Some women may choose to focus on their family while some may choose to focus on their career however the number of women who choose to do both are increasing nowadays. Xandria Ooi is a Malaysian writer, television host and producer who got married in 2010 and after two years of her marriage, she seems to be enjoying the beauty of both sides pretty well. During the Viva La Diva Tour which took place on 14th July 2012, we had the chance to interview Xandria and this is what she had to say about her life. This is her secret when it comes to managing her career and family at the same time.
Q: You own your own production company – what are the types of challenges which you faced when you were setting up the company?
A: The setting up of the company went surprisingly well. Our first project took off smoothly – Xandria’s Weekend Discovery, a 13-episode food & travel show around Malaysia.
The challenge lay in the everyday production – learning the ropes as we go and tackling unforeseen problems as they arose. When it comes to production, no matter how much planning we do, unexpected elements are going to crop up. It’s challenging but it’s always what keeps it exciting. Post-production can be a long and tedious process, but when it all comes together, it’s like magic. That’s why I love creating content.
Q: You are only 28 years old and you are a TV host, emcee, newspaper columnist and etc. How do you manage your time and how do you juggle everything at one go?
A: Haha I don’t do them all AT ONCE! I juggle everything according a very well-organised schedule managed my mom, who has been my manager since I started in the industry.
She manages the logistics and deals with clients so I can just focus on the work. I’m extremely lucky to have her working with me.
Q: Some people would say that being in the entertainment industry is all about having fun and being glamorous. What do you have to say to this and what has your experience been like?
A: It is fun and it can be very glamorous, especially when it comes to clothes, make-up and events; I love fashion and make-up, so being in an industry where these things are necessary is definitely a perk. However, I’m also of the mindset that anything can be fun and glamorous if you enjoy doing it.
From my personal experience, it’s been thrilling and I continue to feel this way about what I do. There is an adrenaline rush in producing and delivering good content, especially when there is feedback from the audience, viewers or listeners. The work that goes into making sure that everything is done in the best way possible is constant and never-ending. I’m always working, but I enjoy it so much that it doesn’t feel like work.
Q: What is the one thing which you would like to tell our readers when it comes to deciding about their career?
A: Work backwards. Don’t think about what you want to study so that it’ll suit the career options you’re considering.
Instead, think of what you already enjoy doing, and see if there are any career options that suit what you like. Don’t underestimate the power of your hobbies – it may seem like time-wasting leisure activities to you, but it can potentially bring in the big bucks. There is nothing more satisfying or joyous than making money from what you’d happily do for free.
Q: What inspired you to write your book entitled “Love, Work and Everything in between?”
A: The book is a compilation of my articles in The Star Metro, from my column Sights & Sounds over 3 years. The book starts my journey into ‘adulthood’ – from university to the working world. It’s a sharing of experiences, thoughts and lessons I learned/mistakes I made along the way.
Q: What are the pros and cons of being in the entertainment industry?
A: It’s the same pros and cons of being in any industry.
We may love what we do, but with achieving certain goals or projects there are times where we have to do things we don’t necessarily enjoy as much, but it’s part of work and life.
Q: How do you juggle your time between family and work?
A: Ah, this I’m still trying to figure out. I’m not a wonder-woman who can juggle work and family without blinking an eye.
There are times where work overwhelms me and I spend less time with my family. It’s about managing time well, and I’m still learning how to do it!
Q: When do you think you will ‘retire’ from the entertainment industry?
A: Hmmm I don’t see myself as ‘being’ in the industry. I just take on projects and work that interests me, so I will continue to do that as long as that happens!
