Heroes Series: Josephine Ong
The Wanderlette Heroes Series is our way of celebrating women, trans and non-binary individuals in Asia who shape the way people live, grow, and evolve through their businesses, practices, or art. Our first installment features Josephine Ong, founder and leader of Shantih Shala Holistic Arts who is also our upcoming partner for the Soul of Sisterhood Retreat happening this September. Keep scrolling to learn more about Jo and SSHA!
Josephine Ong
From Penang, Malaysia - currently living in Shanghai, China
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
I am a third generation Chinese Malaysian born and raised in Malaysia. My spiritual journey deepened profoundly upon discovering Yoga, Reiki and Energy Work throughout the years. Eventually ‘The Witch’ and ‘Medicine Woman’ (my past life reincarnations) reunited with me via my practice and work, connecting me with many beautiful souls from all walks of life and across the globe. In this reality, I am a conscious being, a woman continuing to explore her potential through the school of Life.
Q. How did you end up where you are now? Share your story.
Once upon a time, Shanghai, China was decided as the place that I would start building my life in. Rather than heading to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) or Singapore, where most of my peers would choose, I wanted something more different and dynamic. Over the course of 19 years, after many colorful adventures working in the industry of Design and Advertising, Media and Publishing, Public Relations, Yoga and Fitness, eventually I dedicated myself focusing on Health and Wellness. Thus, Shantih Shala Holistic Arts (SSHA) was born in 2008, serving as a platform promoting self-empowerment through the healing arts.
Q. Tell us more about your company and mission.
Since 2008, Shantih Shala Holistic Arts (SSHA) was founded to serve as a platform promoting empowerment through the healing arts, specifically via holistic practices to manage the Mind, Body and Heart. With the mission of helping others to empower themselves on a physical, mental and emotional level holistically, SSHA offers effective, high quality skills and practical professional expertise.
Working holistically means working the Mind, Body and Heart as a whole, complete entity. Private sessions, specialized workshops and immersion courses focusing on these three elements all target to address your specific needs and achieve your goals.
Q. Share an obstacle you've had to overcome and how you dealt with it.
During a very turbulent time while living in Thailand years ago, my life was very chaotic due to several unresolved issues on many levels. Consequently, I became homeless. Fortunately, I was surrounded by many loving and caring friends and students who opened up their homes to me. As a result, I ended up living like a real gypsy moving from home to home, averaging about 10 in total over the course of one month. I declared myself as the ‘happiest homeless person in the world’ due to my abundance of love and support pouring in. It was a beautiful process and powerful experience for my learning to simply ACCEPT love and support when I needed it most, not to mention fully ENJOYING and APPRECIATING these moments as it occurs.
Q. What are you most passionate about? How does this affect your everyday decisions in your personal and work life?
I am most passionate about sharing good energy in various ways; from friendly connections to inspirations, from a favourite song to a place of interest, the list is endless. In everyday personal and work life, I tend to share a lot whenever something inspires me, sometimes perhaps even a bit too much where my enthusiasm needs to be pulled back.
Q. Do you have a favorite ritual or self-care routine that brings you joy?
I have many little rituals and self-care routines that energies, grounds and brings me joy: dancing, Yoga, meditating, chanting/singing, practicing Energy Healing, 🌟taking care & beautifying myself 🌟, cooking, writing, creating artworks, 🌟being in nature🌟and so on.
Q. What does Sisterhood mean to you?
Sisterhood means a group of women supporting each other by opening up, sharing fearlessly, giving and receiving help whenever needed within a safe, loving and empowering space.
Q. Who are the womxn that have inspired you?
My grandmother, mother, sister, Akiko (my mentor and good friend), Dr. Terry Wahls, Maya Angelou, Aung San Suu Kyi (Burmese female politician), Claudia Martinez (my client and friend).
Q. Share a quote, book, movie, or song that impacted your life after discovering it.
'🌟Just be a woman' by Lenny Kravitz; 'La génèse' by Armand Amar🌟
“No one is an island” by my sister.
“You don’t always have to smile” by my friend Philip Wass.
‘Essential Reiki’ by Diane Stein, ‘You can heal yourself’ by Louise Hay.
Chakra chants album by Jonathan Goldman
Q. Do you have any advice for womxn balancing their wellness and spiritual journey?
Be fearlessly authentic and love yourself unconditionally, first and foremost, before others. Never hesitate to ask for help and support, graciously receive and enjoy when offered. 🌟Speak your mind, express your emotions, share openly and just make it happen. 🌟Life is too short and precious to have regrets, live as if it is your last day.
Q. How can the Wanderlette sisterhood support you?
I wish to continue empowering women (and men) from all walks of life across the globe to deepen the connection within themselves, supporting them with tools to create the best life they desire.
If you’d like to connect with us, you can follow Shantih Shala Holistic Arts on Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram or stay up to date with our blog and website for more updates.
Q. How do you feel that Shantih Shala and your expertise can help us shape sisterhood through the upcoming SOS retreat?
Shantih Shala Holistic Arts (SSHA) was founded to serve as a platform promoting empowerment through the healing arts, specifically via holistic practices to manage the Mind, Body and Heart. We are experienced in helping others to empower themselves on a physical, mental and emotional level holistically through effective, high quality skills and practical professional expertise. By connecting with ourselves and other sisters in a safe and supportive environment, the impact will undoubtedly be amplified, thus becoming an even more powerful and meaningful process.
This is extra meaningful being the first holistic retreat centering on sisterhood and women’s empowerment designed BY women FOR women! I am honoured, grateful and excited to share my passion and experience with like-minded souls ready to dive deeper into themselves while sharing the journey with others too. It is also gratifying to know that the admirable values and inspiring vision of Wanderlette is perfectly aligned with the self-empowerment mission of SSHA, therefore creating a beautiful synergy of positive intentions.
Thank you for sharing with us, Josephine. We see and admire you!
The Wanderlette team x