Inspirational Women Series: Shan Liew
| 28th March 2017
Here at Viva we applaud independent successful women, who are making a real different to others. This month we meet the enigmatic, London-based property entrepreneur Shan Liew, founder of 88 Estate Agency and charity Hearts in Harmony.
Editor: So Shan, our first question is why did you set up Hearts in Harmony?
Shan: I started the charity because my mother passed away with a heart condition, in year 2014. It happened very suddenly and hit me hard. I miss my mother as she was a wonderful woman who loved lives, music and food. Hence in memory of my mother, I set up a charity to raise fund for heart related causes via music and creative channels.
Editor: How did you come up with the idea and how did it then turn from an idea into reality?
Shan: My mother loved music and she cultivated music to all her children. Her music in her children never dies but continues to steer us to help those who suffer from heart diseases. The charity was formed to have music to touch and to save life.
Editor: What’s your biggest achievement?
Shan: On the 23 June 2016, despite the UK referendum of Brexit and a very bad weather, we hosted a classical orchestral night which we successfully fundraised for a defibrillator.
Editor: What do you love most about music?
Shan: I love music because it is therapeutic; it calms you and helps to release everyday stress as well as to boost productivity.
Editor: How do you think music can bring people and/or society together?
Shan: Music is an effective medium to engage people for a religious, political and social cause. Hearts in Harmony hosts musical events not only to allow artists to showcase their talent but has also successfully connected people from all walks of life to fundraise for defibrillators to help Great Ormond Street Children Hospital.
Editor: What is the most rewarding thing about the job?
Shan: The most rewarding thing about charity work is the experience of the inner joy whilst fundraising for good causes. Hearts in Harmony unites people to save lives.
Editor: What events do you have coming up?
Shan: There are quite a lot in the pipeline; we have a composition competition, a departmental storefundraising event, once a month London market fundraising events which are at final planning stages at the moment. Watch the space and please support us.
Editor: What is your day-to-day routine like?
Shan: I attend a lot of meetings to talk to people about Hearts in Harmony and to strategize how to make events to come to pass.
Editor: What are the biggest challenges you face?
Shan: We need sponsors to run events and to raise fund for more defibrillators.
Editor: What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working on Hearts in Harmony?
Shan: I play the piano and tennis.
Editor: What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?
Shan: Put your phone down, pick up a musical instrument and learn music. When you can play or sing a song, contact Hearts in Harmony to perform and raise fund.
Editor: We love inspiring women at VIVA – women who spread positivity and have ambition. Who inspires you?
Shan: Michelle Obama, who is intellectual and compassionate. She speaks with authority too.
Editor: Interesting or unusual fact about you?
Shan: I am very positive; I see opportunities in every challenge.
Editor: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Shan: Hearts in Harmony will grow into a successful and sustainable charity that unites people through music and art that we aim to raise £88,888,888 for heart based hospitals.
Hearts in Harmony would like to unite anyone who wants to combine their passion for charity and love of music, art and culture, to help fight heart disease in both children and adults. Hearts in Harmony host events to celebrate music and creativity to raise money for multiple organisations associated with heart disease. Registered charity number: 1162457.