Our Story
Our Story
In Rice We Trust
Our Story: A Tale of Passion, Purpose, and Rice
Every story has its beginning, and ours is flavoured with a twist of fate and a dash of serendipity.
Our paths crossed in the most unexpected of places – a pole dancing class. Over two steaming bowls of Unagi rice bowls at lunch,a friendship was kindled, sparking a connection deeper than mere coincidence. Discovering our complementary skills – one a visionary strategist, the other a creative soul – we knew destiny had played its hand. This led to the birth of Talk Doesn’t Cook Rice, a partnership destined to redefine brand storytelling.
Our brand’s soul is deeply rooted in a cherished Chinese proverb, “光说不能煮米饭”, translating to the poignant truth that “Talk Doesn’t Cook Rice”. It is a mantra that speaks volumes about approach in the decisions we make and the work we do.
Consider the humble act of cooking rice. To an untrained eye, it appears straightforward. Yet, when nurtured by a chef who pours their heart into the craft, the simple grain transforms, unveiling its deepest essence and rich, nuanced flavours.
This is the art of storytelling as we see it – an act of love, a dedication to craft. Our stories blossom under careful tending, woven with intention and passion. It is this fiery commitment to purposeful work that ignites our collaboration with bold founders with a vision, driving us to create work that only tells a story but also touches hearts and ignites change.
At Talk Doesn’t Cook Rice, we do not just talk about change - we cook it, one heartfelt rice bowl at a time.
At Talk Doesn’t Cook Rice, we are guided by the following 5 principles:
1. Empathetic Candour
To go against the grain, we recognise that hard decisions must be made. We are active listeners first, and aren’t afraid to speak the truth when it comes to doing what’s right for you and your brand.
2. Radical Provocateurs
We are bold by nature, and will constantly seek out new possibilities that push you towards braver ambitions.
3. Contagious Storytelling
We are expert storytellers, crafting narratives that corral people into taking action.
4. Purposeful Artistry
We drive intentional change by designing thoughtful, considered expressions authentic to your brand.
5. We Get You
As founders ourselves, we understand that change is inevitable. Our working style is adaptive and nimble, meeting you right where you are on your journey.
The House Of Rice
Chief Strategy Officer
Theresa Lim
“Begin by first listening for the truth, and responding with radical candour and empathy - that’s my modus operandi.”
The strategic brains of the duo, Theresa’s approach is guided by her love for human connection and deep desire to enable people on their journey.
Theresa’s strategic process delves into the personal ambitions of the founder, weaving aspects of who they are into their brand and values. Balancing both rigour and intuition, she crafts compelling vision statements that are subsequently translated into actionable business, marketing and communications plans.
Previously based out of Shanghai, London, and Hong Kong, Theresa has over a decade’s worth of digital media agency experience. She has led strategy and digital innovation across a portfolio of brands that include Nike, Unilever, GSK, Cisco Systems and Hasbro, garnering both global and regional accolades for her work.
Theresa is also an advocate of the creative community, and finds fulfillment in mentoring junior strategists in their professional career. Incredibly passionate about her craft, Theresa has the bold ambition of crafting the brand strategies of every founder in the world.
Chief Creative Officer
Pia Chandra-Masters
“When no one has to fit a mould, true innovation and originality is born.”
Born into a family of founders, entrepreneurship had been instilled in Pia at a very young age. So, starting her own business was naturally an intuitive choice. Fresh out of college with few adulting responsibilities and a whole lot of audacity, Pia founded Talk Doesn’t Cook Rice in 2018.
Championing radical self-expression is the foundational value that underpins Pia’s creativity. As a designer trained in fashion, Pia has a natural flair for birthing brand identities and brand worlds to life. She began her early career in the realm of graphic design, styling and production, and was involved in campaigns for brands like Nike, Spotify, Zara, and 88Rising.
Today, she channels her love for creativity into working with passionate founders, translating their personal ambitions and company vision into captivating design expressions that shape how their brands show up in the world.
Pia is also an advocate of bridging the Asian creative community with commercial opportunities. She aims to create an agency model that provides a flexible structure and inclusive workspace where talented artists can come together, thrive and do their best work.