MEET HER — DENISE KELLER

Denise Keller— A content creator, producer, host, model, yoga instructor and an entrepreneur who has recently launched her UV space shield visor

Hi Denise, do give us a brief introduction about yourself: what do you do, where are you from, your nationality and where you grew up etc

I am a content creator and producer in my role as founder of media production company, Keller Media, a host, model, yoga instructor and a true-blue, born and bred Singaporean. While I’ve travelled across the globe in my time as the host of Discovery Channel’s Passage series as well as during my modelling days, Singapore is still my home; and now with Covid-19, I’m really enjoying rediscovering my country! Aside from teaching yoga and producing multimedia content for my clients, I am also an entrepreneur-- I recently developed my UV Space Shield that combines functionality (nobody likes being sunburnt!) and fashion! 

How would you describe your style?

My sense of style mantra is always "Less is more”. Everything becomes full circle in life and I'm back to the basics, no unnecessary ornamentation or decorations to let the quality of the fabrics, neutral colours and simple cuts take centre stage. 

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is being able to look back at your life so far and be content with everything that you have achieved. 20 years being in front of the camera was epic and I wouldn’t trade it for all the tea in China.

What are some of your upcoming plans for the year, especially for KellerMedia? 

KellerMedia was very fortunate to have filmed 2 great travel productions in Europe and in the Maldives before the pandemic hit the world. We went into lockdown which was actually the perfect time to stay home and be in post-production for a while. Also, with travel restrictions all over the world, it also meant that our clients had to hold back from launching their marketing plans till things got better. In fact, we continued to cut so many versions of the same bank of footage, it gave us a sense that we're still there on location which helped with our mental health. We also didn’t have the pressure of a massive deadline that we’re normally accustomed to. There are a couple more projects in the pipeline, but for now we’re enjoying the work-life balance at the moment.

We see that you have a lot on your plate, how do you stay motivated and driven?

If you love what you do, there isn’t much motivation or drive needed. It comes with passion and love, and there is never a dull moment in the day.

Tell us a fun fact that people don’t know about you

Every a meal in my life comes with potong red chili, sambal belacan or general spice. Food without spice just doesn’t make sense to me.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?

I would tell them that it’s important to acknowledge that you will have failures, and you will have successes-- but the real difference lies in knowing how to celebrate and learn from both equally. Have courage to admit your mistakes and correct them, don’t let anyone, not even yourself, tell you “you cannot". 

Besides yoga, is there anything that calms you down and relaxes your mind?

My pets have a very therapeutic effect on me. Ziggy, my standard dachshund is always by my side and my 2 lovely kitties Anouk and Neko make every room warm with their purrs. Classical music and a nice warm cup of tea does the trick as well.

What is one of the craziest things you have done in your life and did you regret it?

One of the craziest things I've ever done was cut all my hair off and move to live in Abu Dhabi on my own. I was working on a new project for Discovery’s Passage series and I gained more access to real life stories by looking more like a tomboy. Plus, the hair didn’t serve me in the crazy hot desert. I never have any regrets.

A quote that you live by.

Start each day with a grateful heart. 

Denise wears our Classic Waistcoat in Checkered, High Waisted Wide Legged Trousers w Foldlines in Black | Gingham Maxi Dress in Sky | V-Neck Camisole in Sand, Slip Skirt in Sand  | Gingham Blazer in Sky, Gingham Shorts in Sky, V-Neck Camisole in Pearl