"Great job, everyone," our soft-spoken yet stunning CEO, Faye Malisorn, said, her voice calm but full of pride as she gazed around the table. She stood, shaking hands with each person, who in turn bowed their heads in respect. With a light smile, she exited the conference room gracefully, and I followed closely behind.
My name is Sonya, and I was previously the executive assistant and personal aide to Faye Malisorn, CEO of Faye City, a global streetwear brand from the Philippines. I'm now the COO. Faye founded the company from scratch, despite being the youngest child in the Malisorn family, one of the wealthiest families in the country, known for their airline and shipping empire. While her older brother, Frank, followed the family legacy, Faye had a different dream: fashion.
The Malisorns were always supportive of her aspirations. Her parents even offered to help finance the company, but Faye politely declined. She wanted her success to be her own. Unlike her family's high-profile image, Faye was a private person, preferring to keep a low profile. In fact, many people didn't even realize she was the daughter of Gilbert Malisorn, the airline and shipping mogul, and Dr. Sandra Malisorn, the country's top neurosurgeon.
Faye had been independent from a young age. At just 11, she convinced her father to let her study abroad in Switzerland. She was a prodigy, earning her business degree at 15 and a doctorate in business by 18. But her heart was never truly in business. Faye's passion lay in fashionâdesigning clothes, dreaming of seeing them on runways, and being worn by celebrities around the world.
At 18, she was ready to establish her clothing line. However, life took an unexpected turn. Her school organized a charity trip to Africa to aid children's education and healthcare. Though it was meant to last just a month, the experience moved Faye so deeply that she decided to stay longer. Her parents, despite their worry and sadness, supported her decision. Faye spent three years in Africa, teaching, feeding, and caring for children.
Resources were scarce, so Faye began sewing clothes for the kids herself. But she realized she couldn't keep relying on her family's money to fund her efforts. It was then that she met Lisa, a wealthy and mysterious volunteer who visited Africa occasionally.
Faye grew close to the girl. The girl was strikingly beautiful, but she never shared what she did for a living, and Faye never asked. Being out of touch with social media, Faye only knew the girl was wealthyâshe arrived in Africa on private jets, accompanied by assistants and bodyguards.
One day, during a casual conversation, the girl gave Faye some unexpected advice. "You know, you can still help these kids even if you're not here. I mean, no offense, but you don't have a job," she teased with a laugh. "Get a job, earn money, and help them. Once they can help themselves, the cycle will continue."
Her words struck a chord with Faye. It made her realize she could balance helping others while also pursuing her own dreams. The girl, Lisa, had become a significant source of inspiration for Faye. Interestingly, Lisa never knew who Faye truly wasâa member of one of the wealthiest families in the Philippines.
Over time, Faye and Lisa became close friends, sharing secrets, stories, and countless laughs. They even wondered if they were falling in love with each other, but when they kissed, it turned into an awkward moment. Both burst out laughing, realizing that they were probably too similarâboth natural "tops" in relationships.
Lisa eventually confided in Faye about a past relationship that had left her heartbroken. She admitted she was still healing but trying to move on. In turn, Faye shared her own story of heartbreak, revealing that she had dated someone in Switzerland who had even met her parents. The relationship ended when the girl's career ambitions began taking shape.
Lisa was shocked and asked, "Who was it? Anyone I'd know?" Faye laughed, replying, "You wouldn't believe me."
"Why wouldn't I believe you?" Lisa pressed.
"Because she's a famous artist now. People would think I'm making it up," Faye replied with a smirk.
Lisa laughed. "Well, I'm not 'most people.' I'll believe whatever you tell me."
Encouraged, Faye shared her story, and that moment solidified their bond. It was the beginning of a deep, enduring friendship that shaped Faye in countless ways.
Inspired by Lisa's words, Faye returned to the Philippines to follow her dream while continuing to support the children she'd left behind. Faye and Lisa remained close friends, sharing stories and laughter, their brief exploration of romantic feelings ended in mutual amusement.
Back home, Faye poured her heart into starting her own brand. I've known Faye since we were kidsâmy mom worked as one of the company's lawyers at her father's business, so I often tagged along. Faye and I became fast friends, as we are the same age, and we stayed in touch even when she was studying abroad or volunteering in Africa. When Faye asked me to join her new venture, I didn't hesitate to leave my stable job.
Starting Faye City Clothing wasn't easy. It was just the two of us, one tailor, two seamstresses, and three all around helpers. We spent sleepless nights creating designs and making endless revisions. Initially, we focused on luxury wear, but Faye quickly realized the potential of streetwearâsomething relatable, accessible, yet stylish.
Our first streetwear line caught the attention of a local vlogger who gave us a glowing review. Overnight, our online store exploded with orders. That was our first big break.
The real turning point came two years later when global superstar Lalisa Manoban was spotted at an airport wearing Faye City from head to toe. Our website crashed with international orders, and we were overwhelmed with inquiries. I called Faye, who was half-asleep after a work trip to Singapore, and told her the news. To my shock, she asked, "Who's Lalisa Manoban?"
Laughing, I showed her the viral photo. Faye, although looked shocked burst out laughing too. When I asked why, she simply said, "I'll tell you later. For now, let's focus on helping our team handle the chaos."
That moment launched Faye City onto the global stage. From just six employees, we've grown to over 500 in five years. Watching Faye's dream come to life fills me with immense pride. Her journeyâfrom a shy genius to a determined entrepreneurâhas been truly remarkable. Faye City is no longer just a household name in the Philippines; it has become a global brand.
Faye has received awards and recognition from nearly every major organization for young CEOs. She was named to Forbes 30 Under 30, included in Fortune's Most Powerful Women (MPW) Next Gen, and awarded EY Entrepreneur of the Year, CEO Excellence Awards, and Young CEO of the Year. In the fashion world, Faye was honored with CFDA Fashion Awards (Emerging Designer), the Vogue Business Innovation Award, and British Fashion Council New Wave: Creatives.
She also won accolades such as the Breakthrough Fashion Brand Award and Social Impact Awards, including the UN Global Compact Award, Women in Business Social Impact Award, and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Awardâa testament to Faye City's commitment to sharing its profits with charitable causes in Africa.
At 26, she was already making an impact and changing the world. When I decided to join her, I never had any doubt she would succeed. She was the kindest and smartest person I've ever met. She cares deeply for her employees and goes out of her way to help anyone in need.
My trip down memory lane was interrupted when I felt fingers poking my eye, trying to get my attention. I laughed as I saw Faye laughing too, looking at me.
"Where have you gone?" she joked.
"Nowhere," I laughed. "I just wanted to ask if I've already told you how proud I am of you?"
She smiled and blushed. "You have, a lot of times. But you know you're one of the reasons for this success, right? So I'm proud of you too. And I'm very grateful that you took a chance on me."
I smiled back, and she smiled too, then asked, "But wait, are we being dramatic now?" She laughed.
"Because I remember you owe me a story about why you laughed when I told you that Lalisa Manoban wore our brand." I said.
"You still remember that? That was, like, what, two years ago?" She asked.
I nodded, smirking. "Yes, I still remember. And since we have time for dinner and wine, I suggest you tell me the reason." I winked at her. "Meet you in your parking lot?"
She nodded, smiling, as I stepped out of her office to grab my things.