Meet HULA's Super Interns This Summer

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From left to right: Victoria, Tatum, Sarah[/caption]

As one of HULA's interns, I am excited to introduce the seven other amazing summer interns that are currently working here. You will get an insight into our different personalities through a series of short interviews. We speak about our passions, fashion loves/dislikes and of course about what we love most about working at HULA. Join me behind the scenes as we talk to the team!

Sarah R. x

Tatum Stiles, 21 Hello everyone! My name is Tatum, I go to the University of Edinburgh where I study an MA in Sociology. I am almost 22 (yes I know ‘almost’ is something only 12 year olds say). I LOVE LOVE LOVE to be creative be it through art, fashion or cooking it gives me a huge amount of joy. I am also incredibly passionate about sustainability and helping our world evolve to become a more eco-conscious place! TELL US ONE THING THAT YOU DO TO CONTRIBUTE TO A SUSTAINABLE WORLD? Every year I try and add a sustainable New Year’s resolution to my never-ending list of things I want to achieve and more often than not I encounter some slip ups on the way!! This year it was “no single use plastic”. BUT since working here at HULA I have also become fully aware of the crazy huge impact the fashion industry in particular has on global warming and the environment more generally so it definitely has made me more conscious about buying into fast fashion, instead opening my eyes up to pre-loved or vintage! WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE CAREER PLANS? As my future looms over me, life is becoming a little more real and so has my job prospects. Sustainability is something that has become an important aspect of my life in particular over the last couple of years and working at HULA has allowed me to dive deeper into what it would be like to work in a sustainable industry in the future. I think it is so important for people to learn to adapt their lifestyle in order to become more eco-conscious. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AND LEAST FAVOURITE FASHION TREND? I have a slight obsession with a two-piece. I think they are so easy and require minimal effort and time yet guarantee you to look put together.

Victoria Moreau, 20 I went to school in Hong Kong and then went to the University of Exeter however dropped out as I realised I’m a city gal at heart. I then started studying business management with marketing in London and am going into my second year now. I find myself mostly binge-watching the office in my free time, not exciting but it is my favourite pass time. I do love cooking as well however on a student budget I wouldn’t say that being adventurous is something I am able to do. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE AT HULA? My favourite rainbow diamanté extra platform heels for sure. They are just so easy to wear and match everything in my closet. Also could wear them at every sort of occasion, especially the beach. But on a more serious note… I do love the YSL black and fuschia body fitted gown, reminds me of Devil Wears Prada. WHAT IS ONE SERIES EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH? The Office, because of Michael Scott. Steve Carrel is the man. Sarah Rockowitz, 22 I have lived in HK since I was four but I am currently going into final year at The University of Edinburgh studying Psychology, and hopefully moving to London post-university to start working! I really enjoy being active so in my free time I love to try new workout classes, hiking/walking, and being out on the water (especially in HK heat)! I'm a big foodie too - so trying new restaurants and coffee shops with my friends are definitely up there with my favourite pastimes. NAME THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE FASHION INDUSTRY? Working at HULA has opened my eyes up to the reality of the fashion industry, and how much it contributes to the waste in our landfills. I have always been aware of fast fashion and the waste it creates, but never took the time to learn or think about it very much. However, I now see how important it is to educate people on the topic and do our best to make sustainable fashion the new norm. WHAT WAS THE ONE THING THAT ENTICED YOU TO WORK FOR HULA? When I was in LA this year I came across The RealReal and really loved the concept of it. It prompted me to think about fast fashion, and why people buy into trends for full price when they come and go so quickly. Especially when you have access to something preloved at of the same quality, more reasonable price, and are saving the planet at the same time! When I got back to Hong Kong I came across HULA after being recommended to go by a few friends. I was really excited to find out it was a Hong Kong-based company that resells pre-loved luxury items. I think the blend of sustainability and fashion was a key motive for me as I have a growing interest in both. I feel like sustainable fashion is hard to come by living in Hong Kong so was very excited when I got to be part of the Hula team. I had also heard great things from previous interns, and now I'll be the one singing HULA’s praises! WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FASHION TRICK?

The French tuck - turning your favourite chilled t-shirt into a cute crop top!

WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERPOWER BE?

Definitely invisibility! Would love to be a fly on a wall in some situations.

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Chloe in Street Style File[/caption] Chloe Medeiros, 19 I'm originally from San Francisco but I grew up in Hong Kong and graduated from Hong Kong International School. I am in my third year at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver studying Psychology. Hong Kong is definitely home for me! Its weather, convenience, food paradise, and the pace is everything. I love the hustle of the city but I also love living by the beach. You get the best of both worlds! You will always catch me going to a spin or pilates class even if I've had a late night. In my free time I like to teach kids Hip Hop, it is my favourite thing ever!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT YOU HAVE WORKED ON SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING AT HULA?

Definitely the street style video. We incorporated clothing from the men's rack to encourage women to experiment. I think a lot of women who come into the HULA tend to not even think about trying our men's clothing. Streetwear has no boundaries, it's for everybody! No matter your gender, age, or ethnicity. It’s a culture in itself and that's what makes it so special. WATCH THE STREET STYLE VIDEO HERE

VINTAGE OR NEW?

Vintage. There's something about vintage that makes a piece so special. I appreciate the quality, craft and hustle so much more. I always have this conversation with my mom. I am so lucky to be able to inherit her goodies ;)

WHAT IS ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

If you ain't first you're last.

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From left to right: Sharon, Bethany, Layla[/caption]

Layla Keith, 17 Hello, my name is Layla Keith. I am 17 years old and I currently attend Hong Kong International School. In my spare time, I love to paint, play the guitar, cook, and I also love shopping (at the Hula of course). I love working at the HULA because I am surrounded by amazing and creative people, as well as the fabulous clothes. Working there has also inspired me to shop more sustainably.

HAVE YOU LEARNT ANY NEW SKILL OR IMPROVED AN EXISTING SKILL WHILE WORKING AT HULA?

One thing that I have improved while being here is probably my camera skills. Working at The Hula has given me the freedom to experiment with videography and photography whether it's shooting something for IGTV or products for the website.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB? My dream job would be working at The HULA of course! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I love all the gorgeous girls there (and the clothes lol). Either way I want to be in the sustainable fashion industry to help make a change.

TELL US ONE THING THAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Something that has been on my bucket list for a while is skydiving in New Zealand.

Bethany Hung, 21

IF YOU COULD CHANGE 3 THINGS ABOUT THE FASHION INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

I would change the fashion industry to be more inclusive, focusing on promoting greater body positivity and celebrating all races and gender identities. I would try to reduce mass production and only produce based on demand to prevent waste- I like the idea of brands doing pre-orders for their pieces so there is no excess production. Lastly, I would like to see an improvement with regard to consumers being more conscious of the people who make their clothes.

FAV THING ABOUT WORKING AT HULA?

Being able to see (and try on - shhhhhhh) all the cool clothes I am too poor to buy heheheh. I love it when sellers bring in new things for us to list, the clothes are NEVER boring.

GO TO SUSTAINABILITY TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS?

I make a conscious effort to reduce my food waste by planning ahead meals to avoid food going off and having to throw it out. I also love zero waste stores such as; Slowood where you can buy things like grains, nuts, dried fruit etc. by the weight so you only buy the amount you need. I have also tried to cut down on plastic, and in general, be more mindful about when, why and how much plastic I am using. One recent change I have implemented is to stop using Ziplock bags or cling film to store food - my family and I are extremely guilty of this!! Instead, I have started to invest in reusable silicone bags.

FAV CUISINE AND WHY? Evil question. Anyone who knows me knows I live to eat and it is impossible for me to choose just one favourite cuisine. However, I won’t leave you empty-handed. I can tell you that it would definitely be an Asian cuisine because, live love laugh rice/noodles. Oh and I love condiments and Asian dishes really understand the magic of condiments - I’m talking Kewpie mayo, XO sauce, Furikake, Chiu Chow chili oil, etc., the list goes on!

Sharon Bruck, 16

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION AND WHY?

My favourite holiday destination is Israel because of the soft sand and yummy food.

IF YOU WERE TO EXPLAIN HULA TO A 5-YEAR-OLD, HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT IT?

HULA is a shop with pretty sparkly things, like a candy shop but for adults.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT HULA? The people, everyone is super friendly. The environment (it’s motivating to be surrounded by pretty clothes). Sarah, because she is always understanding to my questions or when I get confused.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

In five years, I hope to be working for a magazine or clothing company.

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From left to right: Saskia, Alyssa[/caption]

Alysha Lai, 16

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I love all types of creative arts and design, and I like to spend my time sewing and designing my own clothes. You can check out my work at @art.alysha on Instagram! :)

FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT HULA?

My favourite thing about working at HULA was meeting all the other people and interns who work at HULA, and learning about their life experience, how they discovered HULA and why they love HULA so much.

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION?

Sustainable fashion was one of my main reasons for joining HULA. I think sustainability is important in our present world, and especially in the fashion industry. HULA is a perfect example of a positive solution for eliminating waste created by the fashion industry, by purchasing a special and unique pre-loved fashion item.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

I see myself studying in University, and exploring the world outside of Hong Kong as a young adult. I hope that I find the time and continue my artistic hobbies and that I will come back to intern at HULA in the near future.

Saskia Robbiati, 17 I was born in London and I moved to Hong Kong when I was 3 years old. I’ve been at boarding school in the UK for the past 5 years, but now I’ve decided to stay and finish school here. I love to read and go hiking and swimming. HULA is my first internship.

FAVE MOMENT AT HULA?

My fav moment at Hula would have to be when we had a team lunch and ordered in pizza. It was really nice to chat with everyone and just enjoy each other’s company.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

Studying at university either in the US or the UK.

IF YOU HADN'T SPENT PART OF YOUR SUMMER WORKING AT HULA WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Wakeboarding, reading, hanging out with friends and going to my Italian lessons.

TELL US SOMETHING THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love vintage clothes and old music.

WANT TO BE A SUPER-INTERN AT HULA? APPLY HERE