Modern Day Mavens: Nicole Whisenhunt and Kai Lim

 

You know how sometimes when you meet someone for the first time and you instantly know you like them? Well this is especially so for these two lovely ladies. I had just started blogging when I met them and was a little bit apprehensive about putting myself out there. Even if I felt I was equipped to share spirituality, inspiration, my food and all the ideas I had regarding style and home, I was still somewhat nervous. But with much trepidation, I slowly came out of my shell and by God’s grace, one of my first few events was an intimate one that Nic and Kai invited me to. 

Little do they know that the afternoon tea and trunk show they hosted to showcase the beautiful homeware they have in their store, CURA V, left a lasting mark and impression on me that has given me the courage to blog on and the inspiration to do so. Given how negative Manila can sometimes get, I recall many of the topics we spoke about that afternoon and those morsels of kindness, openness, the generous sharing of ideas and tender wisdom has stuck and have a special place in my heart. 

Meet Kai Nakanishi- Lim and Nicole Whisenhunt, who I proudly call my friends. Kai is foremost a mother. And under that belt, a homemaker, businesswoman, fashionista and style arbiter. Nicole is a Jeweller whose designs range from whimsical to Art Deco and classic– but forward at the same time. She too is a businesswoman and along with three other partners, they own the chic boutique CURA V. They have many projects and advocacies under their wings apart from all that they already have going on. They are big influencers in the Manila style scene. Being with them is always a breath of fresh air because of their broad outlook, professionalism and kindness. Aside from being business partners, they are best friends. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kai on Nic:

Me: How long have you known each other and what are your work dynamics?

Nic and I have known each other for more than twenty years. They say it’s hard to work with friends but for us it just works. We can be brutally honest with each other. Yes there are times we disagree but at the end of the day, we know it’s just work and it’s common to have different opinions. We respect what each one brings to the table.

M: Apart from having the same values and views, what makes you both click with each other?

K: Good question. We are different in so many ways but the same in others. Does that make sense? Haha.

M: What are your basic principles and views on how you deal with the many people in the industry you are in?

K: Always be kind and treat people with the same amount of respect no matter who they are. For me, perhaps being raised by a Japanese father, respect is very important.

M: Why do you think your friendship has lasted?

K: Because we don’t like drama

M: Bravo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nic on Kai:

Me: How long have you known each other and what are your work dynamics?

I’ve known Kai since I was fifteen, so almost twenty years now. One thing that makes working with one another possible is the fact that there is respect. Naturally we won’t always have the same opinion on things, but I believe we both try to listen and understand each other’s point of view. I’m lucky that working with Kai is a peaceful process!

M: Apart from having the same values and views, what makes you both click with each other?

N: I guess it’s easy for us to click because we share a lot of common interests especially since we are working in a field of design and Cura is somewhat into the arts, fashion, & home. We kind of agree on the same things in this division. But from a personal perspective we have a lot to talk and laugh about because we enjoy similar extra curricular activities!

M: What are your basic principles and views on how you deal with the many people in the industry you are in?

N: We all have different personalities in this group and I respect each and everyone’s individuality. As much as possible, I try to work with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In times of disagreement it is best to always try to not take things personally, approach things objectively and always keep the peace! Maybe this is the key to our almost six years of partnership for Cura V. Bottom line, the five of us seem to be in this for the long haul and the only way to make it work is to keep the harmonious working relationship and friendship.

M: Why do you think your friendship has lasted?

N: Oh gosh… ha ha! I never really thought so much about this, I guess I just go with the flow all these years! But Kai is a sister to me, we kind of grew up together. Maybe after all these years of friendship we have gotten to know each other through different periods in our life well enough to “just get each other” or “know how to deal with each other”. Admittedly, she knows me quite well and knows how to handle me! Ha ha ha! Like family, you support each other,  disagree at times, but the bottom line is, we have got each other’s back. So going back to your question, maybe the reason for our friendship being a lasting one is because it is an honest one where we can just be ourselves.

The bottom line; friendship comes with a lot of respect, acceptance and the capacity to allow each other to grow. Supporting each other strengthens the bond and shows honest love for the other because you only want what’s best for them and want them to succeed. I have never heard these two speak ill of anyone and the few times we have had deep conversations and have had to vent to each other, we conclude our talks with a peaceful and encouraging resolve to what each of us may be going through. Every goodbye over lunch or coffee with these two always has me softer and feeling like there really is an abundance of good in this world.

You may search CURA V in my archives.

To get in touch with Nicole and Kai, you may send them a private message on instagram.

Kai Lim: @kailim_

Nicole Whisenhunt: @nicolewhisenhunt or @whisenhuntdesign

CURA V: @curav