Jane Dee: Her magnum opus

Creating strong identities for different alcohol brands is the work of Jane Dee. Today, Jane is the Asia-Pacific regional brand manager for Belvedere Vodka, Grand Marnier and the six wine labels in the Moet Hennessy portfolio. Aside from deciding the marketing strategies that would hopefully achieve higher sales, Jane flies around the 12 Asian markets to make sure that their plans are effective and implemented … with style.

Even as a child, Jane was already filled with the spirit of doing things her way. At 10 years old, she decided that she wanted to learn more about the Mandarin culture, so her parents obliged and let her study in Beijing. Bubbly, rebellious days at Makati Hope Christian School progressed into a love of learning, which bloomed when Jane took her degree at De La Salle University. It was then that she first realized the power of advertising and its relationship to marketing. After she achieved her master’s in International Business from the University of Sydney, our bachelorette was ready to sparkle. 

Herewith, the lady who dreams about how you can celebrate your good fortune with the wines and spirits she loves reflects on Marc Jacobs’ iPad accessories, a Panasonic camera and her personalized Moet Magnums gift.

In school, I learned that no matter how hard I studied I would never be good at accounting or finance. Oh, well…

I am happy that at present, I’m very pleased and satisfied with my life. My parents are active and healthy. My brothers are all grown up and quite independent. My boyfriend is very loving and my close friends are all trust worthy and reliable. Job is great so anything on top of the abovementioned is a bonus!

One of my goals this year is to spend more quality time with my family in Manila — my parents, Alice and Domingo Dee, and my three brothers Brian, Kenneth and John.

My personal style signifier is my short, edgy hairstyle. I’ve always sported short hair but not until I met Matsume (my hairstylist when I was living in Shanghai) did I understand how cool it could be. She taught me how to style it with various looks for day and night. I can be fierce and sexy in one event and extremely elegant in the next one. I’ve kept my hair short ever since.

I get inspired to be more creative with my projects whenever I see a promotion, event or an advert and go, why didn’t I think of that?

For grooming and style I rely on trusted hairstylists in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

I work best in my office in HK, after a hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee.

The last meal that truly impressed me was Robuchon A Galera in Macau. It is a three Michelin-starred restaurant by famous chef Joel Robuchon, with an extensive wine list of 7,300 labels! The degustation menu is a must-try.

Some of my fears are growing old alone, accidents resulting in coma or paralysis, and fear of heights.

Jane with Usher at the Venetian Hotel in Macau as they toast the major role that he will be playing for Belvedere Vodka in 2011.

What helps me to conquer fear is enjoying each moment with loved ones and trying to be safe wherever I go.

My best moment was when I received the phone call from my current boss saying, “When would you like to start?”

My worst moments are breakups. I’ve always entered into a relationship with the best of intentions each time. Of course, there are reasons why certain things don’t last and in hindsight, it’s crystal-clear, but the process of healing is difficult and although it makes you wiser and stronger in the end, I’d rather not go through that ever again.

Best quality about me: Trusting and loyal to both friends and family. Work-related, I never give up until I achieve my goal.

Worst quality: I’m very impatient, short-tempered and can get easily annoyed.

A recent find is Marc Jacobs’ iPad accessories.

The last thing I bought and loved are two Amazona bags from Loewe. Working for LVMH, we are lucky to acquire a number of staff benefits and I’ve managed to get hold of a Loewe limited-edition brown-weave Amazona bag for 60 percent off!

The thing I’m hoping to buy next, even though it’s not in our brand portfolio, are a Chloe Paraty bag and a Chloe Marcie bag.

If I had to limit my travels to one city… for someone who’s a big fan of Sex and the City, I still have not been to New York!

A memorable place I have traveled to in the past year was actually one big trip altogether — the Marlborough region in New Zealand combined with the Yarra Valley, Cottlesloe Beach, Freemantle Port and Margaret River in Australia.

 The souvenirs I choose to bring home: Pictures are always the best. My boyfriend recently gave me a Panasonic Lumix for Christmas so I’m very excited to snap away in 2011!

The site that inspires me: when dad took us to Yosemite National Park, Sausalito in San Francisco, the Grand Canyon and Lake Tahoe. I was very much in awe of the scenic views … and that’s when my love of travel began.

The best gift I have given recently was a personalized Moet Magnums for my Dad’s 60th birthday.

And the best one I’ve received recently: Panasonic Lumix camera from my boyfriend and a four-hour private-suite spa session at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental HK from his best friend.

In my fridge you’ll always find big bottles of mineral water, chocolates, Coke Zero and Tabasco.

My favorite websites: The Sartorialist.blogspot.com.

I am proud of the person I’ve become.

Beside my bed are L’Occitane hand cream, BlackBerry charger, iPad charger, Monocle and HK Tatler.

If I wasn’t doing what I do, I‘d be the next Ian Wright, traveling and hosting everywhere for Lonely Planet.

After being in business, I realized there are no shortcuts. You work hard and with prayer and a little bit of luck, you will be able to achieve anything you want.

The books I am reading now are Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler. She is an avid fan of Belvedere in the US and I want to know who she really is.

I remember an embarrassing moment at work during a videoconference with Japan and Australia. The Asia-Pacific managing director asked me a question about sales volumes and I couldn’t answer. Thing is, I knew that he wanted to clarify some figures prior to the meeting and I still did not bother to check. Laziness, perhaps. Thank God my boss was there to save me and I’ve learnt my lesson since then. Never go to a meeting unprepared!

The last time I cried was a week ago, while watching Eat, Pray, Love in-flight on my way to Bali.

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E-mail: aurorawilson@gmail.com.