April 10 marks Siblings Day – a chance to celebrate the bonds that shape who we are. Growing up side by side, siblings often become our earliest companions and lasting influences. To mark the occasion, we asked five of our #legend100s to reflect on what their siblings mean to them, and how those relationships continue to influence who they are today
Irisa Wong @irisashannon
“My siblings mean everything to me because I wouldn’t be the person I am without them. I’m the middle child, so I have an older sister and a younger brother. Growing up, I basically wanted to do everything my sister was doing. She did ballet, so I did ballet. She got her ears pierced, so I got my ears pierced too.
Having a younger brother also taught me how to be a big sister. I’m definitely the stricter one out of the two, but only because I always want the best for them. I can’t imagine being an only child – life with siblings is definitely better. You always have someone to lean on, and they’ll always be there for you no matter what.”
Jessica Jann @jessjann
“My sister, Janice, is my best friend. She actually used to work at #legend as well when she was living in Hong Kong. She’s the longest relationship I’ll ever have in my life, and she’s honestly like my therapist. I’m so grateful to have her. She’s helped me through so many hardships, celebrated my wins with me, and has always been there no matter what. I’m beyond grateful for her. Love you, Jie Jie!”
JuJu Chan Szeto @jujuchanszeto
“I have a twin sister, and growing up together really shaped my sense of individuality. We’re very different in our personalities, hobbies and career paths, and that’s something I’ve come to really value. It taught me early on that there’s no single way to live your life – everyone has their own direction and strengths. Despite our differences, we’ve always had love and respect for each other, and that’s something I truly appreciate.”
Jen Balisi @indulgenteats
“I wouldn’t have survived my teenage years and early twenties without my older sister. She was always there to bail me out whenever I had problems, let me steal clothes from her closet and became my constant support system. Now that we’re both in our late thirties, she’s also become the best godmother my baby girl could ever ask for.”
Jonathan Jay Lee @jonathanjaylee
“I have an older brother who’s five years older than me. He’s a musician, magician and a natural on-stage charmer – the kind of person all the teachers loved back in school. It was the ’90s, when grunge was cool and all the boys had long hair. I remember once my dad forced him to cut his hair short and within a week, half the boys at school had done the same. After he graduated, all the teachers called me by his name for the next five years, except my art teachers. Maybe a therapist can break that down for me.”
Also see: 10 year anniversary: #legend100s on their favourite covers over the years
