Meet The Hustlepuffs: Arisa, Nina, and Tisya.
This dynamic trio has navigated the unpredictable seas of friendship with sugar, spice, and everything nice. Their bond, forged over unexpected encounters and shared heartbreaks, is the essence of true friendship. From Arisa's gallant girl-code rescue to Nina's genuine and sweet vibes at a food fest, and Tisya's knack for making instant connections, each meeting was serendipitous yet perfectly timed. In this interview, they reveal the moments that solidified their friendship, the roles they play within their group, and how they maintain their connection despite physical distances. This International Friendship Day, let's celebrate the unique personalities and unbreakable bonds that define friendships like theirs.
So, get comfy as we dive into the world of our August cover stars, The Hustlepuffs and uncover the secrets behind their unbreakable bond.
How did the three of you meet each other?
“I met Arisa from a random gathering with my friends at her uni, then this topic about a boy i was seeing came about. Apparently half of the girls at the table including Arisa got DMs from him flirting around. Arisa defo a girl’s girl for coming up to me first. From there we really bonded and here we are today hehe !
As for Nina, I met her when I was doing a mango milkshake business at a Food Fest. The moment she walked up to me at the booth, in my heart I already knew this girl had good vibes only ! Her approach felt genuine & sweet. Hence, we’re besties now!”
“For me, I met Arisa first - through an event, and it’s safe to say that we clicked immediately and became the best of friends after that - despite the fact that I thought she didn’t wanna look at me at first, she turned out to be the kindest girl that night (just shy!)
Meeting Tisya on the other hand, was through a food festival I went to - and she was the sweetest ever! We have some mutuals and that’s how we acquainted, but also I remember her personally sending me a box of cinnamon rolls in which at the time she was selling - and the rest is history! (Looking back, we really did bond over food HAHA)”
“I first met Tisya in 2018 and it was actually over a boy! Okok, not to be dramatic but – yes over a boy. I got to know that Tisya was seeing this specific boy who actually flirted with me (and several girls) on DM whilst dating her! Of course, I had to tell her and from there our friendship grew into what it is today.
For my Nina, she was one of the few faces I met at an event and we immediately clicked. Started bonding over the industry we were in, life, boys and everything in between. From that point on, we knew we’d be friends for life. ”
“I feel like for me, the moment where I think our friendship was solidified was when we all went through our first heartbreak together - basically trauma-bonding us for life. I’ve seen these girls go through hell and back and I’d say that I do have such a deep level of respect for these girls. ”
What specific moment or event do you think solidified your bond as best friends?
“If I had to designate these 3 roles, it would be:
Tisya; Motherly (she picks me up, drives me around, more so my boyfriend than mom not gonna lie)
Nina; The planner (FOR SURE, she is planning our Europe trip as we speak!)
Arisa; I’d like to think I’m fun HAHAHA”
Who plays what role in The Hustlepuffs?
“I think what we realised is that, even if we don’t get to see each other everyday - now especially while Arisa’s in the UK, our friendship is very low maintenance and we just know that we’ll be there for each other no matter what.
I think it’s also how we just understand each other really well and know how to handle everyone depending on what the situation is - I mean even having our own commitments, living our double lives, sometimes having our breakdowns, we just know what to do whenever we need to do it.
In short, I would say the genuine love, care and understanding we have for each other is the major foundation to our friendship.”
How do you stay connected and maintain your friendship when you're not physically together?
What's one future trip or adventure you all want to take together, and why is it important to you?
“Oh my god, this would definitely be our trip to Paris that’s coming really really soon!
(Arisa : I told you she’s the planner)
Why I would say it’s important to me, personally is because we’ve never really been too far across the country together.
So, to have that girlie time with my girls - in our 20s, living our life with our hard earned money, and also reliving our inner childhood memories when we go to Disneyland, go around Paris to shop while dressing up together. I think that’s something that little Nina would be so happy about… And yes, in case you’re wondering, I am leaving my husband alone for my girls!”
How do your individual strengths and weaknesses complement each other in your friendship?
“People would usually use their strengths and weaknesses against each other, which is the complete opposite of what we’re doing. Truthfully, that’s the whole reason why we started this group in the first place. ”
“I’d say sometimes I find myself and Nina being in compromising situations (Nina being too kind and myself being too naive)… But you can always find Tisya putting sense into our heads or vice versa.”
How have you seen each other grow and change over the years, and what's something you admire about each others’ personal growth?
“Oh my god, talking about this seriously makes me wanna tear up because I’ve literally known them since they were teenagers (because I’m the oldest in the group, and the bigger sister) and looking at all the milestones they’ve achieved along these years, is just amazing.
Even though they’re like little sisters to me, they’ve achieved so much, that makes me super proud of them.To list down their achievements would take up pages. But also, being able to see them go from only dreaming about certain things - but ending up achieving them is something so special. Also being able to grow together, support each other’s dreams, be there for each other through it all is something I truly love about our friendship.”
How do you balance your friendship dynamics when each of you has different interests or ways of approaching life?
“Having different interests is honestly how our friendship bloomed to what it is today, I feel. Being able to compliment each other with those different interests and merging it with what we have in common. I think that is what links us to be what we are now. Basically inseparable!”
“I personally find it so interesting that we have different outlooks on life. We have such deep and interesting conversations knowing that we will never be judged by each other. ”
CREDITS
Location:
W Kuala Lumpur
Wardrobe:
Zalora Malaysia
Eyewear:
Essilor Luxottica
Accessories:
FRED Jewelry
Makeup:
Samantha Fernandez & Agnes Aui
Hair:
Fariza Farzana
Editorial and Styling Support:
Christy Yong Yit Hwa & Alyssa Gabrielle