Who are we?
Chika is a digital powerhouse that celebrates all things women.
Chika is a word play on “chica” (meaning “female friend” in Spanish); it’s also a Japanese feminine name, meaning “wisdom celebration”. We capture the lifestyle and journey of female leaders and entrepreneurs through forward-thinking journalism and invite-only access to exclusive product launches and experiences—created by and for women.
A letter from the founder
Welcome to Chika!
No matter where and how you found us, I just want to let you know that I’m glad you're here. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time on earth, it’s that nothing happens by pure coincidence.
So while you’re here, there’s a little personal story I’d like to share with you...
As a single child growing up in an Asian family, I’ve always gravitated towards doing everything opposite to what’s expected of me. While my parents wanted me to be a banker, I chose to become a journalist instead. At university, I decided to study in South Africa instead of Europe or the Americas. As a solo traveller, I’ve always been fascinated by exotic cultures, venturing out to countries that are often considered “dangerous” for female travellers, like Iran, Lebanon, Oman and Ethiopia.
While following my heart and doing things my own way, I had the pleasure of meeting women from all corners of the world who are also breaking the mold and paving their own paths. Whenever we meet, we speak about aspirations, goals, self-development and lifting each other up. These powerful conversations have become the foundation of Chika.
Chika is not just a magazine; it’s a digital powerhouse run by women, for women. My mission is to introduce them to you, my dear Chika, through storytelling and real-life experiences that are designed to elevate your life. Whatever your dreams are, and whichever stage in life you’re in, Chika celebrates YOU.
I hope that Chika will become your support system, a place that you keep coming back to find new inspiration and ideas.
The Chika community is not complete without you. If you have any feedback or questions, please reach me at pearl@chikamagazine.com. I’d love to hear from you.
Love,
Pearl
Meet Pearl Yan
Pearl is the founder of Chika Magazine. When she is not working out in the gym, she is travelling somewhere off-the-beaten-path (or “crazy”, as most people call it)—getting a hyena massage in Ethiopia, hunting scorpions in the Oman desert, skydiving in Namibia, getting lost in the bazaars in Iran—or thinking about her next adventure. Follow her @pearll_y.