Cathy Luk, Founder of Catfit_hk, my personal journey
Cathy Luk is a Hong Kong-based health and wellness influencer. After suffering from eczema throughout her childhood and failing to get positive results from traditional medicine, she decided to take action. The result is a healthy body and mind and a journey that she hopes to use to inspire others in similar positions.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
Growing up with severe eczema, I experienced a lot of challenges. Everyday struggles were constant. I consulted many different doctors and consultants, tried many ointments and treatments: You name it, I've done it. Allergic skin creams and ointments were my crutches, and I needed to overcome it.
My eczema affected my life; my weight yo-yo'ed as I went from an XS to M, my social life became dysfunctional, and I became depressed.
There was a point where I said: "enough was enough." and I changed. I started to exercise - I wanted abs from a young age, so I bought many home workouts programs and worked out religiously. I cut down on processed foods and sugars and started to eat clean. "Very soon my eczema will go away, and my abs will come out," I said to myself.
I worked hard and long at this goal, and in the end, became accustomed to my new healthy lifestyle. My life had restarted. I had abs and eczema improved - it had worked! I believe health is the foundation of happiness and harmony in life, and I wish to share this with others. So here I am!
What kind of work does your role involve?
Apart from being a fitness coach, I also create content and brand building on social media, which focuses on health and wellness.
What gets you excited about your industry?
The global wellness economy is worth $4.5 trillion, according to Global Wellness Summit. Everywhere we go, we see "healthy food, "healthy shops, "healthy this, heathy that". Although our lifestyle is massively disrupted by the pandemic, the rise of home-based fitness, telemedicine, digital therapy, mindfulness wellbeing, energy medicine is very encouraging.
The internet keeps us connected, provides a platform for interaction human and also changes consumer behaviour. Alongside this, our surroundings lead us to be more health-conscious compared to years ago. It is a challenging time but a good time to sprout new ideas and think outside of the box.
For these reasons, I feel optimistic and excited about the booming opportunities and increasing awareness in the health and wellness industry.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
No matter your passion, go for it 110%, commit to what you believe in.
People may disagree or judge, but if you believe in something and feel happy with it, just go for it!
What, or who inspires you?
Everyone!
When I was working for Apple, the motto "Enriching lives" fueled my passion and made me discover the fundamentals of building a business foundation. I believe that sticking to this path and taking advantage of social media and the health craze, I can build a business to inspire others.
It has essentially become my mantra in life.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in the industry? The most in-depth knowledge I can gain is always from talking with people. In my opinion, there is no replacement for talking to and understanding people on a personal basis.
Other pipelines I use are social media (LinkedIn, IG, Facebook), YouTube and online news to keep me updated.
What was the most challenging project or assignment you've worked on?
Public speaking always is my biggest fear!
My first project at Prenetics was to give a presentation to a crowd of more than a thousand for a new product launch. It was frightening - so scary! But I needed to do it, and I think this experience taught me:
1. Practice really makes perfect! My nerves calmed when I knew my material well.
2. Don't be shy to ask colleagues, friends, and family for feedback. The more criticism you get, the faster you grow.
3. Imagine there's a bunch of pumpkin heads sitting in the audience helps to overcome my fear factor!
4. Make jokes to break the ice and make everyone loosen up!
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
From childhood, I've always had issues connecting with people because of my skin. Doctors couldn't help, and friends and classmates didn't understand. It was quite lonely.
My goal would be to build a community, a 360-degree platform for individuals to share their health concerns and treatments, etc.
The platform would include - but not be limited to - healthcare professionals and fitness professionals; people who can relate to and help those in need. I believe the "give help to receive help" motto can help improve growth for everyone. The platform can expand and break through cultural and political boundaries to raise awareness on the issues at hand. I want everyone to know it's ok to be in their own skin!
How do you switch off after a day at work?
I enjoy hiking, wake-surfing, and hitting the gym. I also love anything in nature, exploring the great outdoors, or trying out new and interesting food!
Also, meditation helps me recharge and readjust my mind and body.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect by Matthew Lieberman.
How should people connect with you?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn:
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