What does a Phoenix say? We sat down with one of the Phoenixes of Tomorrow from Tatler Gen.T’s first NFT collection for a quick get-to-know-you interview
Earlier this year, we launched the Tatler Gen.T List 2023. In its eighth year, the prestigious list recognises the creatives, innovators, entrepreneurs and trailblazers who are shaping Asia’s future. And as we welcomed our newest Leaders of Tomorrow, we also launched a new initiative: our first charitable NFT collection, Phoenixes of Tomorrow.
The collection comprises 180 profile picture (PFP) NFTs, each belonging exclusively to a 2023 honouree on the Gen.T List. They are designed by Singaporean artist Dawn Ang, a 2022 Gen.T honouree, each bearing her signature colours and playful designs.
The Phoenix has been chosen as the main character to pay homage to the fire, vigour and purpose driving the honourees it has been chosen to represent.
Here, we caught up with one of the Phoenixes for a chat to learn more about it and the purpose of the initiative it fronts.
Read more: How do you get on the Gen.T List?
What is your name?
Phoenix #252 (POT): I go by many names in different cultures. Officially, we are known by our numbers—Phoenix #1, #2, #3 and so on. I’m Phoenix #252, but you can also call me Phinn.
How old are you?
POT: Age is but a number; I am wise beyond my years. I am reborn from my own ashes, so technically, I’m thousands of years old. But in this current form, I was born on June 1, 2023, which makes me just over a month old.
Where were you born?
POT: I was born from Dawn’s fiery imagination. (She also goes by her artist name, Aeropalmics.) It is a great place to be born in, as it is filled with so much creative energy and room for expression.
What do you like to eat?
POT: Don’t ask me to eat nuts, pellets or any form of bird food—they don’t suit my palate. I prefer human food, like eggs, noodles and satay—maybe a bit too much as I have accessories made out of them too.
Who are your best friends?
POT: My siblings. As the saying goes, birds of the same feather flock together. We spend a lot of time together thanks to our shared interest in helping others.
We also hang out with a group of like-minded phoenixes, whom we call the Friends of Phoenixes (such originality, I know) and who we are currently working with to raise money for five charities and non-profit organisations: Angat Buhay in the Philippines, The Codette Project in Singapore, the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, Kids’ Bookhouse in Taiwan and Yayasan Chow Kit in Malaysia.
Read more: Tatler Gen.T partners Philippine-based NGO Angat Buhay for its first charitable NFT project
What do you do for work?
POT: I run an e-commerce store selling accessories made from upcycled food, plastic and other materials. I also have an interest in giving back to society, as mentioned earlier, so I also get involved in fundraising work with my network.
What would you say is your greatest strength?
POT: Being able to reinvent myself. I’m always changing up my style with different accessories. In terms of work, I like a challenge. If I make mistakes or fail, there is always a lesson to gain from them to help me improve and come back stronger.
I love your outfit. How does it describe your life?
POT: My noodles headpiece pays homage to my Asian roots, while my flamingo float reminds me of two important lessons: the first is no matter the failures I experience in life, I mustn’t let myself sink for too long, and the second is to not take life too seriously.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
POT: I would want to have made a significant impact in helping to create a more stylish and inclusive society through my e-commerce platform and fundraising efforts. I also see my siblings and I vacationing and soaking in the sun in the Taklamakan desert in China.
Visit the Friends of Phoenixes collection on OpenSea to view or purchase the NFTs. Read more about the honourees on the Tatler Gen.T List 2023.