace sincerity and generosity of the heart. When women support and encourage each other, it creates a stronger community where everyone has more confidence, opportunities, and success.

Believe in yourself, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take opportunities or make mistakes. Stay resilient and surround yourself with people who support your growth.

Beauty Boss Big On Beautiful Breakthroughs

Hanna Peleshok, Founder of Latélle Beauty & Wellness, Kuala Lumpur

“The feminine energy is not about domination — it is about creation. And, the world needs more creation,” Hanna Peleshok

Hailing from a background in marketing, and having worked in a Swiss bank as a marketing specialist and later as a marketing expert for a network of aesthetic plastic surgery clinics with more than 10 years of experience in marketing strategy, branding, and client psychology laid the foundation for her to Latélle — not just as a salon, but as a carefully designed experience.

Having moved to Kuala Lumpur following her husband who had career opportunities here, when she arrived, she observed the Malaysian beauty market very carefully.

She realised there was space for more holistic services — treatments focussed not only on appearance, but on relaxation, massage, and feminine restoration. And, at that time, services like lash lamination and advanced brow techniques were still relatively new here.

“I saw an opportunity to bring European precision together with a more holistic philosophy,” she shared.

Latélle Facial & Body Bar she said is especially known for its signature Guasha facial rituals and for pioneering advanced brow lamination techniques in our segment.

It offers advanced skin treatments (exosomes, stem cells, microneedling, body contouring) adhering to medical-grade sterilisation protocols and holistic rituals — including sculpting facial massage, lymphatic techniques as well as Guasha with premium imported products from Europe and Korea.

“Latélle Facial & Body Bar is where science meets softness — where high-performance skincare blends with deep relaxation. We don’t just treat the skin. We restore feminine energy.

“At Latélle Nail Spa, our USP include Slavic precision manicure & pedicure and hard gel extensions — one of our signature strengths. While builder gel provides strengthening, strict
medical-grade sterilisation standards are used everytime,” she said.

By combining European precision with Malaysian warmth and hospitality, every detail is intentional as to her, “Beauty is not vanity. It is energy,” she maintained.

“When a woman feels polished, rested, glowing — she negotiates differently, walks differently, leads differently,” she opioned.

“True beauty always starts from within. If a person is not beautiful inside — in values, mindset, and emotional state — it eventually reflects on the outside.

“That is why beauty must be holistic. It is not only about treatments.. It is about self-work.
It is about confidence… It is about alignment between inner and outer self. Taking care of your appearance is not superficial. It is self-respect.
And, self-respect changes everything,” he summed.

Sharing that what she loves most about Malaysia is the people, she credits this to what she describes as “a genuine warmth here — a kindness that feels effortless”.

“People smile easily, they are open, welcoming, and respectful. I also love the chill vibe of Kuala Lumpur. It’s a true metropolis — you have luxury, international standards, world-class experiences — and at the same time, you can slow down.

“You can find peace. You can find ambition.
You can find balance. That combination is very rare,” she opined.

Believing that a woman can be “soft and powerful at the same time” she describes her clientele as those who want to “become the best version of themselves” – be they mothers, homemakers, entrepreneurs or business leaders.

“Many are celebrities and members of royalty. But at Latélle, every woman is treated like a queen — true VVIP,” she quipped.

Reflections:

Be feminine. Be strong. Do not suppress your softness — it is not weakness. It is power.

Give yourself permission to grow, to rest, to evolve. Put yourself first without guilt. When a woman is full, she creates better families, businesses, and communities.

If I speak honestly, many global conflicts have historically been driven by masculine ego and power struggles. (Hence,) I believe the world needs more feminine leadership — energy that creates, nurtures, protects life.

If men truly understood how difficult it is to bring a child into this world, perhaps they would value peace more deeply. I hope to see a future where there is more balance — where women participate more actively in leadership, decision-making, and shaping society.

The feminine energy is not about domination — it is about creation. And, the world needs more creation.