BEAUTY AND ART: A UNIQUE TEMPERAMENT
8:46 PM"Life is a great big canvas. Throw all the paint you can on it."
The famous Steve Jobs once said that, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all the matters of the heart, you'll know it when you find it." He wasn't an artist or a painter, in fact, he was an entrepreneur slash genius, greatly known as the co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc. He just knew the secret to life through that quote. In relation to that quote, today's article will be about a certain someone who is actually living the good life -- a life where she knows that what she is doing is something she loves and it is in art where she finds such happiness.
If you've read the previous article, you could probably recognize the girl on the left and she's the ever talented, Jamie Fournier. But right now, I'm gonna be featuring the other beauty on the right. And I'm pretty sure you all know this bubbly lady who owns one of the most popular tea houses here in the city. Read on and find out what makes her stand out from the rest and how she and Jamie share the same passion for art.
If you've read the previous article, you could probably recognize the girl on the left and she's the ever talented, Jamie Fournier. But right now, I'm gonna be featuring the other beauty on the right. And I'm pretty sure you all know this bubbly lady who owns one of the most popular tea houses here in the city. Read on and find out what makes her stand out from the rest and how she and Jamie share the same passion for art.
Chingkee Te
Artist | Entrepreneur | Tea Lover | Business & Fashion Icon
http://www.facebook.com/chingkee.te
Credits to Chingkee Te for all her photos
When I first stumbled into this little tea house during one day last 2012, I could still remember the first time I saw this pretty golden-haired girl who greeted us so cheerfully when me and my friends went inside. We were in awe with the place. It was like being in a dollhouse that came to life. We were amazed at how creatively the place was designed and furnished. I thought to myself then that this isn't something you can just copy from anything. It was purely original, it was purely made from such passion that drove the owner to be able to come up with everything about the place. As much as we all know how exquisite the place is, for now, the spotlight is on the woman who brought it all to life. That's Sharee Mae Te. But we've all come to know her as the sassy Chingkee Te which may be the reason why her tea house is named Chingkeetea. As you read along, you'll learn what makes this girl who she is right now and why she's still on top as one of the most successful entrepreneurs of Cagayan de Oro City.
"Life is like a cup of tea. It's all in how you make it."
The artist at work!
"Creativity is creating marvelous out of the discarded."
Currently one of the most highly-recommended chill spots in the city, Chingkeetea, located at Marfori Compound (Pabayo corner Corrales Street) and across Corpus Christi Grade School
Chingkee: "Don't waste the talents and skills God has given you. Use them to inspire others for His glory."
One of the many things I truly admire about this lady is how humble she is. This is also the reason why I think she stands out from the rest. She owns a business that never runs out of customers, she gets to be on the covers of lots of magazines here in the city, so many people praise her for being such a master in her own craft and yet she never lets all these get into her head. One thing I've also learned from Chingkee during this short interview is that she is a very God-fearing person. She always puts God in everything she does and she offers all her success to Him. I sincerely believe that this kind of humility and character will always go a long way. And yes, that's what it did to her!
"I started drawing when I was still young, just like most of the kids. I think the passion developed (and it still is) when I was in college. I got to visit restaurants and shops with artistic interiors and galleries/museums in Manila. Being surrounded by creative individuals also inspires me to have such passion for art."
More up-close photos of her art:
Well obviously, there are still more of those artsy fartsy stuff! Chingkee doesn't limit herself to just drawing and painting, she also experiments a lot on different flavors for milk teas and fruit teas. Why else would Chingkeetea be a fast-growing business? And just what it says on their cups, it's more than just a tea, it's brewing a lifestyle. It's because of her love for trying out new things and not being afraid to do so. I'm pretty sure there are lots of boys and girls out there who admire this woman's passion for art. She's definitely more than just a pretty face. I asked Chingkee what advice could she give to amateur artists out there who also want to be like her. Here's her take on that:
"Wow, that's very humbling to hear, because I consider myself still an amateur when it comes to art... so thank you! Haha. Well, I noticed that there are seasons when I don't create art as often as I used to (like when I was in college) due to a busy schedule. And whenever i start to paint or draw again, I feel na it becomes "rusty". But if I paint/draw on a daily basis, I start to get the hang of it again... So I believe that you really have to invest time in practicing and mastering your craft. And in time, you'll see how much your talent has evolved and progressed."
I've noticed also that this girl has a very deep relationship with God. And if you've also noticed when you visit her tea house, there are lots of quotes from the Bible on the walls. This is something so inspiring. To learn that one of a great artist's inspiration is to make use of her God-given talents is something that makes others look forward to that same reason too. I think what she wants us to keep in mind is that any great artist were once amateurs too. You can't achieve something great if you don't work hard enough for it. So, just as any successful person out there, mastering something always takes a lot of practice, dedication and good faith.
THE FASHION DIARIES
Chingkee is that type of girl who can pull off any kind of outfit and still look good in it. Apart from pencils and paintbrushes, she is also an artist through fashion. On my list of fashion icons, she is definitely in it! Check out her looks as she emerges from hair color to hairstyle, from flowy skirts to doll dresses, greatly emphasized by her sunny aura that could just brighen up anyone's day.
A born wanderlust; someone who has a thirst for adventure and to explore new places
She always reminds me of these bubbly Korean actresses!
HER STYLE:"My style depends with my mood. But I noticed that lately, my style tends to be quirky... and dark! Haha."
WHERE SHE SHOPS: "I like shopping at Ukay-Ukay shops. Preferred shops? Depende. If I like what they're selling, I'll buy it."
HER FASHION ICON/S: "Hmm. I haven't been reading fashion magazines for the past few months, so I'm not that familiar with people from the fashion industry. But my all-time favorite would be Rei Kawakubo of Commes Des Garcons and Kyari Pamyu Pamyu. Haha. I guess I've been taking inspiration from the Japanese and sometimes koreans.
Yes, she can wear a man's outfit too while still looking extra gorgeous!
The amazing evolutions of Chingkee's hair
According to Chingkee, she sees fashion as a way of expressing one's self. She shares how sometimes her friends would tease her about her outfits, about how sometimes it could be a bit much and would freak people out, even her Mom! Hahaha. "But that's who I am, so kebs!" she said. That being said made me all the more admire this girl! Style is also about being fearless and unique in your own way. This girl isn't afraid or discouraged about what anyone thinks. She just does her thing, chin held high, walking on that choice of attire she wears during her daily errands. So much respect for that!
Just like Jamie Fournier, I strongly believe this girl has so much to offer the world too! Not just her talent for art but her ideas structured by her innovative mind will definitely take her to places! She will always be an inspiration to me. To get more updated with Chingkee's latest projects, follow her on Instagram: @chingkeete
I am beyond grateful to be able to do this blog with the support of two beautiful women whom I admire so much. I hope you guys enjoyed your reading. Don't forget to check my next blog post soon which I'm really excited about. Catch you next time! XOXO
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