Her name is Mali Phaneak but everyone knows her as Pim.
She’s a massage therapist who specialises in Thai style massage and has just opened a business in Grey Lynn. Pim started her massage studies at Bangkok Hospital and has been doing massage now for 20 years.
What do you like most about Ponsonby?
I love to walk around and look at the upmarket shops and I enjoy eating at all the different cafés and restaurants. It’s very vibrant and friendly and I feel very safe.
How have you survived the pandemic and has it changed your life?
The lockdown was smooth sailing for me and my partner. It gave me an opportunity to do some business planning.
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in Suphanburi, which is in central Thailand. I was brought up on a rice farm. Life in the countryside was very peaceful. My memory is having loving and supporting parents as well as a huge extended family who would be around us all the time. My childhood was rice paddies and family.
Complete the sentence: I will die happy if...
When (not if) my son Amnad has success in his life.
Where would your dream holiday internationally be?
The Maldives with their beautiful pristine beaches, sprawling greenery and vibrant culture.
What’s on your bucket list?
Skydiving, so I can fly and be free like a bird.
If you were reincarnated, what would you be?
Lady Gaga - her voice is perfect.
How would you like to be remembered?
As the best massage therapist that ever walked the planet and remembered by the people I have treated.
Something that you really disapprove of?
Dog poo on the footpath and the owner not picking it up.
Give your teenaged self some advice.
Think about your future and study hard. Find out what you want to be in the future and work hard to be that.
How do you chill out?
With meditation and sleep.
What are you insecure about?
Nothing.
What is your greatest fear?
Water. I can't swim.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Wonder Woman - such a powerful lady.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Singing, I would like to be an Asian pop star.
What cliché do you most hate?
“A woman’s place is in the kitchen”…
What gizmo can you simply not live without?
My phone. It’s where I run my business and life from. I would be lost without it.
Your greatest weakness?
Sugar and coffee.
What is your comfort food?
Hot and spicy Thai food.
Do you travel light or heavy?
I travel light because it doesn’t require me to stress or worry about losing something. I am heavy enough.
Which item of clothing can't you live without?
My tights. I like to show my booty off.
Favorite time of the day?
Night, when everyone else is asleep.
Tell us something very few people know about you.
I don’t eat vegetables.
Tell us about your dream home.
Out in the countryside with fields of organic vegetables, animals, and with a sea view.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Buddha statue.
Favorite movie and why?
A Star is Born. It has my favorite performers in it, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
What was the biggest culture shock coming the New Zealand?
The thing I struggle with most is my English, although it is getting better. (David Hartnell, MNZM)
Pim Wellness & Spa, Unit 3/29 Surrey Crescent, T: 020 4126 4967, www.pimwellness.com