Building Bonds: Empowering Communities for Conscious Living w/ Avey Cortes & Nicole Macario

In our newest instalment of The Conscious Cut, we delve into the vital role of communities in sparking sustainable transformations! It was truly invigorating to connect with Avey Cortes and Nicole Macario, two dedicated trailblazers in Hong Kong who are reshaping how we build meaningful networks to support wellness and mindful practices. If you're curious about turning shared passions into lasting impact—through fitness initiatives and thoughtful events—this conversation offers fresh perspectives on collective progress.

Avey, a multifaceted fitness advocate with part-Filipino roots, began his mission amid the challenges of COVID lockdowns by establishing Sweat With Us, a nonprofit providing free workout sessions for domestic workers—the unsung heroes keeping our city running. What started with just 10 participants in a modest space has blossomed into a vibrant group of over a thousand, partnering with gyms and coaches to offer diverse classes like yoga and Pilates. Alongside this, Avey hosts Move Sweat Discover, a podcast spotlighting personal fitness stories, and collaborates with spots like Family Farm to promote inclusive health.

Nicole, meanwhile, launched La Lusyon after years of behind-the-scenes work with eco-conscious brands such as Hula and Fenxiang, where she orchestrated events that strengthened customer ties without aggressive sales. Her approach emphasizes aligning values to create authentic gatherings that extend a brand's ethos, helping businesses scale sustainably while keeping communities engaged.

Throughout our joint chat, we unpacked the essence of community leadership, from navigating personality clashes and sustaining momentum to linking these efforts with eco-friendly actions—like optimizing event sizes to minimize waste or advocating for reusable gear in workouts. Both guests opened up about their introverted natures evolving into extroverted roles, drawing energy from aligned collaborators and focusing on empowerment over ego. We also touched on Hong Kong's unique dynamics, such as providing indoor spaces for domestic workers on their days off, and how these inclusive spaces combat isolation while encouraging healthier, low-waste lifestyles. Nicole's insights on post-purchase engagement and Avey's tips for vibe-based partnerships make fostering connections feel approachable and rewarding.

Packed with relatable anecdotes and actionable ideas, this episode encourages rethinking isolation through unity, ideal for those passionate about weaving sustainability into social fabrics. Eager to get involved? Visit Sweat With Us at their app or Instagram @sweatwithus_hk to join classes or volunteer, and check out La Lusyon on LinkedIn for event strategies and collaborations.

Listen now: [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]