High Life

HIGH LIFE 99 A t a time where everything is done electronically and in an instant, Miko Ieong is holding onto the notion that anything done by hand comes with unique essence and meaning. “Realistically speaking, technology makes our life convenient, but I believe that other things should be done by hand because it makes our lives more interesting,” explains Miko, a highly talented calligrapher and partner in Good LifeMacau. Occupying an entire two-storey building and featuring a range of natural finishes from white pine to warmredwood, the Good LifeMacau shop speaks true to its branding as Miko is not only a business partner but also the interior designer. “My main role here is to design and develop workshops,” she says. “At Good Life Macau, we select interesting workshops from around Asia and bring them to Macau. Occasionally, I also teach here.” With feel-good jazz music playing in the background, it is evident that passion and positivity are the key inspirations behind this unique and fascinating place. On a high-ceiling entrance, it’s hard to miss the hand-lettered note stating, “Do what really makes you happy.” Having spent her childhood years in the city, Miko migrated to San Francisco for seven years to study graphic design at college. She later landed a job in IT before returning to Macau in 2016 to follow her passion for letters. “It’s not about coming back to a place where I feel comfortable, it’s about getting my inspiration from people here in Macau, who I would best describe as some of the most interesting people in the world,” Miko explains.