Wellness With Purpose

Felicia Kawilarang is on a mission to create inclusive spaces where women feel empowered to rise and thrive. As the former chief marketing officer (CMO) of health app Halodoc and founder of active wear brand Ryse and Shyne, she’s not only well on her way but leading Indonesia’s women’s wellness movement with resilience and authenticity.

Her work balances branding with community-building and advocacy. At Halodoc, she helped shape the reputation of one of Indonesia’s top digital healthcare platforms during the pandemic, a time when reliable and trusted access to health information was more important than ever. 

Through Ryse and Shyne, she has shifted her focus toward something more personal: building a space where conversations around mental health, self-worth, and holistic well-being are not only welcomed, but central. True wellness, she emphasizes, is a holistic journey that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional healing.

“I wanted to create more than just an activewear brand; I wanted to build a community where women could show up authentically, support each other through transformation, and celebrate strength in all its forms.”

She believes that commitment to meaningful leadership and inclusion stems from her time at JIS, where the experience of “navigating multiple cultural contexts has been essential in building authentic, inclusive communities that resonate across demographics”.

“The school's emphasis on critical thinking and global perspective shaped how I approach everything today, from building brands to building relationships. I learned early that authenticity transcends cultural boundaries, and that's a principle I carry into every venture,” Felicia explains.

We had the chance to catch up with Felicia to reflect on her JIS years, her journey into marketing and entrepreneurship, and the purpose behind the movement she is building today with Ryse and Shyne.
 

When you think back on your JIS years, what experiences or moments stand out as meaningful in shaping who you are today?

JIS gave me something invaluable: the foundation to navigate the world with confidence and curiosity. Moving between countries throughout my childhood, JIS was where I learned that diversity isn't just about tolerance; it's about genuine connection across differences. The school's emphasis on critical thinking and global perspective shaped how I approach everything today, from building brands to building relationships. I learned early that authenticity transcends cultural boundaries, and that's a principle I carry into every venture.
 

JIS brings together students from many cultures and backgrounds. Did that diversity influence how you approach leadership, brand-building, or community today?

Absolutely. Growing up in such a multicultural environment taught me that effective leadership isn't about imposing a single vision; it's about creating space for different voices and perspectives to contribute to something greater. 

At Ryse and Shyne, we've built a community that celebrates women from all backgrounds, recognizing that empowerment looks different for everyone. That JIS experience of navigating multiple cultural contexts has been essential in building authentic, inclusive communities that resonate across demographics.
 

Is there a “Dragon Trait” or anything from your time at JIS that still influences how you build or nurture communities — whether at Ryse and Shyne, or in your work with larger organizations like Ismaya?

The Dragon spirit of resilience and courage definitely resonates with me. JIS taught me to be direct, honest, and unafraid to challenge the status quo — traits that have served me well in entrepreneurship and leadership. Whether I'm building Ryse and Shyne or working on larger initiatives, I approach community-building with that same fearlessness: asking difficult questions, having honest conversations, and creating environments where people feel safe to be vulnerable and authentic.
 

Ryse and Shyne combines physical wellness, mental health advocacy, and women’s empowerment. What sparked the decision to build a community-first brand, and what lasting impact do you hope it makes in the long run?

Ryse and Shyne was born from my own journey through challenging times and the realization that true wellness is holistic — it's physical, mental, and emotional. I wanted to create more than just an activewear brand; I wanted to build a community where women could show up authentically, support each other through transformation, and celebrate strength in all its forms. 

The long-term impact I hope for is simple but profound: that we help women recognize their inherent worth and power, and give them the tools and community to rise into their fullest potential. Because when women support women, we all shine brighter.