As avid magazine readers, my two sisters and I noticed that they didn’t always present accurate examples of real women, living real lives. Shortly after I finished university in 2004, we set out to create a magazine that did exactly that.

Building Gogirl! from scratch was tough, especially in the first year. But our belief in the product, and our loyal readers, kept us going. Our first issue in February 2005 had a print run of 30,000. Today, we print and sell some 120,000 copies monthly. My sisters Nina and Githa contribute to the venture as business director and fashion editor respectively.

For me, being an entrepreneur is a great opportunity to give back to the community. With that in mind, we are working on taking Gogirl! to other parts of Asia.

I want readers to see Gogirl! as their best friend, where they can find answers to their questions, but also see something that they can look up and aspire to. At the same time, we hope to enrich the publishing industry and help improve the standard of journalism in Indonesia.

The rejuvenation of Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta’s grande dame of shopping, continues this month with the arrival of French nobility. Located on the ground floor of the new extension, Bistro Baron ties together three charming dining and hangout areas with distinctive French flair.

Watch the local glitterati strut by from a table at the indoor sidewalk cafe before heading inside, a space deliciously decked out with rich blue walls, scarlet banquettes and crisp white tablecloths. For the most authentic Parisian bistro experience, choose to have your meal in a cramped-but-cosy nook over the more open tables.

For those looking for a little French fix, Bistro Baron hits the spot.

Visitors and shoppers at the gargantuan Grand Indonesia complex can now take home a delectable sliver of the luxurious Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta from Kempi Deli, located on the ground floor of the East Mall.

On offer are a mind-boggling list of 50 freshly-baked European breads and pastries, hand-crafted chocolates and authentic Italian sauces from the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Casa D’Oro. From the refrigerated display, choose from a selection of house-made sausages, meats and pastas, as well as an array of fine cheeses.