For Audrey, progress feels most meaningful when it's rooted in authenticity. From the work she creates to the rituals she keeps, every aspect of her journey reflects the values she chooses to live by.
Tell us something about yourself! What would you like us to call you, and what do you want people to know you for?
I’m Audrey, and I’m a storyteller and strategist in the spaces of sustainable fashion (I have been with the award-winning social enterprise R2R or Rags2Riches for 11 years!) and F&B (I am part of the creative team behind TARA! Filipino Diner).
I am passionate about so many things — the industries I am fortunate to be a part of and my different hobbies like running, cycling, being a BTS ARMY, reading, journaling, etc. — but the underlying thesis of all of them is they are manifestations of a life I built that is intentional, full of curiosity, and ultimately true to myself and core values.
I think I’d want to be known for that: I proudly live a life that echoes my truth.
How would you describe your Rituals in three words?
Flexible, self-loving, and analog.
Currently, with life being so fast and chaotic, I have had to pare down my routines and rituals to something more manageable (flexible!). But there are things that I try not to miss: time for just myself, be it either through a quick journaling session before sleeping or a walk by myself to decompress after a long day. This is my act of self-love!
Lately also, I’ve been more strict with my screentime and phone use. I don’t like how foggy and distracted we get from being so connected online. Most of the day, my social media apps are locked — I use third party apps to help with this! Duolingo is also one of my app blockers; it has this feature where you can’t unlock your socials unless you do at least 1 language lesson. It is so helpful keeping my brain (and my Duolingo streak!) active. And instead of doomscrolling when I am bored, I always have my journal or book (or even coloring books and craft projects!) in hand; analog all the way!
Give us a little update—what are three things that have made you feel good recently?
Finally finishing a book I’ve been slowly savoring for months — there is truly nothing like the written word and getting sucked into an author’s world. Everyone read Pachinko if you haven’t!
Getting back on my bike’s saddle and going on a long-ish ride to a good matcha cafe I’ve been eyeing in Marikina. For me, there is nothing more freeing than cycling.
My Skin Reset Ritual at Simply Skin! I have been traveling and working a lot so my skin has been so stressed, so I am thankful for this treatment that would help me get back on track with taking care of my skin.
What’s one secret you can lend to a fellow Woman in Progress®️ for a great journey towards progress?
Stay true to yourself and always act from a place of self-love. It is so easy to be influenced or pressured to be or look a certain way because society has certain standards as to how we should be living our lives. But eff that! YOU should be the only one to set your own standards. You’re the only one who knows what’s inside your heart and what can make you truly the happiest.
Follow that (even when it is difficult or against the grain), fight hard for it, and you will never regret it, promise. It’s the secret to a joyful life!