In the Spotlight: Deanne Ashley Lim of Twenty Third by Deanne

Deanne Ashley Lim is the creative force behind Twenty Third by Deanne, a design practice that has quietly redefined how we think about residential interiors in Manila. Her work balances restraint with warmth, precision with livability—an approach that has made her studio one to watch. We spoke with Deanne about her design philosophy, the evolution of her practice, and the women who helped shape her path.

Deanne Ashley Lim, Twenty Third by Deanne

On your journey

What moment or experience made you realize you wanted to pursue this path?

Growing up, my mom raised us with the mindset of becoming businesswomen. She taught us to be independent and not afraid to build something of our own. At the same time, I've always loved design and interiors, so Twenty Third was really born from the combination of those two influences.

Travel also shaped the brand deeply. I've always been the type to come home from trips with ceramics or handmade objects stuffed into my luggage because they carried memories and stories. During COVID, when travel stopped, I realized how much those pieces meant to me and how much I wanted to share that experience with others. That was when the idea of Twenty Third truly began to grow.

What attracted you to your craft?

What attracts me most is how spaces affect how we feel. I truly believe that when people love their space and feel comfortable at home, it reflects in how they show up in the world.

This belief is very personal to me. Growing up, life wasn't always easy, but my mom made sure our home always felt safe and comforting. That shaped how I see design today. Home is where we recharge, reset, and build the confidence to go after bigger things.

Twenty Third by Deanne

When did you realize you had a business and wanted to do this for a living?

Twenty Third started as a side hustle during COVID while I was still working full-time. At first, it was purely passion-driven. As it slowly grew, I saw how people connected with the brand and trusted us to be part of their homes.

Transitioning into it full-time was honestly scary. There were moments of doubt, but I learned that growth often happens in uncertainty. Choosing to move forward despite fear was a turning point for me.

Tell us more about Twenty Third by Deanne and what you guys do.

Twenty Third by Deanne is a lifestyle and home brand focused on curated, one-of-a-kind, and artisan-made pieces sourced from around the world.

Our goal is to help transform houses into homes through meaningful pieces that tell stories. Beyond selling products, I hope our pieces bring comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection into people's everyday lives.

A curated selection of furniture and homeware

How do you define success in your life?

"I define success through contentment. I'm very goal-driven, but I've learned that constantly chasing the next milestone without appreciating where you are can leave you feeling unfulfilled."

Some of my proudest moments aren't business milestones—it's when customers share that our pieces made their home feel warmer or helped create memories for their family. Those quiet moments remind me why I started.

On the workshop

What excites you most about this workshop series and Women's Month?

I'm genuinely excited to connect with fellow women in business and entrepreneurship. There's something powerful about being in a space where women can openly share stories, lessons, and experiences—both the wins and the challenges.

As women building careers and businesses, we sometimes carry quiet pressure to figure everything out alone. Events like this remind us that we're not alone and that there's strength in community, shared stories, and mutual support. I'm looking forward to honest conversations and being surrounded by women who are building something meaningful in their own ways.

What do you hope participants will take away from your session?

I hope participants leave feeling inspired, supported, and confident in their own journeys.

I hope they gain meaningful connections, feel encouraged to keep building whatever they're passionate about, and walk away knowing that growth doesn't have to happen alone. More than anything, I hope they leave feeling seen, understood, and excited about what's ahead.

On female empowerment

What does female empowerment mean to you personally?

"Female empowerment, to me, means having the freedom to choose your own path—whether that's building a business, raising a family, doing both, or redefining what success looks like for yourself."

Growing up watching my mom raise us on her own, I saw firsthand that women are capable of creating stability and opportunity even in difficult circumstances. Empowerment isn't about being perfect or having everything figured out. It's about having the courage to make decisions for yourself and stand by them. For me personally, empowerment means not waiting for permission—to lead, to create, or to build something meaningful.

Who are the women who have inspired or supported you along the way?

My biggest inspiration is my mom. She raised three daughters on her own, and watching her navigate life as a single mother shaped so much of who I am today. She built and rebuilt businesses without hesitation, even during difficult seasons. Life wasn't always easy, but she never allowed circumstances to define her. She showed us resilience, courage, and what it means to keep moving forward no matter what.

I don't think I fully understood her strength growing up, but now as a business owner myself, I see it so clearly. Her example continues to shape how I lead, build, and show up on my own journey. My sisters also inspire me deeply. Seeing them balance family, career, and personal growth reminds me how strong and multifaceted women truly are.