Please call me Cami, most people do. I’m a young restauranteur in Sai Ying Pun, doing my best to build spaces that represent our cities eclectic communities and which celebrate forward thinking food and wine philosophies. 
 
From the moment I arrived in Hong Kong, I was so deeply inspired by the city’s culture and its cuisine that all I wanted was to figure out a way to be a part of it. I wanted to design my future to be exactly what I had always dreamt of. I wanted to create something that would add value and layers of love to the city that had changed my whole life. It’s so much through Brut! and Pondi and Fat Chad’s that I’m able to give back to the city that gave me so much. 
 
 
Fat Chad’s is your next baby and not open yet, right?
Right! Fat Chad’s “Your Boozy Bodega” is set to open early August and will be a true neighborhoud deli. Everything from delicious New York style sandwiches, to tubs of homemade ice cream to natural wines, beers and other boozy delights will be on offer in our little community grocery store. 

Brut is an exploration of contemporary Hong Kong flavours and cultures. It was my first venue in partnership with George Kwok and together we decided to build a space where our cultures could blend together in perfect harmony. The wine program is unpretentious and ever rotating. Constantly celebrating like-minded wine makers around the world who are expressing themselves in the most deliciously exciting ways possible. 

 

Pondi is an odd to Pondicherry in South East India. George and I partnered up with longtime friend and wildly talented chef Taran Chadha to create a place that explores traditions from our Indian, French and Chinese backgrounds. 

We wanted to bring a place of serenity to our community where food and wine could be enjoyed in a space that felt just like home. 
 
 
The wine list at both Brut! and Pondi is very much focusing on artisanal New World and/or forgotten wines. I heard through thee grapevine that you are passionate about such wines. Why so? 

First and foremost, I love a good underdog. 
That said though, I love New World wines because, just like me and many of us in Hong Kong, they are the product of a multicultural background and therefore presenting a unique blend of experiences and “savoir-faire”. Winemakers around the new world are not presented with the same restrictions that exist in Europe and therefore are able to mix and blend - to create freely. As for the forgotten wines such as the sherries that we feature at Pondi - I have a soft spot for the origins of most things. Craftsmanship on every level is something to be celebrated and kept alive. There is beauty in tradition just as there is beauty in evolution. I believe in finding your own balance and showcasing it however you can. 
 
 
What would you say has been, so far, your deepest challenge as an entrepreneur in Hong Kong?
Honestly, this year has been the most difficult year of our careers. Between the protests and now the Covid, our industry has really taken a beating. The uncertainty of it all has been…hard. The silver lining though is that I feel like we are so much more capable then we ever could have imagined. I’m incredibly grateful to have such an inspiring team of people on my side coupled with an incredible community here in SYP that have made these hard times feel so much more bearable. 
 
 
And the greatest reward? 
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when our dining room is full of smiling and happy energy. 

There’s literally no better feeling in the world than knowing that you’ve made an impact on your community for the better. 
 
 
What does a typical day in your life look like?
I tend to get up around 9am and trail run around the peak before heading to the restaurants. I do tons of wine tastings in the afternoons with my amazing suppliers before setting up for service. I’m on the floor at Brut! most nights, mingling with customers and pouring my latest wine finds. More often than not, our team will gather after work to wind down over a few glasses and catch up with each other. We use that time to discuss our hopes and dreams for the restaurants. It’s all pretty cute, we’re very fortunate. 
 
 
Being a foodie, what are the places you love in Hong Kong:

for a drink (or two): I’m a big fan of Sake so I love going to see our girl Momo at Sake Bar Ginn. She’s an incredible sake samurai and very gracious host. Love the gang at Shady Acres as well. It’s one of my favourite Sunday afternoon hangouts. 

 to stock up on wine: OZ Terroir. Emmanuel has such a cool collection of exciting Australian wines. I’m a big fan of what he’s done. 

for brunch: I’m a dim sum girl. Any dim sum. Anytime. 

for a dinner date: Okra. I really get behind everything that they do. I credit Max (editor’s note: Mex Levy, Executive Chef) with being one of the most talented chefs I’ve ever met. 

for a lunch with friends: We’ve been doing a lot of lunch dates at Samsen in Sheung Wan lately. Really great food, fun casual setting and so close to home!

 
 

by Aude Camus
 
Ever heard about Kapok ? I absolutely love this multi-brand concept store and can’t help but crushing hard on their selection: candle, beauty products, small accessories, clothes from French brands I love such as Swildens, coffee-table books … It’s one of the only shops in town which I enjoy visiting even if just for window-shopping and inspiration. Probably because it reminds me of those concept-stores I love so much in Europe and more specifically in France. Nothing surprising knowing that Arnault Castel, the founder is French.   

I’ve been following Arnault on social media for quite a while now and we spoke by emails in the past but I’d never had a chance to meet him in person so thought the opening of Kapok’s brand new flagship store on Sun Street would be the perfect excuse to finally meet, discover this brand-new store (beautiful!) and discuss fashion, retail and entrepreneurship over a matcha latte …
 

Hi Arnault! Thanks for meeting me today! Can you tell me a bit more about Kapok? When, why, how did it all start?

You have to go back to 2004 … Time flies! Back then, I had my distribution business and was working with Moleskine. I was looking for an office and couldn’t see myself moving in one of those office towers, didn’t feel like he was a good fit for a lifestyle brand like Moleskine. I eventually found a great place in Tin Hau but it was way too big for a team of two, so I thought “why not use the extra space to open a lifestyle store?”. This is how it all started, no business plan, no plan at all actually, just a basic idea: recreating those lifestyle stores I loved so much in Europe and Japan but couldn’t find in Hong Kong. 
 
We started with lifestyle products only, didn’t have any clothes in the shop at first. The street where we were located was very cute but to be honest it was very quiet. Because we had a pretty nice space, I decided to use it to bring people over and started organizing exhibitions, parties … It was all before social media, but we managed to create a nice community of people. I was also lucky to get a nice support from the local medias which really helped me. 
 

Kapok … what is the meaning of this name? Where does it come from?
It actually comes from this first shop we had which was located in this cool small street with a big tree seating in the middle. Kapok is the name of that tree, it’s a quite common tree here in Hong Kong. And now you understand why we have a tree on our logo. 
 

How did you start growing and opening new stores?
To be honest, I didn’t really plan for any of it. Things were starting to run smoothly in our first shop and we suddenly learnt that the old building where the shop was located was set to be demolished. It was a year and a half after our opening. I thought about ending the adventure there but was enjoying myself way too much to just stop like that. So, I went on a hunt for a new location and immediately fell in love with the Sun Street/Star Street neighborhood in Wan Chai. It wasn’t as trendy as it is today back then, there were only a few local restaurants, but I just loved the vibes and opened the shop on St Francis Yard. It was way smaller than our previous one so we couldn’t host parties anymore … A year and a half after moving to Wan Chai, my landlord told me about another available space on Sun Street, just a few steps from our shop, and we therefore opened our second shop. This is when it all started to become quite a serious business. 
 
At the time, I still had my distribution business. I worked with Moleskine until 2014 when the brand took over the distribution in house. I also worked for Daniel Wellington. But two years ago, it became difficult to combine the two businesses and I decided to focus on my retail activity. This is when we grew even more, opening shops in PMQ and K11 and also opening the Buly and Maison Kitsuné shops. 

We have few Kapok stores around town now but I’m trying to have different vibes in each and every store because they are located in very different neighborhoods with very different history and atnopsheres. Here in Wan Chai, we stay very true to our original DNA and we mainly bring European brands whereas PMQ is closer to the local identity with a nice selection of cool local brands. 
 

What about the brands you first sold in the shops?
We first started with rather small brands. There are some really beautiful brands which we still have today and which we have seen grown with us, here in Hong Kong, such as Astier de Villatte or Maison Kitsuné. The toughest part is to get the first few brands but once you have a few things become easier. 

I don’t have any strict criteria when it comes to country of origin or type of products. A lot of people used to think we were only selling French brands but not at all. And in our shops, you can find products ranging from chocolate bars to leather bags. The only condition it that the product must fit the Kapok style. I have and clear vision of what Kapok is in my mind and I believe we have to stick to it. So yes, sometimes I do say no to things I find beautiful just because it’s not Kapok.  
 

Do you sign exclusivity clauses with the brands?

We were not signing any at first as I didn’t want to limit the growth of the brands. I believe it’s also good for us when a brand we are selling is growing. But I had a few experiences of brands growing thanks to us and then being taken over by big local distributors with exclusivity clauses so I’m now being more careful about it. 
 

And today, do you still bring new brands to the shops?
Of course. We have to reinvent ourselves, to bring new stuffs. It’s all about finding the balance between staying true to our roots and developing a long-term relationship with brands we love but also bringing some fresh air. 

I use Instagram a lot. One thing I also love doing is going to a place I’ve never been before and exploring the shops there to find some new brands. 
 

What’s next?
We have our own clothes and accessories brand for women, Future Classics, and I really want to push this one. We are also opening a new shop at Victoria Dockside this summer. 
 
Once the two above are done, I’ll start to seriously work on our website and e-commerce because today, it doesn’t look like I want it to look. 
 
But after 10 years, I believe we can definitely say that we’ve done the hardest part of the work. 
 

Is opening in other cities and countries something you’ll also be looking at?
We already have a shop in Singapore, it’s been 3 or 4 years. But yes, expanding abroad is something I have in mind. Victoria Dockside is also a way of testing the Chinese market and see if mainlanders like our concept or not. I just don’t want to rush anything. 
 
 









 

by Aude Camus 
 
Can you guess what I love the most about my job? I mean, on top of getting invited to try out most of the new restaurants in town (food, food, food) … I’d say it’s the opportunities to meet and interview such a variety of different people with different backgrounds, nationalities, jobs, personalities …  Over the past few weeks I’ve been lucky enough to meet Alain Ducasse (was so excited about this one!), Nicolas Boutin – Executive Chef at Michelin-starred restaurant Epure (write-up coming-up soon), Beth Wright – lifestyle and nutrition coach – and Tomi – entrepreneur and founder of The Polishing Lounge … see such a variety of people! 
 
Last person I shared coffee with? Douce d’Ivry, a French photographer based in Hong Kong whose pop and lively work paying homage to Hong Kong I fell in love with. Discussing with her and getting to better understand her work, I realized we were on a same mission: sharing our love for Hong Kong, her through her photos and me through my articles so what better idea than combining them both in one write-up? 

 

Hey Douce. Lovely to share coffee with you this morning. Can you tell me a bit more about yourself? I know that your first job wasn’t as a photographer, how and when did you decide to make this move?
Indeed, I was in the audiovisual production industry before and have lived in Paris, London and Singapore.
I’ve moved to Hong Kong in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the city and its inspiring atmosphere. This is when I decided to do something new and become a photographer. 
 
I learnt the very basics of photography from Youtube!
 
Thanks to my previous experience as an audiovisual producer, I knew perfectly how to organize a set and therefore I’ve been able to very quickly arrange my own photoshoots working with models, stylists, make-up artists … 
Planning is a big and important part of my job because I work mainly with film-based photography meaning that I have either 12 or 36 photos max per film.  
 
How would you describe your style as a photographer?

I am a street and fashion photographer with a lively, very pop touch.
 
Where do you find inspo for your shoots?

Everywhere: a sculpture from Yayoi Kusama, a movie from Michel Gondry, a photo from Fred Herzog, a random movie, a sunflower, a girl with long blonde hair, a blue truck … 
 
What are your fav places for shootings in Hong Kong?

I love nothing more than shooting in the street, but Hong Kong offers such a wide variety of landscapes and I sometimes also shoot in the jungle or in remote temples.
 
What do you find the most challenging running your own business in Hong Kong? 
Not speaking Cantonese, not having the same cultural background. Starting my business without any network was also a big challenge and meeting the right people wasn’t easy at the beginning especially knowing how competitive the industry is. Seems like things have been working-out pretty well for me though since I already have more and more brands and local artists contacting me for collaboration. 
 

And the most rewarding?
Getting recognition for my work in a country which is not originally mine. 
 
What are you up to in the next few weeks?
I am currently hosting my first solo exhibition at Château Zoobeetle in Sheung Wan until April 15. Then, I’ll be part of Beyond Borders exhibition hosted at Loft 22 from May 18 to 21 by Les Enfants du Mékong, a French charity. I’ll also be shooting between Paris, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
 
Is there anyone you’d dream of shooting or a brand you’d love to work with?
My dream would be to do portraits shots of people I admire such as Wong Kar Wai or the Daft Punk … nothing less!
 
Do you have any role models? Anyone you find inspiring whether it is in your personal or professional life?
Artists, no matter what their art is, are my inspiration. I could name a few such as film director Michel Gondry, photograph Martin Parr, music group IAM and painter Joan Miró. 
 
What are your fav places for:

A fancy dinner: Carbone or at home (my husband is half French half Italian and makes the best pasta in the world)

A long holiday: Coron Island in the Philippines 

 






 

Karmen, can you tell me a bit more about yourself? What’s your background and how did you come to launching your own jewellery brand, Klu.?
 
I have worked in corporate communications across several industries including engineering, finance, telecommunications as well as a PR agency. However, I felt I wanted more; I wanted to do design and communication but never had the courage to venture on my own. At one stage I was contemplating freelance.
 
In 2016, I started to design and doodle bracelet designs in my little journal, and I decided to design one for myself.
 
I was struggling finding jewellery that was “unique”, and that not everyone was wearing. While most people in Hong Kong look for well-known brands, I like the feeling of getting something special. I also do CrossFit and Barre, and I wanted something I can wear all the time without the need to take it off. I needed something that was flush against my skin, that I didn’t need to remove and couldn’t lose.I don’t wear necklaces especially for sports so I wanted to add a touch of glamour to my workouts with a little something sparkly, and I wanted to feel empowered – “I’ve worked hard; own it”. 
 
Once I made my first design, my then fiancé (now husband) encouraged me to turn my designs into a small business. I was determined to start my business, but was also very uncertain as this was my first time building a business and I had no idea what the process was like in in Hong Kong. In the end I took the plunge, and turned my designs into reality. It was an amazing feeling when I could touch each of my designs, and I officially launched my company in November last year. I was scared but excited, and I still am excited of where the journey will take me. 

What do you find the most challenging in being an entrepreneur in Hong Kong?
 
Networking and how to even start. I found it quite difficult not coming from a fashion or luxury designer background so this is very new and alien to me when it comes to all things jewellery and luxury lifestyle. It was hard finding beautiful packaging, and I didn’t even know how to go about setting up the company itself i.e. the legal formalities, etc. I had to Google most of the information. And I felt quite lost at times – as I had not much advice and support to turn to. 
 
And the most rewarding/exciting?
When I see my designs become a reality, my website going live and when people see my designs in person. Knowing I did everything on my own – from design of the bracelets, to the content on the website and the overall vision of my company … that does make me proud.
 

Someone you dream of seeing wearing your jewels?
Hmm that’s tough, Katrín Davíðsdóttir, a CrossFit athlete; and my all-time favourite actress, entrepreneur and mother, Reese Witherspoon. But actually no matter who it is, having someone wearing my creations is always a blessing.
 
What a typical day in your life look like those days?
I usually hit my CrossFit box in Quarry Bay in the morning, and if schedule allows I would head into Central for a Barre session. After which, I feel inspired and motivated and continue to work on new content and designs. Being an entrepreneur has its ups, with more flexibility with home life but it also has its down as it tends to get lonely. But you push on and there’s always tomorrow.
 
Fav places in Hong Kong for:
A lunch w/ friends: Oolaa Petite 
A fancy dinner: Intercontinental Steak House in Tsim Sha Tsui (although I don’t eat beef!)
A night out: I’d rather do night ins with my husband
A shopping spree: Marks and Spencer’s reduced foods lol 
A weekend getaway: stayed at the Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom and it was amazing! It’s secluded enough to completely relax, but close enough to the city to go out when we get bored. Plus they have this amazing well-equipped gym and an outdoor lounge area to get a nice tan.  



 

by Aude
 
SILA ? The first jewel mini watch with colourful interchangeable straps. The brand officially launched in Paris few months ago with a very successful pop-up corner at iconic Le Printemps Haussmann department store (actually so successful that the store asked them if they could stay for an additional month … pretty cool right?) and just launched in Hong Kong this September, in partnership with Kapok.
 
The colourful, very pop yet chic image of the brand has make me wanna know more about the masterminds behind it. And here I was, meeting the founders: Alexandra and Karine. Well first impression went pretty well as I was wearing a full yellow look (I know, not an easy one to put on) which happens to be Alexandra fav color! Things then evolving into a nice girly conversation with us realising how much we have in common including a previous work experience at L’Oréal, the place where they both met each other, and arriving in Hong Kong in 2015.
 
What makes you wanna leave a job that you love – as they both had pretty exciting ones that they very much loved- and start the crazy adventure of being an Entrepreneur? Many things actually. The desire to create something, which has been in Karine’s mind for a little time since she was previously working on another idea of brand. The will to work for yourself. But also a question of timing and a little chance factor.
 
And why launching a watch?
“Wandering through the vintage markets of Tokyo in 2016, Alexandra and Karine were besotted by feminine mini watches designed in the early part of the 20^th Century; exquisite gem-like timepieces on the most delicate of straps that the girls couldn’t get out of their minds.
They found them beautifully feminine, extremely refined and easy to wear as you hardly felt them on your writs. This sparked the concept for the SILA watch, the challenge was to create a vintage inspired watch, keeping the elegance of the watches that they had seen, yet adding a modern, colourful twist.”
 
Have you ever checked the current trendy brands in the watches industry? Not speaking of luxury brands of course. But more SILA’s competitors. Take a closer look. None of them is very feminine actually. SILA is the complete opposite.  
 
What’s next for them? Pfiou … not an easy question to answer. But quite a lot of exciting things being discussed both in Paris (where Karine is now based) and in Hong Kong (Alexandra’s home). You know how it is sometimes, you go to meet someone for work and end up talking more about your personal life than work. But I guess this is the thing of entrepreneurs, our personal life and our work are so deeply related and we love what we do so much (because believe me, it does take passion) than you just mix it all. Busy bees! And another reason for saying Sorry I’m Late Again!