My grandmother, Chu He Xian, was born in 1925 to Chinese Nationalist military general Chu Pei-Te (Chief of Staff under Chiang Kai-shek). Her name means Goddess of the Cranes - a symbol of immortality and nobility, a divine bird that travels between heaven and earth. A great beauty born into privilege, at twelve, He Xian watched her father die, assassinated by poisoning. She fled from two wars and bore six children before her thirtieth birthday, became a refugee overnight, immigrated to America, took the name Esther, and worked in an office in Phoenix until her retirement. She was the human embodiment of grace, dignity, elegance, and strength. She told me as a child that if you cry too much your heart will get soggy and you’ll die. I loved her ferocity and stoicism in the face of adversity, especially so because it was perfectly coupled with true kindness and humility.

He Xian had a lovely collection of pearl necklaces and earrings. Pearls, she said, light up your face. Draped around her neck were those pretty pearls, their iridescent glow casting a soft halo of light around her. To me, those pearls were symbols of strength, resilience, and enduring beauty. They were a reminder of the countless stories and memories woven into the fabric of our family history, each bead a testament to the love and pain passed down through generations. Although she was a complete stunner on the outside, she taught me that true beauty comes from within - love, kindness, and grace that radiated from her soul.

Pearls do have the ability to light up one’s face. The scientific reason this happens lies in their unique optical properties. Pearls are made up of layers of calcium carbonate crystals, which are arranged in a structure that causes light to interact with them in a specific way. When light enters a pearl, it is refracted as it passes through the layers of nacre. The light scatters and reflects within the pearl, creating a phenomenon known as iridescence - a soft, diffused glow that illuminates the surface of the pearl and, by extension, the face of the wearer. It's as if each pearl possesses its own inner glow, radiating warmth and luminosity.

I've always been drawn to the symbolism of pearls and their connection to growth and transformation. Life's challenges, like the grain of sand inside an oyster, become opportunities for beauty and wisdom to emerge. In Chinese culture, pearls symbolize purity, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment, embodying the essence of resilience and inner beauty. Just as the pearl emerges from the depths of the ocean immaculately pure, it is believed to represent the attainment of spiritual enlightenment and wisdom through overcoming adversity and challenges.

Inspired by this, I named our studio "The Pearl," as a tribute to the transformative power of movement and mindfulness. Just as pearls are cherished for their unique luster and elegance, so too are our imperfections celebrated as part of our journey toward self-discovery and growth.

I was born (and mostly raised) in Hong Kong, where my parents were stationed. My Chinese-American father was a China Expert in the US Army. Hong Kong, often referred to as "The Pearl of the Orient," holds a very special place in my heart.

East, West, traditional, and modern merge to create Hong Kong's distinctive culture. After 156 years as a British colony, elements of traditional Chinese culture mixed with British influences and shaped Hong Kong in every way. HK boasts more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, but also has 19th-century British Colonial buildings, and even an ancient temple for the sea-goddess and protectress of sailors, Tin Hau, built 758 years ago. People rely on modern media for business news, while at the same time poring over the horseracing results. Avant-garde theatre and traditional Chinese Opera share the same stages. Cutting-edge Canto-Pop stars and mysterious masters of fengshui all have devoted followers.

City Island has always felt like home to me, in part because it shares some similarities with Hong Kong. Surrounded by water and boats, City Island's maritime charm reminds me of the bustling harbors of my childhood. The culture here is rooted in tradition but unafraid to change, much like the dynamic energy of Hong Kong.

I like to think of City Island as "The Pearl of the Sound." Just as Hong Kong's layers of history contribute to its distinctive character, so does City Island's past as an oystering and ship-building community. In the 19th century, this island was teeming with oyster beds, attracting droves of fishermen. The oysters were a major economic driver, fueling the growth of the island's maritime industry. Oystermen, armed with dredges and fueled by tide power, navigated the Sound, hauling in bushels of these briny treasures. A boat-building industry flourished alongside the oyster trade, turning City Island into a world-famous maritime hub.

Today, the legacy of City Island's oystering days lives on in its waterfront restaurants and nautical ambiance, serving as a reminder of the island's rich maritime heritage. Victorian homes line the streets, and sailboats bob gently in the marinas. It's a place where time seems to stand still, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past amidst the fast-paced modern world.

But don't be fooled by its quaint exterior - City Island is a hub of creativity and innovation, where tradition and modernity intersect in fascinating ways. Wander down the Avenue, and you'll see art galleries showcasing the works of local artists, alongside our cozy coffee shop serving up artisanal coffee and pastries. New businesses are starting to pop up, and young parents push strollers up and down the streets. It’s a testament to the island's ability to evolve with the times while preserving its rich heritage and unique identity.

Amidst the push and pull of tradition and modernity, City Island remains steadfast in its commitment to community and connection. There's a sense of camaraderie that permeates the island's streets and shores. It's a place where the past and present coexist, inviting visitors to embrace the best of both worlds and experience the magic of this hidden gem in The Bronx.

Back to my grandmother’s pearl of wisdom for a moment… there is something else that can light you up from within. Movement will illuminate your face and your spirit! Bear with me for a moment. Engaging in physical activity stimulates blood flow throughout the body. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, promoting a healthy complexion and giving your skin a natural glow. Exercise promotes the production of feel-good hormones endorphins, which can uplift your mood and put a smile on your face. Exercise reduces stress levels and improves sleep, both of which will leave you glowing.

Most of all, the sense of accomplishment and confidence that comes from achieving your goals will light you up. When you feel good about yourself, it shows. Whether it's the flush of exertion during a challenging workout or the glow of satisfaction after reaching a milestone, movement has a transformative effect that can truly light up your face and enhance your overall well-being.

At The Pearl, we're more than just a studio – we're a community of individuals on a transformative journey. We celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the resilience that lies within each of us. Through movement, mindfulness, and a commitment to inclusivity, let’s create a safe space where everyone can shine brightly.

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