Up Close and Personal With: Nadia Harilela

Take an insider’s look into the lives of Hong Kong’s most interesting and prominent characters with Tatler’s new interview series, Up Close and Personal With...

From business accomplishments to guilty pleasures, few topics are off-limits as we get up close and personal with Hong Kong's Tatler community.

In this column, we dive into the lives of the inimitable Harilela family: Reyna and Mahesh Harilela have been prominent fixtures on Hong Kong’s social scene for decades, but how well do you know their eldest daughter, Nadia?

In January, the fresh-faced party girl moved back to Hong Kong from Ho Chi Minh City and now has her sights set on a career in the PR and marketing world. The Pepperdine University graduate and former stylist answers 10 questions about her proudest accomplishments and what dance moves have landed her in the most trouble.

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What does Hong Kong mean to you?

Family. There's no place in the world I've ever felt so strongly about both the place and its people.

Describe your business ventures in one sentence.

A process of self-discovery.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being able to work alongside Christina Noble (the Irish children’s rights advocate). She is the most fascinating person and has the biggest heart I have ever known.

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If you could be a fly on the wall, where would you land?

There are quite a few here! I think the Oval Office would be a great place to start. I’d love to listen to all the conversations that go on in there.

Which personal trait has gotten you in the most trouble?

I am such a principled person with a very strong view on what is right and what is wrong. It’s something I need to work on as I can come across quite harshly with my opinions.

What is your favourite dance move to do when you are at a party?

I am sorry to all those whose sofa I've destroyed by jumping on it.

What is your most embarrassing moment from high school?

I went to school dressed as a spartan once... for absolutely no reason. I just loved the movie 300 so much that I cut a headpiece and cape out of paper and went to school with it. I got some funny looks that day.

Above Photos Courtesy of Nadia Harilela

Which movie title best explains your life right now and why?

Robin Hood. I think it’s important for those of us who can help to actually help. Our community needs us, now more than ever.

Name a product or service you love so much that you’d happily be that company’s spokesperson.

Adidas Ultraboost trainers. They are the comfiest shoes to run in and my knees are better for it.

If you had one million dollars to build anything you wanted, what would you build and why?

An epic treehouse. I would love a jungle retreat to hide away during this pandemic. I am very much an outdoorsy person and would love to isolate somewhere surrounded by mountains and trails to explore.

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Up Close and Personal With: Nadia Harilela