Celebrating The Women Behind Khao

At Khao, every dish we serve tells a story of passion, creativity, and dedication. This Women’s Day, we want to celebrate two women who embody those qualities in their roles at Khao. Jia, the Co-Founder and Creative Director, and Gina, the Head of Finance and HR. Their journey is not just about food, but about forging a path in an industry they love, shaping a brand that continues to grow, and balancing life’s many roles with grace.

Jia: The Creative Visionary 

Jia’s journey into the food and hospitality industry was an unexpected one. “I am an accidental food entrepreneur,” she says. With a background in Fashion Jewellery, Jia’s entrepreneurial spirit was born from her first venture. “I fell in love with the way entrepreneurs think and work,” she recalls.

But it was her spouse’s vision that led them into the F&B space. “The opportunity of getting into the F&B space came, and it was more of a brainchild of my spouse who had a vision of how he wanted Khao to be.” This blend of family vision and personal passion is what drives Khao forward.

As the Co-Founder and Creative Director, she oversees the marketing and the brand storytelling, ensuring that every dish, every message, stays aligned with Khao’s mission and vision. “My main role is to oversee the marketing and creative aspect of things and make sure Khao’s storytelling stays aligned to our brand’s vision and mission,” she explains.

Her  inspiration comes from a powerful woman in her life "My mom is an excellent mentor both in life and at work," she says. "Her intuition as a woman and her ability to multi-task with the many facets a woman has to play continues to amaze me." Her mother’s tenacity and resilience are qualities that Jia has carried with her in building Khao.

For Jia, being a woman in this space is all about strength and nurturing. “Women have natural instincts and have the ability to multi-task and perform in extraordinary times. The fact that women are born to nurture and carry growth gives us an innate ability.”

Her advice for success? It’s simple but powerful: “You can dream as big as the sky, but success or failure ultimately comes down to execution. Have a plan, be detailed, and focus on how you bring that vision to life.”

When it comes to celebrating the women in her life, Jia likes to keep it elegant, with champagne and roses, because women deserve to be celebrated in style.

Gina: The Backbone of Khao’s Operations

Gina, the Head of Finance and HR at Khao, has a different but equally vital role in the company. “I control the purse strings and make sure everyone is paid on time,” she says with a smile. But beyond managing finances, Gina’s deep love for food and hospitality shines through in her work. “I have been a foodie all my life, my motto is to live to eat! Now, I am happy to be able to share what I love to eat, not only with the people I love but also with many others who can appreciate the love and care we put into our food,” she shares.

Like Jia, Gina was shaped by a strong woman in her life — her mother. "She is the strongest woman I know,"  Her mother’s strength, tenacity, and loyalty continue to influence how Gina approaches her career. Gina says. "I appreciate what she has done for me even more after becoming a mother myself.”

For her, being a woman in the F&B industry isn’t about gender; it’s about the joy that food brings to people. “The most rewarding part of being in F&B is to see our customers enjoying our food and gradually become regulars to our outlets,” she reflects.

The advice that has stayed with Gina is rooted in resilience:

 “Nothing comes easy but that is what makes it rewarding.”

When celebrating the women in her life, Gina takes a simple but meaningful approach,  “By sharing good food that I have come across, which is a good way to keep in touch given how busy and hectic everyone is,”

The Heart and Soul of Khao

Both Jia and Gina bring their unique qualities to Khao, shaping it into a brand that stands for creativity, authenticity, and passion. Jia’s visionary approach to marketing and branding, combined with Gina’s meticulous financial oversight, make them an unstoppable team. Together, they’ve created a space where food is not just about flavors but about connection, community, and love.

This Women’s Day, we celebrate not just their roles at Khao, but their journey, their mentorship, and the inspiring women they are. Here’s to every woman who continues to shape the world around them with grace, strength, and passion