3 March, 2023
International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs
International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs
Influencers

9 Hong Kong Businesswomen On Career Success, “Embracing Equity” & More

3 March, 2023
International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs

We chat with some of Hong Kong’s most successful female founders and businesswomen about their road to success and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.

One of the things that we love most about Hong Kong is the thriving community of women in business we have here, covering every industry and niche you can think of. While these incredible Hong Kong businesswomen make it look easy, we know that’s very far from the truth, especially when taking into account the added burden of gender stereotypes and discrimination that comes with being a female founder.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re chatting with some of Hong Kong’s most successful female businesswomen to learn more about their road to success and the challenges they’ve encountered along the way, and how they embrace equity at work and outside work. Keep scrolling for more…

Read More: Female-Founded Brands To Support Now


Jump To:
Mandy And May – Founders Of Linguabox Group
Amy Tsien – Founder Of Drink Eve
Amanda Hyndman – General Manager At Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Sara Vee – Founder Of Women of Hong Kong
Gianne And Canice – Founders Of Lexemedia
Maisy Ma – Figure Skating Coach
Emma Lauren – Stylist And Social Media Personality

 

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International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs: Linguabox Group

Mandy And May, Founders Of Linguabox Group

Learning a new language can be tough, especially one as complex as Mandarin! Linguabox Group uses its 30 years of expertise and connects anyone, anywhere in the world, to its engaging and interactive online classes. Its founders, Mandy and May share how they embrace equity and how women can become each other’s support systems.

What changes have you made to your personal or professional life to embrace equity in regard to gender, race, religion or any other aspect of your life?

We were keenly aware of the amount of well-qualified women unable to find fitting jobs after having children, so we took a special interest in this demographic when hiring for Linguabox.

We are very proud that a majority of our teachers are women, and that we are able to provide these well-educated, certified and passionate women with fulfilling jobs, and the support and flexibility necessary for child-caring.

Do you agree that women may sometimes compete with each other? How can women embrace equity and support each other?

Women can sometimes be competitive in the workplace due to systemic barriers and limited leadership opportunities. To embrace equity and support each other, we encourage women to engage in mentoring, advocate for equal opportunities, celebrate each other’s achievements, and foster an inclusive and collaborative culture.

Is there anything else you’d like to share regarding the theme of #EmbraceEquity?

Another important facet of equity extends to embracing and giving equal opportunities to other cultures and communities in Hong Kong. We have the privilege to work with students from various different countries and cultures, including India, Singapore, South Korea, Australia and the US, and that cultural exchange is a highlight of our job!

LinguaBox Group, WhatsApp: 9685 8939, www.linguaboxgroup.com


International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs: Amy Tsien

Amy Tsien, Founder Of Drink Eve

Drink Eve is a research-backed Hong Kong wellness brand that aims to give a new perspective to mental and physical well-being and create a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive community through its products and wellness events. Its founder, Amy Tsien talks us through how she stays motivated, how her brand empowers young women in Hong Kong and her career goals.

How do you and your business help empower women and girls in Hong Kong?

I strongly believe one of the main purposes of us going through any personal ups and downs is to relate, understand, and help others who are on a similar journey. Every day, I hope to use myself, my brand and the Eve community to encourage and empower other women and girls in Hong Kong through transparency, sharing, and mentorship.

What keeps you motivated on days when the road gets tough?

At the heart of Eve are a lot of my own personal core values and missions. When the road gets tough, I let my passion, vision, and mission drive me.

I remind myself to turn every hesitation or rejection into improvements and motivation; and never be too afraid to think big, try, and ask for opportunities.

What are three short-term goals you have for yourself and your business?

1. Make our products and unconventional well-being workshops more accessible to urbanites (including travellers!) at work and off work.
2. Partner with more mental health organisations with aligned core values.
3. Launch our very first well-being campaign!

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Drink Eve, www.drinkeve.com


International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs: Amanda Hyndman

Amanda Hyndman, Manager At Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Having worked in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for 16 years, Amanda has taken on several leadership roles. She’s currently the General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong as well as the Vice President, Operations for Southern China and the Group Director of Quality, which includes quality control on services across the hotels.

What has been your proudest business achievement?

It’s the feeling of the whole team pulling together to go above and beyond, which creates the adrenalin, excitement and sense of achievement.

We pulled off an incredible 140th-anniversary party for MO Bangkok, which was named number one in the world! We are also very proud of our colleagues who dedicated 40,000 hours of community volunteering to help the less fortunate in London and last but not least, the team in Hong Kong for enduring hardships in the past four years.

What is your proudest personal achievement?
I feel most proud of myself when I make others proud
. Throughout my life, I have been championed by a number of fine women, from my grandmother who partly raised me (and couldn’t have a career of her own due to World War Two) to amazing ladies who had my back when I was in Thailand for five years, and supportive and encouraging female colleagues I have at both Jardine and MO.

What are three short-term goals you have for yourself and the Mandarin Oriental?
1. Create, finalise and kick off the hotel renovation plan in Hong Kong.
2. Deliver a great 60th-anniversary celebration for the hotel this year.
3. Spend more time laughing and having fun with our colleagues and teams!

Follow Amanda Hyndman on Instagram (@amandahyndman) to learn more about her.


International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs: Sarah Vee

Sarah Vee, Founder Of Women of Hong Kong

Women of Hong Kong was formed out of a personal need to feel belonged. It started out as a handful of women coming together for social drinks and now has close to 7,000 sign-ups and about 10,000 followers on its Instagram page! To sum it up, the network is like a “create your own adventure” book — you can use it for personal reasons, business, or both.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs starting out in Hong Kong?

Think about what problems you are solving and how your business would be of help to the community.

Be ready to put yourselves in someone else’s shoes which is a key quality in running a business.

The other key quality is to maintain good relationships with your clients and to humanise the whole experience.

Do you agree that women sometimes compete with each other? How can women embrace equity and support each other?

Yes all the time, we’ve been brought up to believe we need to rise above one another instead of raising each other up. And I also feel like we often ask to be understood by the opposite gender but we may lack the skills to do the same thing we’re asking.

What’s key to embracing equity?

The three keys to ending gender inequity are education, technology and media — if your business revolves around or is involved in this department, then you have the power to contribute to making the world a more equitable place. I believe everyone is capable, the question is, is anybody willing?

Follow Sarah Vee on Instagram (@sarahvee.asia) to learn more about her.


International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs: Lexemedia

Gianne And Canice, Founders Of Lexemedia

Lexemedia, a local creative agency — derived from the word “lexeme” which means the basic/abstract unit of meaning — helps brands and businesses communicate their individual message and shine.

What has been your proudest business achievement?

When we worked with Women of Hong Kong to help organise its first-anniversary event, which brought together over 300 women for an evening of networking and inspiration. Being able to use our skills to support other women-focused organisations and see the direct impact was very fulfilling.

What changes have you made to your personal or professional life to embrace equity in regard to gender, race, religion or any other aspect of your life?

We’ve made a conscious effort to hire diverse talents and create an inclusive work environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive, which is key to embracing equity and creating work that resonates with people from all walks of life. Hiring globally has brought unique perspectives and skills to our team.

How do you or your business help empower women or girls in Hong Kong?

We empower women and girls in Hong Kong through partnerships with communities and charities. Our co-founder Gianne recently designed charity merchandise to benefit Inspiring Girl’s empowerment programs for young girls. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower women and girls through mentoring, education, and community programs.

Collective action can drive real change, so we’re committed to using our skills and platform to uplift women in Hong Kong.

Follow Lexemedia on Instagram (@lexemedia) to learn more about them.


International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs: Maisy Ma

Maisy Ma, Figure Skating Coach, Emcee, And A Jill Of Many Trades

Why excel in one thing when you can have multiple successful hustles? Maisy is an influencer, figure skating coach, TV host, emcee, F&B operations coordinator and content creator, all at the age of 23!

What is your proudest personal or business achievement?

It has always been a perception for people to think that retired professional athletes take a long time to find their track in life. I am proud to prove that wrong. I have shown that, as a former athlete, I have smoothly transitioned into the media world, bringing the positivity of sports to a bigger audience from an athletic standpoint.

What keeps you motivated on days when the road gets tough?

Recognising your past achievements and living in the moment is so important. Many times we get so caught up because of our perspectives.

We should always remind ourselves that where we are in life at the moment, was all we ever wanted in the past.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs starting out in Hong Kong?

I believe the society we live in now encourages people to be hardworking — as long as you have a dream and you are willing to fight, there will be a significant role that belongs to you. Plus, I love having multiple career paths to keep myself busy but also explore different talents.

Follow Maisy Ma on Instagram (@maisyma1999) to learn more about her.


International Womans Day 2023 Embrace Equity Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs: Emma Lauren

Emma Lauren, Stylist And Social Media Personality

As a stylist and creative, Emma helps businesses with their branding and the storytelling that goes behind it.

What has been your proudest business achievement?

Being the Art Director for Net-a-Porter for one of its Hong Kong projects and being flown to Thailand to style for a Pandora global shoot were both huge thrills. But honestly every time I see an idea I’ve had become a reality, that feels like the proudest moment.

Do you agree that women sometimes compete with each other? How can women embrace equity and support each other?

I think there is often an underlying narrative that women have to compete with each other to get ahead. I feel super fortunate that my personal experience has been largely supportive and to have had some great women mentors and peers who have encouraged and boosted me up. I think it’s so important that we embrace equity and support each other — help and cheer on your friends with their dreams.

Success isn’t truly success unless we are all succeeding.

What are three short-term goals you have for yourself and your business?

1. Successfully master Little Red Book! I believe the China market has a lot to offer and we should all diversify our social media platforms.
2. Graduate from Cantonese Class.
3. Endeavour to find more of an equilibrium between work and home.

Follow Emma Lauren on Instagram (@emma_lauren) to learn more about her.


This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships.

Main image courtesy of Alexander Suhorucov via Pexels. All images courtesy of Sassy Media Group.

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