Mode Around the Globe: Caroline Hu
Caroline Hu
@caroline_hu
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini
Photographed by Hannah Leitsch
Caroline Hu is a fashion and beauty enthusiast who finds joy in connecting with her audience. From Madrid to Paris, she embraces each step of her journey with gratitude. Viewing her community not just as followers but as cherished friends, she aspires to both inspire and be inspired by those around her. Beyond her role as a content creator, she is a visionary entrepreneur who has fearlessly introduced her own ready-to-wear brand, BOLDER PARIS. Her authenticity grounds her as she navigates the world of influence, guided by a sincere desire to make a positive impact.
What made you want to create your own clothing brand?
Creating my own clothing brand has been a dream since I was a little kid. I would watch my mom style different outfits every day, and she inspired me so much. I often imagined how I could redesign the clothes I had and longed to create my own. As I grew up, I realized the challenges ahead, so I pursued a master's degree in business development. After graduation, I was eager to launch my brand with the savings from my part-time jobs as a student. However, due to the COVID lockdown, I had to postpone the project. Three years later, here we are—with enough savings and the invaluable support of my sister, we are finally launching our small business, making my 8-year-old self proud.
Any exciting entrepreneurship projects for the future?
Yes, I am thrilled to announce the launch of Kasey, a family business specializing in phone accessories. This project has been in the works for a long time, and I am excited to share it with the world. By the time you read this, it will be online, and I hope our story inspires you to pursue your dreams.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
The first thing I do is check if my cat is with me, and if not, I call him over! His name is Udon. Then, I check my work notifications and start working on my laptop.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m a big cinephile and love watching movies and series during my free time. Here are some of my favorite movies—you’ll thank me later when you watch them:
• Good Will Hunting (Matt Damon) - Directed by Gus Van Sant
• The Truman Show (Jim Carrey) - Directed by Peter Weir
• The Number 23 (Jim Carrey) - Directed by Joel Schumacher
• Vanilla Sky (Tom Cruise) - Directed by Cameron Crowe
• Get Out (Daniel Kaluuya) - Directed by Jordan Peele
• Shutter Island (Leonardo DiCaprio) - Directed by Martin Scorsese
• Interstellar (Matthew McConaughey) - Directed by Christopher Nolan
What’s a skill you wish you had?
I wish I could paint or draw well. Expressing oneself through art is incredibly satisfying, but my drawings are on par with a 4-year-old’s. So, I have to find other ways to express myself, haha.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Honestly, I don’t think I have one person in mind that I’d like to have dinner with. I love having dinner by myself while watching a movie or my favorite series. It’s my little ritual, and I cherish it. But why not have a group dinner with Jim Carrey, Michael Jackson, Usher, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t regret the past; it won’t change anything. Instead, learn from it and shape your future. I don’t remember who gave me this advice—maybe I came up with it myself—but it has always stuck with me.
What’s your favorite book?
The Man Who Wanted to Be Happy by Laurent Gounelle. It was the first book I finished without forcing myself, and it helped me become more confident.
Describe your perfect day.
A perfect, realistic day for me starts with 8 hours of sleep, waking up naturally without an alarm. Breakfast is ready, and it’s a Chinese breakfast. I’m with my family, chilling at home, and enjoying a home-cooked lunch. In the afternoon, we go for a stroll in the park, to the pool, or do any outdoor activity. It’s sunny, and my dog and cat are behaving well for once. We watch the sunset together, take cute pictures, have a beautiful dinner with a view, and everyone laughs at my not-so-funny jokes. We end the day with a relaxing bath and an insanely good movie with unlimited caramel popcorn.
What’s a hidden passion you have?
Acting. It's not hidden anymore, as I've recently shared it on my socials, but it was my childhood passion that I never dared to truly expose due to insecurities. Pursuing this path takes a lot of courage, but after one week of intensive acting courses, I felt more fulfilled than ever before. It's not about achieving something tangible; the satisfaction I experienced was unparalleled compared to anything else I've done. Everything clicked for me, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for finally embracing this long-hidden passion. I was amazed at how naturally I could immerse myself in a role, which gave me the confidence that I'm on the right track. Acting feels like a voice within me saying, "You weren’t foolish for dreaming of this as a kid." I don't focus on whether I will become an actress; I focus on continuing these acting classes because they allow me to step into different roles and forget about my own life for a while. This process helps me learn new things and express emotions I never thought I could.
What are your favorite beauty products at the moment?
There are so many! I love the Nuskin Waterfall Mask, Missha SPF, Beauty of Joseon Moisturizer, and Flower Knows makeup—they are so cute.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to live in China. I visited recently for a holiday and completely fell in love with the place. It's incredibly safe—you can leave your house door open, and no one will enter. The low crime rate and overall security are very reassuring. The food is another big highlight; it's so delicious that sometimes I eat so much I end up rolling back home, although I know that's not the healthiest thing to do! I also appreciate the mentality of people minding their own business and admiring others' success instead of being jealous. The advanced technology is fascinating. Reconnecting with my culture felt amazing, and I was truly sad when the holiday ended.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
I can’t live without rice. It’s so cliché because I am Chinese, but even though I grew up in Spain and France, if I spend two days without eating rice, my whole body feels off.
What’s your favorite season, and why?
I love the fall season. It’s not too cold, not too hot, and you can wear cute outfits and layers. September feels like a fresh start after the holidays, with everyone in a good mood and energetic.
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pick up but haven’t yet?
There are so many! I’m the kind of person who wants to do everything at the same time, so I end up doing nothing. I’d probably say dancing. Or maybe painting. Or perhaps golfing. A little bit of everything!
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Chinese food, especially this combo: rice, mapo tofu, mouth-watering chicken, and stir-fried hand-torn cabbage.
What’s your favorite quote?
"Don't chase time, and don't let time chase you. You hold the power to master your own moments." (I just invented it.)
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
Good food and a good movie.
How do you practice self-care?
I do my nails, my hair, my skincare, eat my favorite food, and watch my favorite series.
What’s a goal you’re working towards right now?
I want to learn new skills and enjoy the present moment. Working on my physical and mental health is my priority right now.
What was your favorite part of your stay at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini?
Probably when everyone started dancing by the pool during dinner while my favorite songs were playing!
What did you love most about the getaway?
I loved having time to enjoy the sun, pool, and beach. The food was so good. We had a few photoshoots, but the schedule wasn’t too packed, which I appreciated. Most of the time when I travel for work, we barely have any time to enjoy because the schedule is filled with work commitments. I also loved meeting the girlies; everyone was so chill, and we had lots of fun!
CAROLINE'S SEASONS MUST-HAVES
BOLDER PARIS
www.bolderparis.com
Alice Parka - €189.00
Jaden Blazer - €83.00
Scarlet Sweater - €73.00
Mad Parachute Trousers - €36.00
Ines Sweater - €59.00
Chloe Bomber - €56.00