Sephora unveils its first Asian Store of the Future at Raffles City Singapore
Sephora will be opening the doors to its first-ever Store of the Future concept store in Asia at Raffles City Singapore on 23 September. In line with its name, the store’s concept revolves around innovative features from in-store beauty workshops to digital touchpoints that are designed for a seamless, elevated customer experience.
Three main aspects form the basis for the store’s design: space, human and digital. Digitally, customers can take advantage of Skincredible, a free 15-minute consultation with Sephora skincare experts. The consultation involves a determatologist-grade skin scan resulting in a skincare score and tailored recommendations. The store is also cash-free, with a mobile checkout system doing away with queues.
Meanwhile, physically within the store you can expect to find spaces dedicated to different areas of the beauty experience. There’s a Play Table that allows you to Shop by Look, a Care Table to shop by personal skin concerns, a Skincare Lounge and a Beauty School which will offer open beauty classes.
Meanwhile, elevating the human touch, there’s a full range of services available in store. From a facial treatment (Perk by Hydrafacial) to full-face make-up services and hair styling, the treatment of a salon or spa can be accessed within this Sephora. A particular highlight: the dry styling hair service which enables you to revamp your hair style within next to no time.
This store will be open from 23 September, 2022 between 10am and 9pm daily, located at #01-20/21/22 Raffles City Singapore.
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Ksisters offer a K-beauty pop-up Jung Island at Crane Living
For those dreaming of a slice of the scenic Jeju Island in South Korea, consider yourself sorted with Ksisters latest pop-up: Jung Island. Housed in the shophouse space of Crane Living, the Ksisters Pop-Up: Jung Island centres itself around the most coveted offerings of K-beauty. Ready yourself for an immersive experience right from the get go: as the second floor is overtaken by the irresistible joy of canola flowers, evoking the picturesque fields of the island retreat. And as you breeze through the little world of discovery before you with its diverse product offerings—from Lavien’s latest Kombu Biome range to the exciting new release of Jung Beauty’s Probiotics Firming & Brightening Eye Serum—expect to be whisked away by the soothing aroma of cypress that fills the space to the brim.
With their all-new Eye Serum, the promise is a 6-in-1 solution that is targeted at one’s dark circles and under eye puffiness, via a nourishing, non-comedogenic blend of probiotics, niacinamide, caffeine complex and superfoods. And should you find yourself enamoured by its touch-free applicator at the tip of the tube when you’re at Jung Island, it’s perhaps worth your consideration to get your hands on four of them—for your last one comes free. Amidst the other beauty wonders left to be desired at Jung Island, Ohiohoo’s seven new Moist Matte Lip shades and Pink Wonder’s Betterskin Volcanic Mud Sheet Mask are also up for the taking.
Other thoughtful touchpoints to look forward to within the space include a hands-on Bojagi Workshop experience, where you’ll be taught the traditional Korean Bojagi art of using a wrapping cloth. And to round up your sensorial mid-day treat? Dig into Jeju-inspired flavours at Jung Island—as Ksisters joins hands with Kooks Creamery to bring to you the familiar summer-island sweetness in the form of Apricot and Blueberry Yoghurt ice-cream.
Visit the Ksisters Pop-Up: Jung Island at Crane Living (Joo Chiat) from 3 to 11 September, open from 11am to 8pm daily.
Tiffany Young and Lancôme join forces for a new launch
K-pop idol, Tiffany Young of Girls’ Generation called it: Strong is the new young for Lancôme who have launched their first Beauty Tech flagship in Southeast Asia. Young who is in town to help the brand spotlight the latest in beauty technology in a physical flagship on Orchard Road, outside Mandarin Gallery, counts herself a fan of the award-winning anti-ageing serum.
The immersive experience offers guests the chance to discover their Microbiome-Skin barrier connection with its cult Advanced Génifique Serum and the microbiome science behind it. Impressively, Lancôme’s Skin Screen, developed with 100 per cent in-house algorithms allow more inclusivity and better accuracy in its most advanced skin analysis service, and get all the skinsider tips and tricks from Lancôme Singapore’s very own National Skincare Expert, one of ten selected globally.
To uncover just why this franchise is so beloved, it’s important to note that one bottle of Advanced Génifique is sold every 6 seconds, making it Lancôme’s best-seller globally. The serum also captures the power of microbiome science and contains a unique complex of seven pre- and probiotic fractions alongside hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Aside from locking in hydration and fortifying the skin’s barrier from external aggressors such as pollution and changes in climate, it also improves elasticity and betters the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration or due to thinning skin, which can eventually deepen into wrinkles. Ultimately, the serum is proven to strengthen the skin’s microbiome and aid in skin recovering up to 77 per cent faster.
L’Occitane Singapore unveils its first eco concept boutique at Raffles City
The Lancôme Beauty Tech flagship will be open to public from 25 August to 7 September 2022, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd, Singapore 238897.
L’Occitane Singapore has unveiled its first-ever eco concept boutique at Raffles City. Mirroring the boutique’s new ‘sunshine concept’ within its bright setting, the new store is part of L’Occitane Singapore’s commitment to environmental friendliness and waste reduction.
Furnished and designed with over 80 per cent recycled materials, the boutique goes beyond beauty to do good for the earth. The store is home to L’Occitane’s zero-plastic product refill service Refill Fountain, the Big Little Things recycling program for recycling empties, and is also expected to host exciting events including collaborations with local artists and eco-friendly brands.
Talk about beauty that works for both you and the environment!
Immerse yourself in the joy of L’Occitane’s eco-friendly boutique at #01-43A, Raffles City Shopping Centre, open between 11am and 10pm daily.
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N°1 de Chanel pops up at Suntec City Mall
At last: Sampling skincare is back in a big way. Pulling out all the stops, Chanel invites all to its ephemeral N°1 de Chanel experience at Suntec City Mall, West Atrium.
Open from now till 16 August, 2022, the immersive space gives guests the chance to discover N°1 de Chanel, the French brand’s first holistic, eco-responsible, anti-ageing beauty line launched in January. Drawing inspiration from the ageless beauty of the potent, revitalising camellia—an iconic Chanel motif—and a decade of experimentation in the field of senescence in collaboration with the University of Vienna, the skin and body line prevents, slows down and corrects the appearance on the five signs of ageing: wrinkles, radiance, pores, elasticity and comfort.
Aside from its precious formulations featuring naturally-derived ingredients, we love its earth-friendly refills and packaging made from recyclable materials such as glass, bio-sourced materials and organic inks.
Keen to experience the power of N°1 de Chanel yourself? Sign up for a complimentary sample, available till stocks last.
Sigi Skin x Freia Aesthetics launches exclusive treatment
In line with this year’s National Day theme, Stronger Together—the two powerhouses of the Singaporean beauty scene presents a facial treatment that marries the expertise of Sigi Skin and Freia Aesthetics. Known for their 100% vegan skincare, Sigi Skin’s philosophy rings true even in the facial treatment, nourishing your skin with the most gentle yet powerful products from the brand. Worried about sensitive skin flaring up? Not to worry, from exfoliation down to rejuvenation, your skin will be well taken care of with products carefully formulated and powered by highly potent botanicals and superfood ingredients that’ll effectively revitalise your skin without the harsh chemicals.
Working in complete synergy to whisk you away in a state of complete tranquility and pampering, Freia Aesthetics’s state of the art Local Dynamic Massage machine is all about boosting your skin’s ability to regenerate collagen and hyaluronic acid for an instant lifting and skin firming effect. If you’re in dire need of some R&R this month, perhaps consider taking a trip down to Freia Aesthetics to get your natural glow back with Sigi Skin.
Book the Sigi Skin x Freia Aesthetics Facial Treatment in the month of August, 435 Orchard Rd, #19-03 Wisma Atria Office Tower, Singapore 238877. Open daily from 11am to 9pm (Monday to Friday) and 10am to 7pm (Saturday and Sunday).
Pop into SK-II’s Future X experience at Jem Singapore
If you’ve ever had your complexion analysed at a department store counter and still feel a level of ‘scanxiety’ at all the flaws they pointed out, fret not. SK-II‘s new Mini Magic Scan, available at its Future X pop-up at Jem, is nothing but uplifting. The intimate counselling experience is all about helping you to understand your current skin condition in a positive, proactive manner (read: no skintimidation where pores and fine lines are scrutinised till one feels pressured to buy the store).
This is however, the perfect moment to chat one-on-one with an SK-II advisor about any beauty-related concerns and score tips on how to achieve your skin goals.
Powered by SK-II’s proprietary Skin Science and Diagnostics Innovation and artificial intelligence, the Mini Magic Scan will help to analyse your skin age, signs of health and beauty while also offering you your own personalised Pitera-powered skin regime.
The experience is free to all, and open till 28 February 2023, exclusively at Jem Singapore.
Get moving with LumiHealth
Need to get fit but have no idea where to start? LumiHealth, the nation’s beloved health and fitness app by the Singapore Health Promotion Board by has been motivating everyday folks of all ages to get mindful and moving since 2020. Available on the Apple Watch, LumiHealth just the boost you need to make healthy—and importantly, sustainable—lifestyle changes to your physical activity, sleep, nutrition and more.
For Terence Ng, director for innovation office at Singapore’s Health Promotion Board, it’s about adopting healthier lifestyles through “small, everyday steps that are convenient and attainable” for one’s personal lifestyle.
And now till 14 August, there’s even greater incentive to join LumiHealth. Apple retail stores in Singapore are offering a free $40 Apple retail gift card: Simply purchase a new Apple Watch and sign-up to the LumiHealth program for the first time during this period.
But it gets better. Current participants of the app who refer friends and family to join LumiHealth during this period will be awarded 10,000 bonus points for each successful referral.
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Float, freeze, and sweat your way to wellbeing with Soma Haus
When was the last time you held space for yourself? Pandemic burnout, rising inflation and now talks of a global recession may have left many in a state of dis-ease. Soma Haus, a new wellness centre located in Singapore’s East offers all the chance to reset our internal systems by creating the optimal environment for the mind and body to recover from the changing tides of life.
“There are no shortcuts when it comes to looking after our health, especially when we are all still reeling from the ongoing impacts of a global pandemic,” explains Soma Haus’ co-founder and therapist Kathy Gabriel. “Soma Haus has been designed to create the most optimal environment for your body to heal and recover. Our holistic services, ancient practices and modern technology work together to provide you with consistent maintenance, support and healing.”
Guests to this oasis of calm in the heart of buzzy Joo Chiat can experience a curated menu of restorative modalities, from shiatsu and myofacial massage, naturopathy to craniosacral therapy and counselling alongside ice baths, infrared saunas, and sensory depriving float pods. Or if you’d simply like to slow down via sound and recalibrate your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) without talk or touch, Soma Haus also offers gentle breathwork and sound bath sessions to help release stress and anxiety.
Reconnect with your self at Soma Haus, 108/110 Joo Chiat Rd #01-01, Singaore 427401. Open daily from 9:30am to 7pm (Monday to Saturday) and 9.30am to 5pm (Sunday).
World Pitera Day
July 13 marks World Pitera Day. Just what is Pitera, exactly? Exclusive to SK-II where it’s the star ingredient in the brand’s ‘Miracle Water‘, Pitera is crafted in the Shiga Plant in Japan.
SK-II’s latest PITERA™ 24/7 Skin Fluctuation Study revealed that our skin condition can fluctuate greatly within a day, even looking almost up to 10 years older due to internal and environmental stressors. And the worst time of day for skin? Late at night, when we’re likely to be working late, partying hard, or trying to get our little ones to sleep. However, regular use of SK-II’s Pitera-rich Essence helped to improve on aspects of skin ageing including refining pores, texture, dullness, and minimising redness for a clearer complexion.
To start your journey to crystal clear skin and put Pitera to the test, check out SK-II’s Pitera Power Kit available at Metro, Tangs and LazMall.
Twice’s Mina joins SK-II as their newest PITERA™ & Me ambassador
Mina, American-born Japanese singer of beloved K-pop group Twice joins SK-II as their newest ambassador. The moves comes as part of their new PITERA™ & Me campaign. In a first for the skincare brand, Mina starred in a self-directed film series while explaining why SK-II’s Pitera Essence resonates with her 2022 goals.
“With Pitera Essence, I want to start a new skincare routine,” Mina shares. “I’ve been very busy since debuting, so my goal this year is to rediscover and take better care of myself, including my skin.”
While filming herself using the cult favourite SK-II product as part of her morning routine, Mina revealed that she particularly cherishes its lightweight texture and easy absorption.
Skin Inc launches a revolutionary wellness and skin-health app
Meet +Sabi AI. Conceived by Skin Inc in collaboration with +Sabi Ai Corp—a company spearheading the advancement of AI in the wellness and skincare industry—the program allows users to take face scans; track their moisture levels based on cutting-edge hydrosensor technology; chart UV and pollution indexes and more. The app will be released in tandem with Skin Inc’s latest Tri-Light + Sabi Skincare Device on 24 March.
Dyson opens Southeast Asia’s largest store at VivoCity
A household name for some of the world’s most innovative—and dare we say, life-changing—gadgets we use daily, Dyson has opened the doors to their largest Demo Store in Southeast Asia, at VivoCity. The immersive 178-square metre space is home to its full portfolio of key technologies, displayed in a series of demonstration zones that invite visitors for hands-on discovery of their products, from their iconic vacuums like the V12 Detect and Purifier Cool Formaldehyde air purifier, to, of course, their coveted coterie of hair styling tools like the Supersonic hairdryer.
This ultimate “try-before-you-buy” retail space comes complete with the Dyson Beauty Lab, a private, dedicated space for all things hair care, with sprawling vanities where you can meet with a Dyson Expert to get complimentary personalised styling appointments to try out must-haves like the Airwrap styler and Corrale straightener for size. Plus, because these products are constantly at the top of gift wish lists, there’s a Personalisation Bar where customers can enjoy complimentary case debossing, packaging customisation and gift-wrapping services with a personal touch.
The new Dyson Demo Store is located at #01-21/22 VivoCity.
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SK-II unveils their ‘Future X’ pop-up store
The aim of the pop-up is to showcase SK-II’s game-changing new gadget: the Mini Magic Scan. Powered by SK-II’s proprietary Skin Science and Diagnostics Innovation, the global prestige label touts it as the most advanced contactless skin-analysis tool in the market that utilises facial recognition, computer vision and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.).
Said systems work together to detect ‘fluctuations’ in the skin, where they will be able to identify the strengths, problem areas, as well as the true skin age of an individual’s complexion at a pixel level. What’s more, the entire process takes a mere three minutes and also issues personalised product recommendations.
SK-II’s ‘Future X’ pop-up store is open now till 31 March 2022 at The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, #01-09 (near Art Science Museum entrance/exit). Admission is free.
Kiehl’s partners up with BT21 for a limited-edition capsule
Titled ‘BT21 Meets Kiehl’s in New York City’, it comprises the brand’s cult-favourite Ultra Facial Cream in several different iterations. For the 50ml edition, each product harbours a specific BT21 character—aka the animated brainchild of K-Pop tour de force, BTS: Koya, RJ, Mang, Chimmy, Tata, Cooky, or Shooky posing by iconic New York City landmarks.
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Its jumbo 125ml Ultra Facial Cream, on the other hand, will feature a group shot of all the BT21 characters. Shoppers will be entitled to a BT21 Blind Keychain with every purchase of Kiehl’s BT21 Ultra Facial Cream, and a Kiehl’s BT21 Totebag if they’ve spent $150.
Available at all Kiehl’s boutiques.
The Ordinary lands at Sephora Singapore
Rejoice, skincare savants. The label’s full repertoire will be available at all Sephora stores island-wide and online, with an exclusive set being pushed out in celebration. The Bright Skincare Set includes the Squalene Cleanser, the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, and the Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution.
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Two L(i)ps opens its flagship store
Born from 20 years of experience in the hair removal market, Two L(i)ps was ahead of the curve when it debuted as Singapore’s first luxury intimate care brand, presenting skin-loving vulva care products in 2017. Four years and 16 products later, the brand has not only broken taboos and shifted perspectives, but also bloomed into a global brand that now boasts its own flagship boutique at ION Orchard.
“We have always been leading the charge, and pushing the boundaries of vulva care. Who would have thought that vulva care could be here today, not only with 16 effective products but also the first physical store that is dedicated to the vulva in Singapore. It was a bold vision, tackling such a sensitive subject and making it accessible. It took us four years and it’s been almost surreal, but we are finally here,” says Cynthia Chua, founder of Two L(i)ps.
A sensorial, salmon-pink feast for the senses, the 500-square foot space brings to mind a hammer, with its curvaceous, cavern-like design, antique-pitted mineral clay walls, large, rust-hued porcelain tiles and a huge terrazzo sink as the centrepiece. Inside, the unique ‘curiosity shop’ retail experience is filled with unexpected ‘touchpoints’ that play on the themes of privacy and voyeurism, in the form of interactive, hole-in-the-wall installations, tongue-in-cheek art pieces, and sumptuous textures to stimulate through sight, scent and touch.
Guerlain opens a new, first-of-its-kind retail experience in Southeast Asia at Tangs
Abeille Royale. Aqua Allegoria. Météorites. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the 193-year-old luxury beauty house or you’re part of a whole new generation that gets to discover the magic of Guerlain (did you know for instance, they created the first lipstick bullet in 1870?) you can now discover more at their immersive store located at Tangs on Orchard Road.
The expansive space showcases the best of Guerlain’s skincare, fragrance and make-up offerings in its updated ‘Bee’ merchandising concept.
Designed by LVMH’s store design and architecture artistic director, Patricia Grosdemange, the soft space and enveloping atmosphere is both welcoming and modern, inviting guests to learn more about the brand’s leading franchises through friendly conversation and intimate skincare consults.
If you’re in the mood for some pop and colour, there’s a lipstick bar in which you can customise your Rouge G lipstick: pick your perfect lipstick case, have it engraved, refill it whenever you run out, and call it yours forever. Perfect gift options as the holidays roll around.
Visit Guerlain at Tangs at Tang Plaza, 310 Orchard Rd, Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864. Open daily from 11:30am to 8:30pm.
YSL Beauty Records is bringing the party to you
You know who throws a damn good party? YSL Beauty. Their über cool soirees have welcomed us into the underground realms of the YSL Beauty Club in 2017 and YSL Beauty Hotel in 2019, and this year, the brand is sending those vibes into your homes with YSL Beauty Records, a virtual celebration of beauty and music with a full 3D experience till 31 October.
Also marking the launch of the new YSL Beauty online e-boutique, this immersive experience fuses music, games and shopping with a Beauty Arcade where you can play Beauty Beats and Couture Chase games and stand a chance to win gorgeous prizes and exclusive discount codes.
Alongside beauty must-haves like the Dua Lipa-endorsed Libre fragrance are also specially curated playlists by local music lovers and experts from Jasmine Sokko and Ginette Chittick to Rosalyn Lee, but the piece de resistance of this week-long virtual fete happens on 27 October. For that one night at 9pm, the YSL Beauty Recording Studio will open up to local music stars Aisyah Aziz, Charlie Lim, DJ Myrne and street dancer Germain Cheong who will take the stage for exclusive performances that you can watch and party with live.
If you’re ready to party and want to “explore beauty in your own rhythm”, pre-register at https://beautyrecords.
Shu Uemura’s celebrates its re-opening in ION Orchard
Don’t panic if you’re on your way to ION Orchard to sharpen your Shu Uemura Hard Formula H9 eyebrow pencil and see that the store isn’t there anymore—they’ve moved downstairs to B2-37. Celebrating their grand re-opening from today till the end of the month, the new flagship stands out with the brand’s ubiquitous high-gloss interiors and its commitment to Japanese make-up artistry and eclecticism. There’s also a gleaming feature wall heralding all the Shu icons—the one and only in the world outside of its Tokyo global store.
Beauty services are also available in store, including their 3D Eye and Brow experience where atelier artists will help you shape your brows and teach you simple but effective techniques to achieve the most ideal arches for your face shape on your own. This freshly minted space is also the first in Singapore to drive the brand’s recycling efforts, where customers can return empty and clean full-sized cleansing oil bottles to receive bonus loyalty points with purchase. There are also exclusive gifts with purchase up for grabs from now till 24 October to celebrate.
And if you’re looking to switch up your make-up routine with something cute and sparkly, the Shu Uemura x Hello Kitty collection, too, just dropped in store. The kawaii star gets the disco ball treatment just in time for the holidays, with glam rock glitters, dramatic lip colours and jewel-toned eyeshadows, crafted to encapsulate the electricity of bold, bright Tokyo nights.
Guerlain appoints Violette as creative director of make-up
Known for her Parisian chic sensibility, leading make-up artist and beauty influencer, Violette joins Guerlain as its new creative director of make-up. Lending her daring eye to the 190 year old luxury beauty brand, Violette’s vision is truly aligned with the French house as she strives to push the boundaries of innovation and modernity while keeping true to Guerlain‘s exacting standards.
“My story with Guerlain is really the story of my femininity,” shares the make-up artist. “As a little girl, Météorites with its little pastel-coloured pearls for the complexion had a real aesthetic impact on me. I’d stare at the box fascinated, I couldn’t wait to become a woman… I pictured myself at my dressing table putting on lipstick, perfume and dipping a brush into these incredible Météorites. Today, I’ve been invited to write the next chapter in Guerlain’s history as director of make-up. That’s the magic of beauty.”
In addition to her eponymous make-up line, Violette FR, the artist is best known for her past collaborations with Dior and Estée Lauder, where she previously held the post of global beauty director at the age of 33. Now, an exciting new season awaits.
“Guerlain is a woman! A modern Empress… and a Parisienne, right down to her fingertips. I’m so happy to be joining an iconic House with such a rich heritage, where I can pass Guerlain’s values in make-up onto a new generation and share it with those who, no matter their gender, celebrate beauty today and will celebrate it tomorrow.”
Chanel Factory 5 limited editions infuse luxury into the everyday
As Chanel puts it, they’re not celebrating N°5’s 100th anniversary—it’s her 20th, for the fifth time. History’s most famous fragrance with an inimitable sense of eternal youth and perennial allure, this iconic perfume is getting a fresh new look with Chanel Factory 5, a collection of 17 limited editions inspired by everyday objects—encapsulating how N°5 continues to transform the ordinary, each and every day.
Fusing the world of consumer goods factory and the codes of a luxury house are products like The Bath Tablets, $103, in a tea canister; The Shower Gel, from $80, in a paint pot; The Body Lotion, $104, in a detergent Doypack, and the one and only N°5 fragrance in a simple laboratory bottle—all functional but coveted collectibles with ultra-chic minimalist design. “By taking popular consumer items out of their context and dressing them up in the aesthetics of N°5, we return to Chanel’s first creative gesture: that of transforming a functional object into a desirable luxury item. That’s what Chanel Factory 5 is all about: offering the experience of luxury in everyday life”, says Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, Chanel’s Head of Global Creative Resources Fragrance and Beauty.
Available exclusively at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty boutiques and Chanel E-concierge from 15 July 2021
The Guerlain For Bees Conservation Programme
Bees have inhabited the luxurious world of Guerlain since 1853, starting with the iconic Eau de Cologne Imperiale bee bottle. Today, the symbol of the house is celebrated as nature’s great alchemists, with their honey infusing the Abeille Royal skincare line which seeks to repair, regenerated and repair glowing complexions. To coincide with World Bee Day on 20 May, the house will be holding a three-day international fund drive (from 20 to 22 May) where 20 percent of all worldwide sales from stores and guerlain.com will be donated to the Guerlain For Bees Programme. 20 euros will also be donated for every repost of Guerlain’s World Bee Day Instagram image, featuring the hashtags #Guerlain #GuerlainForBees #WorldBeeDay.
This community engaging programme is linked to six partnerships dedicated to the bees, including the Bee School project operated with the French Observatory of Apidology (OFA), and the Women for Bees programme in partnership with UNESCO—this initiative is fronted by “godmother” Angelina Jolie, and will have trained 50 women beekeepers, installed 2,500 hives and led to 125 million bees by 2025.
