An Unexpected Boost: On Being Named One of Harper’s Bazaar’s Visionary Women

Heidi Spurrell | 3rd April 2025 | 4min read

Honoured to be named one of Harper’s Bazaar’s Visionary Women alongside Jacqueline Chak, Olivia Cotes-James, Ms. Daisy Ho, Sophia Hotung, Alicia Lui, Vivian Lau, Siew Ng, Vivian Siu, and Angelle Siyang-Le.

I didn’t see it coming.

When the email arrived, I was deep in the whirlwind of UnConference prep—responding to emails, finalising details, juggling last-minute curveballs. In the midst of all that chaos came a small but powerful moment of pause: an unexpected honour from Harper’s Bazaar.

Being named one of their Visionary Women of the Year felt quietly affirming. Not because it changes the work—I’d be doing it anyway—but because every now and then, it’s nice to hear: we see what you’re building, and it matters.

The Bazaar At Work Summit was thoughtful and full of substance. No fluff, no over-polished soundbites. Just real conversations with women shaping change in their own unique ways. I left feeling more grounded, more connected, and reminded of why community matters so deeply.

It was also a rare chance to take a breath and simply enjoy the moment. I brought five of my girlfriends along and for once, we weren’t rushing through catch-ups between work emails or calendar invites. We sat, chatted, and laughed. No agenda, no pressure. Just time together—something I didn’t realise I needed until I had it.

With Harper’s BAZAAR HK Chief Editor Vincent Ho Yin Choi, me, and my incredible girlfriends—so grateful for this moment of joy, connection, and celebration at the event!

And yes, I took a moment to get pampered. Hair done, heels on, a little glow-up for the day. It felt good to lean into celebration, to honour the work with a bit of lightness and joy. I don’t often give myself permission to stop and reflect, so I’m grateful this gave me the excuse to do just that.

A rare moment to pause, dress up, and soak it all in—honouring the work with a little joy and sparkle.

These moments matter. Not because of the spotlight, but because they invite us to look back and acknowledge the path we’ve already travelled. Too often we’re sprinting to the next thing, measuring progress by what’s unfinished. This was a chance to say: look at what’s already been built.

I met women doing incredible things—entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, athletes—each one navigating their own challenges with strength and purpose. It reminded me that impact doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s steady and persistent. Showing up. Staying the course. Believing in the work even before anyone else does.

To my fellow honourees—your stories inspire

To the Harper’s Bazaar team: thank you for creating space to celebrate women meaningfully. To the other honourees: your stories are fuel. And to anyone quietly getting things done without applause—what you’re doing counts, even if no one’s handing you a plaque for it right now.

Loved meeting Harper’s BAZAAR HK Chief Editor Vincent Ho Yin Choi and hearing about all the incredible work the team has been doing behind the scenes to spotlight real changemakers.

This award wasn’t a finish line. It was a pause. A moment to breathe, take stock, and then carry on—refreshed, recharged, and ready for what’s next.