/ Christine Chiu on Bling Empire and family life with Dr Gabriel Chiu and Baby G: the Netflix producer was inspired by Crazy Rich Asians, but also shares journeys of infertility and loss – interview

Christine Chiu will never forget the day she and her plastic surgeon husband Gabriel Chiu were approached to help develop an all Asian and Asian-American ensemble cast for a planned Netflix docu-series. “It was poised to be the first of its kind in American mainstream media, and we could not refuse,” Chiu says. The show, of course, became the monster reality TV smash Bling Empire, and Chiu became an overnight celebrity. “Although I had previously declined opportunities for reality television, I believed in the magic of this project and resonated with its vision to normalise Asian faces, stories and voices in entertainment arts.” Chiu’s goal as producer in the first season was to leverage the buzz generated from the box office record-shattering success of romcom Crazy Rich Asians. “We would utilise wealth and flashiness as a Trojan horse, to deliver more heartfelt and authentic personal stories, hoping to destigmatise more serious topics like infertility, adoption, loss, as well as showcase cultural nuances in a fun fashion,” declares the Taiwanese-born talent. Meet Bling Empire: New York’s 7 cast members, from Dorothy Wang to the Hungs The first eight episodes did just that – the cast came together and gave it their all. “We served the greater purpose of advancing diversity in television,” she says. But Bling’s immense success brought several issues. “While filming seasons two and three, I could start to see the collective vision of the cast splintering. For better or for worse, egos, personal agendas, politics came into play,” she admits. “Filming was less enjoyable for me unfortunately, because cast priorities grew complicated.” Nevertheless, what Chiu does love and appreciate is the massive global reach the show has, and the platform offered to each of the cast members. “I am grateful that my personal journeys with infertility and loss touched others, encouraging many to have difficult conversations with loved ones and or empowering couples to not lose hope.” The variety of opportunities that have materialised since the show’s premiere have been “beyond imagination”, so much so that Chiu has to continually decide which direction to take. “I have noticed that I am mostly a ‘yes’ person and enthusiastically jump at the next amazing opportunity that comes my way,” she admits. 10 highest-paid actresses of 2022, ranked – from Zendaya to Lady Gaga “However, I have realised recently that it is OK to sometimes step back and take a moment to ensure that I continue to be the best mother, wife and friend that I can be. These are my most important roles in life, and maintaining the right balance is a priority.” When she’s not on set, Chiu is focused on growing her recent joint ventures with Gabriel’s Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery (BHPS) and the Regenerative Medicine Aesthetic Institute, as well as the Spa at BHPS. “I am also continuing my philanthropic work with exciting conversations being had with organisations close to my heart,” Chiu continues, “And who knows, you might even see Christine the author soon!” For Chiu, learning is crucial to handling new opportunities. “I have and continue to learn critical skills in balancing a busy life,” says the 39-year-old, before candidly listing her personal goals: “Having and using organisational tools and apps, being unafraid to delegate and ask for help, accepting imperfections and setbacks with grace, taking ‘me-time’ to rest and rejuvenate.” “As I get older, I am also re-appreciating the benefits of a healthy diet, commitment to exercise and productive sleep.” “I have always been somewhat of an overachiever,” Chiu concludes, “not to impress others but rather to challenge myself, and to do so with intention and positivity, and without fear of failure.” Whitney Houston blew her fortune, but now her family’s cashing in Christine Chiu’s most treasured timepiece IWC Portuguese F.A. Jones Edition Skeleton 38/50 “I have gifted Dr Chiu enough watches for the both of us! Since the year we met, I always give him a limited-edition watch for his birthday, numbered for the age he turns that year, including this platinum IWC with an alligator strap for when he turned 38.” XXIV hours in Christine Chiu’s day … Morning “My alarm is set for 5am, but I like to linger in bed to check email, and slowly allow my brain to wake up. 6am is when I physically get out of bed and head over to my home gym for just 30 minutes while I listen to a podcast, audible book or watch the morning news. At 7am, after reading a few quick Joyce Meyers devotions, I wander into [her son, named Gabriel like his dad] Baby G’s room to wake him up and get him ready for school. I make breakfast around 7:15am, and we eat together until it’s time to drive to preschool at 8am. Preschool drop off is at 8:30am, and then I head to the office by 9am for the morning staff meeting. Between 10am-12pm, I am on conference calls, meeting with vendors and troubleshooting.” More Hermès Birkins than Kylie Jenner: meet Aussie handbag queen Roxy Jacenko Afternoon “I have a bit of an addiction to matcha green tea! It’s what I prefer for a pick-me-up. I studied chadō [the art of tea] while in college, and have been a bit of a matcha fanatic since. Fresh matcha tea is very much part of my daily rituals. I usually take a social or business lunch meeting around 12:30pm to 2pm, and then head back to the home office to take care of philanthropy and entertainment projects. Preschool pick up is at 4pm, followed by soccer, martial arts or Kumon class, depending on the day, before heading back to home to prepare dinner.” Evening “I play with Baby G for about an hour at home before preparing for his dinner at 6:30pm. Homework is at 7pm, bath time is at 7:30pm and bedtime stories are at 8pm.” Night “Dr Chiu and I usually have a few social functions – events, galas, openings, dinners – per week that we’ll attend, once Baby G is sleeping, and the nanny stays with him. In the evenings we don’t have commitments, we love to Netflix and chill!” Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.