Living the Dream: Eleanor Lam

Arguably Hong Kong’s hottest Instagram export, Eleanor Lam is busy turning her passions into purpose. Discover her secrets to success, why luxury is in the eye of the beholder, and how hassle-free holidays are within your reach.

You have a real passion for travel. Do you just have an adventurous spirit, or did this love for new experiences come from somewhere else?

I grew up in Hong Kong but I’ve had the luxury and the means to travel from a young age, with my parents and with my family. It’s not just something that I do, it’s now a part of me, it is a genuine passion. To me, travelling is not just a way to getaway, it’s also about learning and experiencing new cultures; it’s about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. There are so many different ways to enjoy travelling, too. Where you make your own plans and navigate a new place yourself, or when it’s taken out of your hands and you’re so well looked after that you don’t have to think about anything. Hassle-free travelling can be the best!

Like an all-inclusive luxury cruise.

I love when there’s literally everything you need at your fingertips – anything you could want is at your disposal. Some people aren’t so enthusiastic about planning a whole holiday itinerary, and cruising makes it so easy. Not only that, but when there’s a whole range of shops, restaurants, a variety of entertainment, and for all ages – it’s a treat for the whole family! Put me on a cruise, on a yacht – it’s the perfect summer vacation to me. There’s just so much beauty out there.

What’s left on your travel bucket list?

One goal I have that I haven’t been able to tackle yet is to travel on my own someday. People I know who have done solo travels have come back to tell me how enriching it has been. That’s definitely a goal for me. When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, beautiful things can happen.

Your social media feeds are peppered with luxury experiences – from exotic travels, to beauty and fashion events. How have your passions helped you to realise your dreams?

I guess not everyone can find their purpose in life right off the bat; there are going to be a lot of passions and only one purpose. So, for me, it’s been about combining my passions to build out one goal. I like fashion, makeup, beauty, all elements of ‘lifestyle’, so I’ve been able to put all those together and create my own purpose. It’s important to not stay too rigid; you have to be open to all kinds of options, be open to changes and accepting adversities.

Where do you get your inspiration to achieve your goals? 

It’s not one person or thing that inspires me; sometimes it’s someone I’ve met, it’s something I’ve heard or seen, or even perhaps something I’ve eaten – the list is endless! Literally every day I wake up, and something new can inspire me. It’s an incredible thing, to be open to these new experiences and find inspiration anywhere and everywhere. Also, my parents inspire me in different ways; my dad has a very strong work ethic, while my mum sacrificed a lot to help her children.

You have an incredibly determined approach to life and finding what makes you happy. Where does your drive come from?

My parents always said to me, “Follow your passion and it will lead to your purpose.” And, for me, your passion is something that you love to do, and your purpose is your mission in life. So, it’s about finding what you love and turning it into your life’s mission, to really keep you happy. And, on top of that, they always told me to focus – that without heart or drive, you’ll never reach your full potential. It’s not about picking a job for the money, it’s about feeling satisfied in your work.

Whether you’re at home or abroad, what is the key to maintaining your health and wellness?

I think what’s most important is catching up on your sleep. After I’ve been travelling, waking up in my own bed is just the best thing ever. Also, I have realised that I never drink enough water. So, when I come back from some time away, I drink plenty of water and tea, to really help hydrate and look after myself and my skin.

Photographer Pierre Dal Corso 

Art Director Harriet Gregory 

Stylist Bhisan Rai 

Hair Peter Cheng 

Makeup Deep Choi