Work in the nonprofit industry took Pristine Lampard to various corners of East Africa and Asia. During these trips, the cross cultural management expert would bring home a unique handcrafted piece from each place she visited. Unknowingly, her personal collection would later inspire her to launch her own sustainable home furniture brand, Dalisay Collection.
As she began developing her brand’s narrative, she visualized a space that would “provide furniture with unique designs and make the experience hassle-free, sustainable and most importantly, acknowledge the people and materials behind the process.” On the onset, the shift from nonprofit to entrepreneur may appear drastic–polarizing, even. In the case of Pristine and her emerging brand, values cultivated from her early career helped define what Dalisay is all about. She explains, “Shifting from creating programs in the nonprofit industry to now running a for-profit company has been very fulfilling. I have been able to build a company that improves the lives not only of our clients, but also of our makers all while being mindful of the environment.”
1. What keeps you busy these days?
Running Dalisay Collection and my two children. We have new designs launching for Dalisay Collection this spring so I’m managing the collaboration and challenging logistics from afar since I can’t travel to the Philippines at the moment. I also have a 4 year old and a 1 year old that keep me energized but busy!
2. How did you come to find your current career or life’s work?
My background is actually working in the nonprofit industry. Before starting Dalisay Collection, I spent years traveling and working with nonprofits and social enterprises in East Africa and Asia. Through this I was able to start curating my own small collection of handcrafted pieces from around the world for my home in Hong Kong. This led to the founding of Dalisay Collection - where I could provide furniture with unique designs and make the experience hassle free, sustainable, and most importantly acknowledge the people and materials behind the pieces.
3. What is it about your work or career that you enjoy most?
I love meeting people who appreciate our brand, our values, and the ethos of the company. Many clients become friends as well because of the work I do. Shifting from creating programs in the nonprofit industry to now running a for-profit company has been very fulfilling. I have been able to build a company that improves the lives not only of our clients, but also of our makers all while being mindful of the environment.
4. What do you consider to be “hazards of the job?”
Logistics over the last two years has been a challenge between COVID restrictions in Hong Kong and the Philippines and natural disasters in the Philippines as well. I work hard to balance the expectations of clients while also being mindful of the wellbeing of our makers during difficult times. I have been very fortunate to have found supportive partners and incredibly dynamic, capable team members who help me make the experience as seamless as possible for our clients.
5. For people who aspire for similar careers, what would be your advice?
Be clear with yourself and any business partners about your values and your “why” for starting the company. Remind yourself of these when business is challenging or plans change or you need to pivot in a new direction (which you will, often!).
6. What are the career milestones that inspire you to break the glass or mold?
Since founding Dalisay Collection there have been many exciting public milestones including opening a retail store in K11 Musea and generous press features from local media. However, behind the scenes, what really motivates me is when I receive orders from new clients who are willing to take a chance with our new company. It’s the individuals who trust me and our makers who push me to stay true to our company’s values and keep pushing the boundaries of sustainable, meaningful design and craftsmanship.
7. How do you balance work and family life? What are activities that enable you to bond with family?
I once asked my son how he knows that I love him, and he said because I always take care of him. This reminded me that it’s not always the “big activities” that make the most impact but the day-to-day love and quality time I can give to my family.
My son enjoys outings to different places around Hong Kong as well as undisturbed quality time playing Legos or drawing together. On Friday nights we watch movies and have a slumber party in the living room. My daughter is still young, but she loves cuddles and reading books. As a family we all love camping, hiking, and the beach.
8. How do you unwind or rewind? Any favorite spots in your current city that you consider as your me-time haven?
Hiking, running, and any time spent outdoors. On the weekends my husband and I bring the kids on adventures exploring the islands and the New Territories. It amazes me how many amazing places there are in Hong Kong that I am still discovering after nearly eight years here.
9. How would you describe your personal style? What are three your wardrobe essentials?
My personal style is comfortable and classic. I add in a few more colorful or playful pieces, but generally my go-to on the weekends is athletic wear. For weekdays, it’s simple, elegant and casual. Essentials for me include: sporty, grippy sports shoes; comfortable and classic white sneakers that can be dressed up or down; Simple stud earrings that can easily elevate any outfit.
10. What makes for a good investment piece? Kindly cite examples of pieces in your current wardrobe.
A good investment is high quality, timeless, and makes you feel confident and happy when you wear it. I have items of clothing that I’ve kept since my university days as I was fortunate enough to have access to those types of pieces even then and to be able to take care of them. I also value investing in higher quality children’s clothing when possible so that they can be reworn by multiple kids. My children often wear beautiful hand-me-downs from friends, cousins, and even my husband whose mother took wonderful care of her favorite pieces and they have lasted 30+ years!
11. What do pearls mean to you?
Classic and naturally beautiful. I have been wearing pearls since high school and still have some pieces with me in Hong Kong that I’ve had for over a decade. I have always appreciated their timeless beauty.
