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Bali Series | Women in Business, Meet Paz Fourcard
Mother, Business Owner, Podcaster, Cafe Owner, Wife. There's not much that Bali Based ex-pat Paz Fourcard doesn't do, going about it in effortless style and ease.
From running one of Bali's most Restaurants (Watercress, Milk & Madu), being a mother to 4 handsome boys, growing her business 'Bali Black Book' and most recently, starting her own podcast, Paz has been an inspiration for me personally and for many other women navigating business and motherhood, and the blurred lines and demands that come with that.
If you've been lucky enough to enjoy the casual faire and bright atmosphere of Milk & Madu or Watercress, there's every chance Paz was also floating around the floor, or sipping a matcha next to you working on one of her businesses. Hailing from the Philippines, with her extended family now based in the US, Paz has called Bali home for the past 10 years. We chat to her about life in Bali, running a business(s) here and what a day in the life looks like to this busy working Mumma!
Hey Paz! So excited to learn a little more about your journey and life here on the magical island of Bali and what keeps you busy.
Let’s get straight into it, Where abouts were you born & raised?
I was born & raised in Manila and have spent time in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the US and now, Bali.
How long have you been lucky enough to call Bali home?I’ve been living in Bali for almost 10 years now
What area of Bali do you live in?
I live in Canggu, which is just North along the long Black Sand beach from popular Seminyak.
What's your favourite thing about your neighbourhood?
I love the vibrant community of artists, designers and stylish people. Family communities connected by shared interests and passions.
I love the eclectic, exciting food scene and the ever evolving climate. I love the togetherness and support everyone shares with each other.
Are there any epic food spots we must try in your hood…?
Well of course, our cafes are pretty good haha (Paz & her Partner Pablo are owners of the uber popular Milk & Madu, The Common & Watercress which are all delicious in their own right!) I love seafood and enjoy going to Madu for the oysters and calamari. I love The Common Canadian Pancakes with crispy bacon ( it's on our secret menu! ) and Bagels for their cinnamon raisin or Everything bagels, I love Mason and Tony's Pizza. Indigo and Mirai Sushi for Japanese. Tygr and Wei To Go for takeaway.
Also, t's not in my 'hood but I am obsessed with 7 am Bakery and Kanvaz by Vincent Nigita
What brought you to the island initially?
Love. I fell in love with Pablo, my husband. And the rest is history.
Is that still your main purpose or what now keeps you busy during the ‘work week’ here on the island?
Definitely. Love and my family are my center and world. I used to be very focused in all our cafes as PR and Marketing Director.
I was also trying to have one last baby. After having my 4th child and turning 45, I had to stop and devote 1 year to help nurse him back to health. He was born severely premature and went through a lot. I told my husband when my son turns 1 and a half, I would not resume work in the cafes. I would go back to my first love which is fashion and beauty. I resumed work promoting brands and have since been doing that. So work wise, I work from home so I can be very hands on with my kids and balance my time so I can do it all.
Amazing! What does a ‘general’ day look like for you?
A general day starts sleepy and early. I would have gotten up around 4-5 times to change nappies and give milk to my 2 year old.
I'm up before 6, think about what I'm grateful for and say a prayer of appreciation. Pray for my dad who's recovered from cancer.
If my youngest is awake, we dress up then go down. If he's still sleeping, I leave him with son #3 and I dress up quickly, put on some moisturizer, then go down to make coffee and have breakfast with the little ones.
I prep what son #3 needs then drive him to the French School with son #4.
Brave the traffic back home and let the little one play as I work from home. Getting back to emails and check on my businesses.
I prep what son #3 needs then drive him to the French School with son #4.
Brave the traffic back home and let the little one play as I work from home. Getting back to emails and check on my businesses.
Prep lunch, leave bubba with nanny and get Balthazar by 3.
Home by 430, homework then prep early dinner. Kids in bath by 7, in bed by 8.
Home by 430, homework then prep early dinner. Kids in bath by 7, in bed by 8.
I don't work and spend time with my husband until sleeping time around 10.
Wake up a few times from 11 pm to 5 am. Press repeat.
Wake up a few times from 11 pm to 5 am. Press repeat.
Saturdays and Sundays are family days. Saturday can be for errands and chill time.
Sundays are brunch, swim and quality time with the boys and Pablo.
Biggest challenges of navigating your business in a foreign country?
The only challenge I find is being stuck in traffic which I have since solved by listening to my fave podcasts and the news. I find with the support of a great team, anything is possible. We're so fortunate.
I suggest start with coordinating a superstar team, then the rest is magic.
Do you have any mentors/awesome humans that you work alongside with to grow / create / navigate this crazy ride of business?
I always consult my parents and my husband. I respect their opinions a lot.
I have a great team at work to help me create amazing content and logistics so things are done well and on time. I have a lot of projects happening always, so having great people who have the same tempo and dedication always makes the difference.
What does 2023 look like for Paz & your business(s)?
So exciting. Bali Black Book is getting good traction and support. My collaborations are evolving into even more amazing connections.
Busier, better and big preparations for a secret project, one more restaurant for the family, and more travel hopefully.
Busier, better and big preparations for a secret project, one more restaurant for the family, and more travel hopefully.
What are your favourite stores to shop at on the island?
Cove Island Essentials, Les Basics, Magali Pascal, Uma and Leopold, Fields of Yarrow, Mia Bali, Arun Wear and of course Luna + Rose
Do you have any favourite getaway spots that you love to go to when you’re looking to ‘tap out’ for a few days?
I love the Sanubari in Sumba, The Kempinski, La Joya Biu Biu in Bingin, The Maya Ubud and Paris or NY.
Finally, Ultimate favourite thing about Bali? (We know theres 1001!)
The amazing islands that are just breathtaking. The good hearted people with such gentle, sweet spirits. The humble and grounded energy the island gives.
Thank you so much for sharing your story on life in Bali, Paz you really are a wonder woman with all that you have going on, never stopping!
Appreciate being part of this awesome series and I can't wait to see who you will interview next! Such an honor.
You can follow Paz's business journey over on her instagram account of Bali Black Book where she shares the must-visit stores and salons in Bali. You can also listen to more of her story on her new, share-all Podcast, Purposeful.
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