The Best of You: Interview with the team behind socially-driven Hygge

The Danish term ‘hygge’ evokes warmth and a sense of community. For NUS Food Science and Technology graduate Pamelia Chia and her co-founders Woo ‘Wex’ Wen Xuan and Rachel Leng, the meaning behind Hygge goes beyond its Danish roots.

The group’s involvement with The Best of You has garnered them much attention on the project. The trio tells us about how they invite others to join their socially-driven dinners, of which profits are donated to organisations of their choice.

MARIE FRANCE ASIA: HOW DID YOU (PAMELIA) GET INVOLVED IN THE BEST OF YOU PROJECT?

P: Having met Pixie through her jewellery line Of Trying Times, we had the chance to talk and she invited us to get involved in The Best of You social movement. Because we thought it was a meaningful initiative that got people to slow down and appreciate the little things in life – especially in a relentlessly work-oriented society like Singapore – we were happy to share about Hygge.

MFA: WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECONNECT WITH PEOPLE TODAY?

P, W, R: We live in a world that is so fast-paced and technologically advanced, that ironically, people are getting increasingly isolated from one another. It is not an uncommon sight to see people in the presence of their friends and families, but wholly fixated on the images on their phones. At Hygge we want to remember the lost tradition of having a meal together. We urge our guests to put their phones aside, and to be completely present and undistracted at our dinners.

MFA: DO YOU THINK FOOD IS THE ONLY MEANS TO BOND WITH OTHERS?

P, W, R: Food is definitely not the only means to bond with others – art, sport, nature… these are languages that are beyond cultural barriers. However, to us, food is something that is universal and elemental. Having a meal and breaking bread together, evokes a sense of family…something that everyone craves for.

MFA: HOW DO YOU GET PEOPLE TO JOIN THE HYGGE PIUC?

P, W, R: We use Instagram and Facebook to publicise our dinners. We have had strangers who found out about our events via these social media platforms, and signed up for the dinners. Friends also often bring their friends for the picnics, and many of our guests return again with different friends.

MFA: WHERE DO YOU SEE THIS PROJECT IN 5 YEARS? WILL YOU BE CONTINUING YOUR RESTAURANT PLANS?

P: Currently, both Wex and I are adapting to our new jobs and the frequency of Hygges has been irregular based on our work schedules. In our capacity, we would like Hygge to continue but there are no long-term plans as of now. Restaurant plans are still in the early infant phases.

MFA: WHAT ARE THE DYNAMICS LIKE WORKING AS A TEAM?

P: Hygge was definitely challenging for us as a couple, especially in the initial stages. We struggled a lot the first few dinners. Wex and I are both highly opinionated people, with dominant personalities. We would get into arguments, especially when we were stressed or tired in the process of preparing for Hygge. Over time, though, we have learnt how to respect each other’s opinions and working styles. Now, we feel so blessed to be able to serve the community together as a couple, and to have a common vision and outlook in mind.

MFA: HOW DID YOU COME TOGETHER TO WORK ON HYGGE?

P: Hygge began with inspiration from a road trip to Australia. Wandering through Newtown Community Market in Sydney, we chanced upon a little chai stand. It was a cool, breezy day and the pot of steaming, freshly made chai tea, was a welcome sight. Patrons settled down on the carpets, which sprawled from the chai tent, a Styrofoam cup of tea in hand.

We noted the relaxed vibe of this space that made it comfortable enough for patrons to strike up conversations with one another. Strangers bonded over this precious short duration of sipping a cup of tea, letting the cares of the world pass by. Others simply relished in the company of loved ones. It was an experience rather than a transaction.

A week after we got back, I mentioned doing something along those lines in Singapore to my other half, thinking that he would dismiss my idealistic thoughts. To my surprise, he encouraged me to commit to this idea and has been my trusty partner in this “project” ever since. Both of us decide on the themes for every dinner, prepare the food, and host the dinners together.

Leng is a close friend of ours who helps us out in preparing door gifts for some Hygge sessions. Having a talent in calligraphy and art, she has made cards for our guests at “Hygge: Memories”, “Hygge: Love” and our Christmas Hygges. For our most recent Hygge on sustainability, she helped us create little seed starters for our guests to try their hand at growing herbs.

The Best of You Finale Exhibition will be held from 13 to 18 October 2015 at Marina Square Central Atrium, and will showcase stories and artwork from the public as well as local and international artists and personalities.

Nur Syazana H.

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