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Let me introduce you all to an amazing lady: Elaine Friedlander. She is not only a very good friend of mine, she is also one of Singapore’s top female entrepreneurs. She is the founder of Nüwa, an amazing network for artists within Singapore. This makes Elaine a leading figure within the Singapore art world. Besides, she is an amazingly fun and clever lady. Oh and she also has three small kids a no helper! Yes she is a wonder woman:-)
Nuwa is a truly amazing organisation that ties together all professional artists in Singapore in an incredible network. Elaine and her staff arrange frequent talks and networking events all over Singapore. In record time, Elaine has established a rapidly growing network of artists from a diverse range of fields from opera singers, to painters and jewellery makers. She even has a job database for artists and people in the cultural sector.
About 6 years ago my family and I went for a brunch at the Saddle club. It was a hot day, but as usually the kids wanted to play on the playground. As I stood there panting in the shade with my 2 month old in my arms, I looked across the playground. There I spotted a heavily pregnant woman climbing up and down the slide with her kids. My initial though was to look away. Don’t make eye contact! I though it was an act of insanity to climb up and down the slide with that bump in that heat. No no not for me!
Minutes later said insane lady wobbled across the playground and said hello! That was the beginning of our friendship.
We found out we were neighbours and our daughters were more or less the same age. Just days after our first meeting we were hanging out as best friends. Kids played together and I did Elaine’s maternity images followed by newborn portraits of her third child. I am not going to share those portraits here. They are Elaine’s personal images. However, here is a couple of some recent headshots I did for Elaine. These shots were a pleasure to do, simply because I know Elaine so well. It is always easier to do someone’s portrait if you know their personality a bit.
As you can see, the only way to portray Elaine is as the smiley warm colourful person she really is.
It was with great sadness I left Elaine behind when I moved to the UK with my family just 6 months after meeting her. As things sometimes go, we lost touch, as life in the UK was rather busy with three small kids and very little help. Meanwhile Elaine was as busy in Singapore with three small kids and no help:-)
When we moved back to Singapore late 2017, I messaged Elaine (same number as usual:) telling her we were back and ready for a coffee and a 4 year overdue catchup!
We met up with al the kids (now 7 of them between us). It was as if we had seen each other yesterday. We certainly didn’t look or feel four years older. Hanging out like the good old times.
The only thing that had changed were our topic of conversation! We had both moved from the yummy mummy stage to the business woman stage. Now both entrepreneurs with each our company. No more chats about potty training, weaning and sleepless nights. We still don’t sleep at night, but now it is not due to the kids, now it is due to our work and businesses:-)
Whilst I had been away Elaine had started her own company Nüwa, which is a professional membership organisation for artists and professionals working in Singapore’s arts and culture sector. Nüwa aims to inspire and connect people within the arts sector and beyond. Nüwa also strives to affirm the role of artists in society by sharing best practice, guidance and insights amongst artists. Members can enjoy regular networking events and talks witch take place through out Singapore.
It truly is an amazing organisation and Elaine deserves a lot of respect for solely setting it up and managing now a rapidly growing organisation, whose members span from painters, to opera singers, TV presenters, authors and illustrators.
It is true to say Elaine is a hidden gem. She has been such an inspiration to me. First in my journey as a mum, (Elaine juggles kids, cooking, cleaning and general organising whilst having relaxed conversations with anyone), to my journey as a business owner (Elaine organises events, speeches and networks like there is no tomorrow)
I hardly ever advocate anyone or anything. But if you are an artist or someone with an interest in Singapore’s cultural sector, do check out Nüwa’s website there is so much to gain from being a member.
Elaine Friedlander – you are a star! An inspiration and an amazing friend.
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