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  <title>Hong Kong Madame - English</title>
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  <dc:date>2026-06-13T21:11:55+02:00</dc:date>
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   <title>Women of Hong Kong – Sheila, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Protelicious</title>
   <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
   <dc:language>us</dc:language>
   <dc:creator>Hong Kong Madame</dc:creator>
   <dc:subject><![CDATA[Interviews - People of Hong Kong ]]></dc:subject>
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>by Aude Camus&nbsp;</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Few weeks ago, when attending the launch event of intelligent air system Olfinity, I was given a very unusual drink for such a cocktail party: a smoothie. And not just any smoothie but a whey protein based one. Was it yummy? Yes, it was. Yummy and intriguing enough for having me wanted to know more the health benefits of whey proteins. And who better than Sheila Partrat, Managing Director and Co-Founder of&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://protelicious.com/" target="_blank">Protelicious</a>  – the company importing this clean cold processed whey protein to Hong Kong – to discuss that with? So here I was, few days later, seating with Sheila, snacking on protein-based nibbles, discussing health and discovering her inspiring story.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Hi Sheila, lovely meeting you today! Can you tell me a bit more about yourself? Who are you? How did you end up here in Hong Kong? And the whys and hows behind Protelicious.</strong> <br />  A little info about me? Sure. Very Canadian, as certified by the eh?? which punctuates my speech! I have a Bachelor in Food Science from McGill University then Masters in Economics and Media Studies from University de Paris II, and despite my lifelong passion for all subjects linking food and health, I NEVER expected to work in the industry.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I was enjoying life as a magazine publisher in Paris when our life transitioned to Hong Kong in 2006. Subsequent health challenges with two of our children motivated me to turn back to my sciences and the pathways between food and health to find solutions. A few years later, the kids were completely back on track, while in the meantime I started to become an informal, then formal, resource on the subject. I have not looked back since.&nbsp;&nbsp;Momentum took me from lunchtime lecturer on the pathways between food and health to author to TEDX speaker and now co-founder and MD of&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://protelicious.com/" target="_blank">Protelicious</a>.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Back to the link with Protelicious, as I didn't want to continue with the lunch lectures, along with two other educators, I decided to write a guide book for parents and young adults, called&nbsp;<em>Keys to Independence, Leaving Home to Study</em>. My part is on the pathways between food and health.&nbsp;&nbsp;While fact-checking with my good friend, and now Protelicious Chief Science Officer Dr. Jean-François Lesgards, a well-published postdoc in Biochemistry who had experience with clean cold processed whey in clinical applications like cancer and cardio-vascular… I understood two things clearly: This quality whey protein is second to none when it comes to maintaining and protecting global health. Getting your hands on it was very hard.&nbsp;As luck or fate would have it, just after discovering this through Jean-François, I bumped into an old friend in HK, who had imported ½ ton of this quality whey and mixed it with gourmet flavorings (in a cupboard in his father's office!). Trying and tasting is believing. I know food, however nothing but nothing had had this positive impact on my global health and wellbeing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Equally as important, it was delicious and simplified my life tremendously. As my friend had to leave HK, I acquired the embryonic company in 2016, and the rest is history.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Where in Hong Kong can we find Protelicious so far?&nbsp;</strong></div>  
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      <a class="link" href="https://protelicious.com/collections/all" target="_blank">Online</a>  &nbsp;is your first go-to. Not only do we sell online, but we also do our best to educate through our blog that I write along with Dr Jean Francois Lesgards. So few people understand the impact that this quality protein has on health or that we need to replenish our supply daily. We retail at a few outlets such as&nbsp;<strong>Escapade Sports</strong>.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp;
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      <div style="text-align: justify;">Most of our business is with the F&amp;B sector which uses Protelicious as an ingredient in delicious &amp; health building smoothies or chilled coffees<strong>. Nood Food by Pure&nbsp;</strong>is a great place to sample our signature whey protein in the All The Whey line. Or&nbsp;<strong>Classified&nbsp;</strong>restaurants, where all the smoothies are made with Protelicious.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  <strong>What are the next developments/steps for Protelicious</strong>?&nbsp; <br />  I am very proud to say that, because we are now sourcing directly from the #4 in the world in Dairy, based in NZ and blend and pack at their pharmaceutical grade, an award-winning manufacturer, we are able to scale and expand. This was THE hardest part - to secure this quality sourcing and believe me, it was “no small feet” as a startup to be able to blend and package there. With this, we have access to the best quality cold processed whey protein from grass-fed cows and are certified to get into China, SE Asia, and North America. By the end of the summer, we will be available on Amazon in the US. We are also working on one more really exciting extension of the product line in 2019, Stay tuned! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>What would you say has been the major challenge launching your business here in Hong Kong?</strong> <br />  There have been two big challenges. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I am not interested in compromising on the quality of our primary ingredient: grass-fed cold processed whey protein, so supply has been a big challenge! Think about it. It is a powerful antioxidant, &amp; detoxifier, builds immunity, beauty and health. It’s also delicious. Additionally, the research is quite recent. As a result, large volumes have started to go to big players while smaller startups like ours got squeezed. Last year we got lucky as the number 4 worldwide in Dairy approached us for a Joint Venture. They were interested in our approach - bringing clean protein out of fitness onto breakfast and snack tables of the urbanite. Although we were too small to consider for a JV, they eased the supply and production issues, thus the transfer of our manufacturing to NZ I mentioned above.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Education has also been a big challenge. Protein is one of the most misunderstood macronutrients - yet we are big piles of protein. When selected correctly it’s a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier. Much of my time is spent on educating about protein through various supports such as our ebook which you can download&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://mailchi.mp/a64d003c62be/ebookprotein" target="_blank">here</a>, for free.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>And what is the most rewarding thing having your own business?&nbsp;</strong> <br />  Customers feedbacks are a great reward.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emails, notes, and testimonials that come in from our clients: “It's so delicious, it has simplified my life, now I don't worry about my kids getting sick, my skin is prettier (it boosts the collagen), my son/daughter concentrate better at school, or our household is more peaceful now because is stabilizes moods (great for household with teens!), etc..” <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I am also proud to be able to Introduce Protelicious to the F&amp;B industry, so they think outside the smoothie box. We are coming out with a signature Detox &amp; Rejuvenate menu at a luxury hotel soon... stay tuned.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>What does a typical day in your life look like these days?</strong></div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;">It starts at 6 am on my yoga mat.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am a dedicated Kundalini teacher and practitioner with over 5000 hours “under my belt”. Running my company without the benefit of my daily practice and meditation would be a vastly different experience. By 8:30 the active day begins. I am blessed with a smart, dedicated and values-driven team. We work quite a bit remotely as two are in France, 1 in the UK and the rest here.&nbsp;It’s a “family first company” - we all have kids and work our life around those primary responsibilities, but the goalposts don't change. Client facing work is often as much about educating as expanding our penetration into the market. I also give talks from time to time, which is always a great way to stay in touch with the needs and concerns of individuals, If we don't solve the problem’s or add value to our clients, then we need to close shop!&nbsp; <br />   <br />  <strong>Knowing that you are very much aware of your health and your lifestyle, can you share with me the places you like to go to treat your body (yoga, massage, yummy break ...)?&nbsp;</strong> <br />  I am a big believer in empowerment, so try to limit the reliance on externals for upkeep and go to them for the pleasure part. For yoga - I am my own best client!! It’s a huge part of my life. I don't miss a day, particularly meditation. We produce over 1000 thoughts a second, so distraction is the rule, but your mind follows your breath. Manage your breath to influence your mind.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;">On the enjoyment front, I am a big foodie and enjoy my food! For a casual eatery I go to&nbsp;<strong>Classified</strong>. I have worked with the Classified team for a few years and know the stock they put into quality foods.&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, I love their range of Protelicious smoothies but also simple basics like their quinoa salad.<strong>DiVino&nbsp;</strong>has the best fresh burrata cheese in town. The owner is Italian and flies in fresh Burratta regularly.&nbsp;<strong>La Fromagerie&nbsp;</strong>on Elgin has a fantastic line of cheeses from France with excellent quality yet affordably priced wine to pair. I love their selection so much that I often order from him privately for home. A decadent treat?&nbsp;<strong>Sweet Fashion House&nbsp;</strong>(flagship store in the lobby of The Ritz Carlton) is my got to place. They make pastries look like art and taste like a unique experience.&nbsp;For the health part, beyond Protelicious every single day, I also do intermittent fasting, it brings fantastic health benefits. I you are interested into fasting, you should check out the book<em>The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting&nbsp;</em>by Dr Jason Fung.&nbsp; <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>   <br />  &nbsp;
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   <title>Women of Hong Kong – Beth, Nutrition, Fitness and Lifestyle Coach</title>
   <pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2019 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
   <dc:language>us</dc:language>
   <dc:creator>Hong Kong Madame</dc:creator>
   <dc:subject><![CDATA[Interviews - People of Hong Kong ]]></dc:subject>
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>by Aude</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Are you the kind of person to have role models? I am! But my role models aren’t famous people, I’m more into people who I personally know and find inspiring because of what they have achieved in their personal or professional life. One of them is&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.instagram.com/gosponge/" target="_blank">Diane Younes</a>, Founder of Sponge, whom I first met around 4 years ago. The way she led her business definitely is inspiring to me. And following her on Instagram, I couldn’t help on noticing the regular shout-outs to Beth, her fitness, nutrition and lifestyle coach. Then, few weeks ago, I stumbled upon Diane at an event and was totally amazed by her physical transformation. This girl, who was already absolutely beautiful before, now has the perfect healthy and athletic body I’m aiming at having too somedays.&nbsp;&nbsp;That was it, I had to ask her to connect me with hat Beth Wright she always mentioned as her coach and confidant.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  So here I am, few days later, having coffee with Beth, discovering that not only is she a nutrition, fitness and lifestyle coach but also a lawyer and understanding perfectly why her and Diane goes along that well: Beth is another crazy inspiring woman.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Hey Beth, so nice to meet you! Can you tell me a bit more about you and your background? How did you end up here in Hong Kong working as both a lawyer and a nutrition, fitness and lifestyle coach?</strong> <br />  I first came to Hong Kong in 2007 on a 2 month’ secondment for a US bank. I was a lawyer based in London and the opportunity to visit Asia was too good to pass up. The last thing my Manager said to me was “Don’t get any ideas… you are coming back to London after!” I didn’t know what he meant at the time but as soon as the plane hit the tarmac, I felt the energy of HK and I knew within days that I never wanted to leave! I moved out permanently in 2008 and haven’t looked back. I fell in love with the people, the culture, the food and even the weather – I find it hard to remember I am British sometimes as I love being in a warm climate so much. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I had always wanted to be a lawyer and I had always done a lot of sport. When I went to University, I worked for a gym, part time, and trained to be a PT and a group fitness instructor. It provided me with ‘pocket money’ but more importantly I loved the balance of using both my mind and my body and still do! I have taken this philosophy through every part of my life… I still enjoy being a lawyer and now the balance for me is more about helping and educating other women to get fit and healthy and lead a balanced life. That is not easy in a city like Hong Kong but with the right guidance and knowledge it is definitely possible! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I believe you can never stop learning and I spend a huge amount of time on self-education. I read constantly, participate in on-line courses, travel the world to join week’ long internships, attend weekend workshops and have an incredible network of people who are experts in their own fields and to whom I refer where necessary and who are equally passionate about exercise, nutrition and overall wellness. Currently I am enrolled in a Functional Medicine course, training to be a Pilates instructor and planning a trip to Ireland to the Irish Strength Institute to spend a week learning about female hormones, supplementation and nutrition specifically targeted at female fitness and fat loss. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Can you tell me more about your activity as a Nutrition, Fitness and Lifestyle coach?</strong> <br />  I take on a few roles from coach, to advisor, to confidante and most importantly (and more recently) I act as their accountability touch point. <br />  Being an accountability coach is about helping your clients achieve their goals by checking in with them daily to remind, to encourage and to motivate. It’s one thing to have a program written for you, it’s another thing to do it. I don’t see people struggling to make an appointment with a PT or decide that they want to lose weight or achieve a certain body shape. The bitwe all struggle with is the follow through. Life gets in the way and the goal suddenly becomes much harder to attain. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  For a busy person outsourcing the responsibility to someone else to check up on you / make sure you are doing what you should be doing and to guide you through difficult choices (for example, what to do at a client dinner or how to maintain weight on holiday) is incredibly liberating. It frees up head-space and quite literally time. It also ensures that you don’t feel lost in the process – there is always someone there to help you. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I work with my clients to help them lose weight, look fabulous for a special day, prep for a competition or create a strong and athletic body without limiting their enjoyment of food. I combine one on one coaching and flexible dieting (i.e. counting macros) so that my clients can continue to enjoy food, within reason, while also achieving the desired results.&nbsp;I really believe that life is all about balance and nothing should be “banned” but enjoyed in moderation. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>What do you find the most challenging running your own business in Hong Kong?</strong> <br />  I actually think (compared to other cities) that Hong Kong has one of the most open and supportive environments to set up new businesses. I have only come across people being encouraging and excited for new opportunities and ideas. The challenge is probably a personal one – finding something that you are passionate about enough to be willing to give up your spare time / evenings / weekends. The best part however is that when it is your passion – it doesn’t feel like work! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>And the most rewarding?&nbsp;</strong> <br />  I love helping and educating people to become the very best versions of themselves. There is nothing more empowering than feeling fit and healthy and in control of your life. There is no reason why we can’t all have that… eat well, share good meals, drink good wine and train our bodies and our mind. It is all (honestly) about finding that balance and I really believe that comes from education. Not the latest fad diets or protocols or wellness trends based on nothing more than imagination – but solid, science-based knowledge. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>What does a typical day in your life look life those days?</strong> <br />  I get up around 5 am… fall out of bed straight into my trainers. I have an espresso and I am out the door on my daily walk up to the peak. I live on Macdonnell Road so I can walk straight up the hill and it is the best part of my day. I use the time to respond to my clients and catch up on&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.instagram.com/b_fitnfabulous/" target="_blank">b_fitnfabulous</a>  &nbsp;work. This includes everything from advising clients for upcoming social or work events, posting on social media, planning for events or talks etc. It is also a great time to listen to audio books and podcasts! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I am home by 7.30 am and in the office by 8.30/9 am and then I am wearing my lawyer hat for the rest of the day. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Evenings (depending on when I finish at the office) I will try and fit in a workout / yoga or pilates or catch up with friends. Last thing before bed I check in with each of my clients, make any adjustments to their plans if necessary (maybe sneak in a Netflix episode or two) before falling into bed! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>&nbsp;What are your fav places for:&nbsp;</strong></div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>A lunch w/ friends</strong></span>:&nbsp;<strong>Grassroots Pantry&nbsp;</strong>for something delicious but healthy,&nbsp;<strong>Kim &amp; Co&nbsp;</strong>just across the road for their amazing coffee and the always smiling Kim herself</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>A fancy dinner</strong></span>: So many options to choose from! I am a huge fan of the venues from&nbsp;<strong>Black Sheep Restaurants&nbsp;</strong>(in particular&nbsp;<strong>Carbone&nbsp;</strong>or&nbsp;<strong>Buenos Aires Polo Club</strong>).&nbsp;<strong>La Petite Maison&nbsp;</strong>has also become a favorite for their cocktails and simple but amazing food. For a delicious (but more casual dinner) I simply love&nbsp;<strong>Francis&nbsp;</strong>in Wanchai for their authentic Israeli food (incredible little black book of special wines) and also&nbsp;<strong>121BC&nbsp;</strong>in Soho (one of the best Italians for regional food and wine list).</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>A&nbsp;</strong><strong>weekend brunch</strong></span>: Maybe the outdoor brunch at the Grand Hyatt (<em>editor’s note:&nbsp;</em><strong>The Grill</strong>),&nbsp;<strong>Zuma&nbsp;</strong>champagne brunch is always fun and the new Sunday brunch at&nbsp;<strong>Gough’s on Gough</strong>!</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">Drinks</span>:&nbsp;</strong>Sitting at the bar at&nbsp;<strong>La Petite Maison&nbsp;</strong>(the cocktails are amazing),&nbsp;<strong>The Upper House&nbsp;</strong>for the view,&nbsp;<strong>LQV&nbsp;</strong>for the incredible wine list and truffle cheese toasties</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A weekend getaway</span></strong>:&nbsp;Bangkok – I love staying at the Sukhothai for old school understated elegance and great service. I also love their gym!</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A long holiday</span></strong>:<strong>&nbsp;</strong>One of the best trips I have ever taken was to Cuba a couple of years ago with a group of girlfriends…. The most amazing place where it feels as if time has stood still. Beautiful yet chaotic, a mix of washed out buildings, music on every corner and vibrant art scene being painted by local artists… incredible. Or Tel Aviv for the food, people and vibe…. All this talk of holidays makes me want to plan my next one!</div>    <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />   <br />  Feel like getting in touch with Beth? <a class="link" href="javascript:protected_mail('beth@bfitandfabulous.com')" >Shoot her an email</a>  !&nbsp; <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>  &nbsp; <br />  &nbsp;
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   <title>Women of Hong Kong – Emma, Founder of Farmer’s Market</title>
   <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
   <dc:language>us</dc:language>
   <dc:creator>Hong Kong Madame</dc:creator>
   <dc:subject><![CDATA[Interviews - People of Hong Kong ]]></dc:subject>
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>by Aude</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  If you’re a frequent reader, you know it already: I’m absolutely obsessed with food. Therefore, you won’t be surprised to hear that one of my New Year’s resolutions is to be more careful with the quality of the food I’m cooking &amp; eating and always try and find products which are great quality yet not overpriced (because you know how things are in Hong Kong). Of course, I’ll be sharing my good finds with you … isn’t that the whole purpose of Hong Kong Madame after all? Starting with&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.farmersmarket.com.hk/" target="_blank">Farmer’s Market</a>  : an online butcher launched in 2016 by Australian born Emma Pike bringing the best and freshest Australian beef, lamb, pork, salmon, fish, duck, chicken, sausages and more to Hong Kong at affordable price.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Food and female entrepreneurship … these was a story I definitely had to dig-in a bit deeper!&nbsp; <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Hey Emma – nice to meet you! Can you tell me a bit more about yourself? Australian-born, you did you end up here in Hong Kong, launching your business in 2016? Why did you launch&nbsp;&nbsp;an online butcher?&nbsp;</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I moved to Hong Kong in 2006 with my husband’s job, we were married, no kids, late twenties and just thought why not!&nbsp; We came thinking we would only stay for a couple of years and have been there for more than thirteen years now, had two kids and love every decision we have made over all those years.&nbsp;When I first arrived in HK I couldn't work as spouses back then didn't get a dependant VISA so I ended up playing squash tournaments and doing a little bit of coaching with some juniors for free and studied Cantonese for six months so that I could have a conversation with locals, order food, get around and just fit in a little bit more. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I've never been afraid of throwing myself in head first at anything I do so coming to a new country was super exciting and fun.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  As a person I've always been an entrepreneur, I left school when I was fifteen, started my first business when I was sixteen, sold it when in my early twenties and never looked back. Actually my first business was when I was around nine but it didn't count as I had to donate all the money to church when my mum found out!&nbsp; I grew up in Bondi Australia and when I was nine we were getting a lot of tourists to the beach so I would collect film canisters from the film shops, go down to the beach after school and on the weekends, fill them up with sand and when the tourists were getting back on the buses I'd sell them some sand from Bondi for fifty cents or a dollar (I can't remember) and made a killing!&nbsp; Then my mum found out and shut me down and I had to give all the money to my local church, which was a good lesson. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  When I eventually got a dependent visa for HK I started Squash Coaching at the Hong Kong Football Club and American Club but after two children it got a little harder, so I looked for something new to do.&nbsp; I've always been handy with a computer and I was talking to some friends who said they wanted a website and people were quoting them HKD 20,000 upwards and I didn't think it would be that hard to do so I read a book and started creating websites for friends and that went from friends. From that point on, I helped friends and their friends and built&nbsp;&nbsp;a company with two of us creating over three-hundred websites.&nbsp; The business reached a point where I needed to expand, or move on, so I decided to make a change and move in to the food business. The quality of food here in Hong Kong five years ago was just getting poorer while the prices were rising so I thought I could make a change and bring in better quality meat products but keep the price down selling online, and that’s how Farmer's Market was born! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Currently, I’m actually living between both HK and Singapore as we are opening Farmer's Market in Singapore in February 2019. Singapore to me is where Hong Kong was five years ago and I can definitely see opportunities there. Who knows what country will come next? Hopefully one day we will not just be Hong Kong's number one online butcher but Asia’s! <br />  &nbsp; <br />   <br />  <strong>What do you find the most challenging being an entrepreneur?</strong>&nbsp; <br />   <br />  Keeping the bank balance in the green!&nbsp; Being an entrepreneur you get ideas when you walk, sleep, talking to friends … it just happens. When you think your idea is good sometimes you don’t think too much about it and just launch it to see if it’s gonna work or not. Then, if the idea does work you build on that and keep expanding and expanding and that costs more and more money. I don’t mind spending the money to see a project through because you can see it will be worth it you get to the end of the project. But you have to accept that sometimes the end doesn't come for a while.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />   <br />   <br />  <strong>&nbsp;And the most rewarding?</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Customers responses are by far the most rewarding.&nbsp; When a customer takes the time to email or call you to thank you for what you have sent them or done for them it is the best feeling ever!&nbsp; You will always get the complaints or not happy with something emails which thankfully for us are few. But when customers tell you how happy they are with their products, it’s a great feeling.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I have to say another thing that is great is educating people, I spend a lot of time and money learning as much as I can about meat so that I can pass that on to our customers so that they know they are getting something from someone who knows what they are doing.&nbsp; I don't have a farming background obviously growing up in Bondi and I definitely don't have an education background leaving school at fifteen, but I recently flew down to Sydney to do a "meat science" course with Meat Livestock Australia (MLA) which was amazing. I am now working with MLA to create a new course aimed to educate resellers like myself on the main aspects of farming methods, difference in livestock, processing, packing, eating quality and more which we hope to run in 2019. <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Any development plans for Farmer's Market for the New Year?</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  100%, yes! We are opening in Singapore hopefully in February/March and have plans for another Asian country in 2021 but I can't tell you where that is at the moment as I'm keeping that one under my hat for now! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Have you ever thought about expanding your range of products and maybe offering other farm imported products such as vegetables or dairy?&nbsp;</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Yes I thought about it but then I also thought I don't want to be a supermarket and there are people out there that do vegetables well and people that do wine well so I want to be the person who does meat well.&nbsp; I love working with people that do groceries, wine, dairy etc. in collaborations but to stock and move it and keep it all fresh I'd have to expand my knowledge and focus and for now I love being the best butcher.&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>What does a day in your life look like those days?&nbsp;</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Long!&nbsp; Up at 6:30am with two kids to get off to school, they are off by 7am on the bus, I'm at my desk at 7:15am mostly checking emails, social media, posting new things, creating EDMs, talking to customers to get feedback, talking to other companies to do collaboration projects with them, creating e-books to educate our customers and provide them with relevant information, updating our website, liaising with Vivian our office manager in HK to make sure everything at the office and warehouse is all going smoothly and stock is all in order, order more stock and make sure we don't have too much stock, implement new systems for accounting, customer relationship software and then have lunch!&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  That's about all day so work wise I’m at a desk 7:15-3:30, kids come home and I tend to take time out and do normal mum stuff like homework, take kids to activities, dinner, bath and bed, all whilst taking my laptop to all activities and checking my phone regularly to make sure nothing important needs to be responded too and then once they are asleep I tend to jump back on my laptop from 8:30-10:30pm to get a few things ready for the next day.&nbsp; That being said that is a normal day but 2 days a week I do take the morning off for myself and play in a tennis league for a couple of hours. But being an entrepreneur and having good staff I get to do that (now, not when I started!). <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>And what are your fav places for:</strong> <br />  <span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>Lunch w/ friends</strong></span>:&nbsp;<strong>Bar and Grill&nbsp;</strong>in Happy Valley, most of my friends live in the Valley and it's great to just meat up for a casual beer and easy food <br />  <span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>Fancy dinner</strong></span>&nbsp;:&nbsp;<strong>Monogamous</strong>, my all-time fav restaurant in Soho, Northern Chinese cuisine, chef Ben is awesome!&nbsp; <br />  <span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>Family brunch</strong></span>:&nbsp;<strong>Marriott Hotel</strong> <br />  <span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>A night out with the kids</strong></span>: Star Street Wan Chai, so many restaurants to choose and lucky for me my kids love to eat,&nbsp;<strong>Ham and Sherry</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Le Garçon Saigon</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>22 Ships</strong>,<strong>QI</strong>…&nbsp; <br />  <span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>A weekend getaway</strong></span>: would be a 4-day weekend as it takes time to get there but Minang Cove in Malaysia is my go-to place because there is no internet unless you go out on the scuba boat so both my husband and I and kids too are all electronic free! &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />  <span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>A long family holiday</strong></span>: Renting a Villa in Seminyak (Bali) and not leaving the Villa until dinner time to hit some of the nice restaurants&nbsp; <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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   <title>Women of Hong Kong: Fanny - Co-Founder of Vestiaire Collective</title>
   <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2018 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
   <dc:language>us</dc:language>
   <dc:creator>Hong Kong Madame</dc:creator>
   <dc:subject><![CDATA[Interviews - People of Hong Kong ]]></dc:subject>
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>by Aude</strong> <br />   <br />   <br />  <strong>Hi Fanny, can you tell me a bit about yourself? Who are you and how did you ended up here in Hong Kong? </strong> <br />  I was born and raised in France, where I spent a good part of my childhood and teen years learning about fashion under the wing of my mother who owned a fashion boutique. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I graduated in 2001 with a degree in marketing from the Reims Business School where I then worked for several different fashion and apparel brands such as John Galliano and Dim and Mexx, eventually taking a position with the French interior company, Venilia. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I decided to return to my original love: fashion, and in 2007 completed a degree in fashion marketing at the Institut de la Mode in Paris which is really what inspired me to pursue a career in fashion – I saw this as a channel to balance both the creative and commercial appeal. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  I launched <a class="link" href="https://us.vestiairecollective.com/" target="_blank">Vestiaire Collective</a>  in France in 2009 having teamed up with up with five partners with experience in styling, logistics and business development.&nbsp; I saw a void in the market – we needed a dedicated platform for fashion lovers to buy and sell their pre-owned items in a smart, inspirational and trusted way. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  After three years serving as the Vice President of Marketing, I moved from Paris to London with my family and took on the new role of EMEA Vice President, in order to lead the company’s European expansion. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  And finally, I relocated to Hong Kong in 2016 to launch <a class="link" href="https://us.vestiairecollective.com/" target="_blank">Vestiaire Collective</a>  with HK being the hub for the Asia Pacific region.&nbsp;</div>    <div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp; <br />   <br />  <strong>What is it like to be the Co-Founder of the most successful online shopping-hub for pre-owned luxury fashion, a mum and a wife at the same time?</strong> <br />  It’s extremely busy! I have to juggle a lot but it’s very rewarding to see how far we’ve come in the last nine years! We started the business in the front room of my apartment in Paris just us six Co-Founders. We did everything from the web development to packing the items and sending them to the buyers and now we have over 7 million global members, it’s incredible! I also have an incredible family around me who are really supportive, which really helps! <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>What’s your job in Hong Kong?</strong> <br />  As the Co-Founder and Vice President of APAC, I am responsible for leading the growth and development of Vestiaire Collective in Asia – with the APAC hub in Hong Kong but also covering Australia and Singapore. <br />  &nbsp; <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>    <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#ff99cc;"><strong>Wondering what a day in Fanny’s life looks like?</strong></span></div>    <div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp; <br />  <strong>What does a typical day in your life look like?</strong> <br />  My day always starts with breakfast with my two girls, usually homemade granola before the girls leave for school, and I’ll head to a Yoga or Pilates class before the office. Once in the office, each day is totally different, I could be on calls to the team in the Head Office in Paris talking about business strategy or having meetings with my team about upcoming projects and campaigns. I’m currently building a team Hong Kong so there also may be a interview or two. I try to be home early most evenings to have dinner with the family and help with homework before the girls go to bed. My husband and I will catch up our days before I have a last look at my emails and head to bed to scroll Instagram before falling asleep and doing it all again tomorrow!</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Fav outfit for work</strong> <br />  &nbsp;My style is very classic but with a twist. My current favourite work outfit, is a pair of Celine black trousers, a white or breton t-shirt and converse or if I need to dress up a little I’ll add a pair of Gianvito Rossi heels. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Fav outfit for a night out</strong> <br />  A pair of straight leg jeans with a silk cami or shirt and possibly a blazer, I’d pair with my Gucci loafers or Gianvito Rossi heels and a Mark Cross bag.</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Fav brands</strong> <br />  I love Racil and Blaze Milano blazers, The Vampires Wife for dresses, Victoria Beckham for classic pieces but with interesting details and Celine for, well everything! I also really love the pastel coloured suits that Tibi recently did. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Fav places for:</strong></div>    <div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A lunch w/ friends</span></strong>: Grassroots Pantry</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A fancy dinner</span></strong>: Otto e Mezzo, <a class="link" href="https://www.hongkongmadame.com/en/Meet-Bjorn-Frantzen-and-discover-Frantzen-s-Kitchen-in-Sheung-Wan_a1506.html" target="_blank">Frantzen Kitchen</a> </div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A night out</span></strong>: SEVVA for drinks followed by dinner in Cha Cha Wan. Drinks in Café Grey or Salon 10</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A shopping spree</span></strong>: Obviously <a class="link" href="https://us.vestiairecollective.com/" target="_blank">Vestiaire Collective</a>  is my first stop! I also love shopping on MatchesFashion, Ohmycream for beauty products and for interiors Firstdibs is my go to site!</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A weekend getaway or a holiday</span></strong>: I’ve been in Asia for just over a year so I love discovering new cities that are neighbouring HK. Recently I was in <a class="link" href="https://www.hongkongmadame.com/en/Madame-travels-3-days-in-Seoul_a1812.html" target="_blank">Seoul</a>, Tokyo and Bali and I loved all the new experiences. I can’t wait to explore other new destinations.</div>    <div style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 40px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff99cc;">A family brunch</span></strong>: Limewood <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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   <title>Meet Lisa, founder of fashion label Lvo-boutique</title>
   <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2018 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
   <dc:language>us</dc:language>
   <dc:creator>Hong Kong Madame</dc:creator>
   <dc:subject><![CDATA[Interviews - People of Hong Kong ]]></dc:subject>
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>by Delphine</strong> <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Born and raised in Germany, Lisa has always wanted to be a journalist, since she was 11. Few years later she is working as a reporter for a national daily paper. Whatever Lisa wants, Lila gets! Politic, economy, psychology, she can pretty much write about anything but what she really loves is writing about fashion, her second passion in life. So she decides to leave her job and become a freelance fashion writer, freelancing for magazines such as Gala. And then, she is also making sure to never forget her third passion – travels - and is traveling the world for her columns. Life is too short, you have to live it to the fullest. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  While traveling to Hong Kong, she met her future husband and she moves in with him. Few months later here she is, expecting her first child then her second one. Because she loves nature so much and needs space, she decides to move to Lamma Island first then Discovery Bay in 2013. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  And because there’s never any “off-time” in Lisa’s life she starts designing clothes for herself and her daughters. Then for her friends who love the European casual-chic but with a bohemian twist dresses and shirts she is designing. They definitely think she should launch her brand. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  2017, off to her new adventure, Lisa launches <a class="link" href="http://www.lvo-boutique.com/" target="_blank">Lvo-boutique</a>. Her idea is to design custom-made clothes based on her clients’ personality and wishes. But always keeping things casual and friendly, you meet over a coffee or you go to her place, you choose one of her model and then customization can start: fabrics, colors … &nbsp;&nbsp;What Lisa wants is for you to get the clothe you’ve been dreaming of. And I told you already, whatever Lisa wants, Lisa gets. <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />  <strong>Hello Lisa! Can you tell us a little bit more about you, in just a few words? </strong> <br />  Optimistic, kind-hearted and fast-talking. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Can you tell us a little bit more about your background? How did you end up launching your fashion brand after years of working as a journalist? </strong> <br />  It has a lot to do with living in a visual city like Hong Kong. Here everyone wants to dress cool and look trendy but cool and affordable boutiques are not easy to find. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  Them, soon after arriving in Hong Kong, I realized that creating your own designs is actually super easy. We have amazing silk suppliers here. I started with my wedding dress and have ever since designed my clothes. But it’s only last year, when I was receiving more and more compliments on my clothes that I realised I could maybe start a new career. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>What are the challenges you have been facing launching your business? </strong> <br />  First challenge was to find a good tailor, someone who could deliver fast but with consistent quality. I’ve done few trials before I met these lovely woman and felt like she was the one I wanted to work with. <br />  Later&nbsp;I&nbsp;found it particularly tricky to accept money from friends since they are my friends.&nbsp;Last but not least, finding a reliable web designer was also challenging. The rest was quite straightforward. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>How would you describe your style in 3 words? </strong> <br />  Bohemian, colourful and chic <br />   <br />  &nbsp;</div>  
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      <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />  <strong>Where do you find inspiration? </strong> <br />  I absolutely love Pinterest and find endless inspiration on this one. But my first inspiration is my personal taste: I create what I personally love wearing here in Hong Kong. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Being a mum and an entrepreneur, how do you manage your time? </strong> <br />  First of all, my helper is just such a precious support and I would like to thank her for everything she is doing when I am not home. <br />  Then, I try to maximize my time. Because I live in Discovery Bay I do not come to Central for just one meeting. And being a new entrepreneur, I also must confess that my “me-time” is now “work-time”. <br />  &nbsp; <br />  <strong>Your fav place in Hong Kong?</strong> <br />  Hollywood Road and Man Mo temple. <br />   <br />   <br />   <br />  <a class="link" href="http://www.lvo-boutique.com/" target="_blank">Lvo-boutique</a> </div>  
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