Krystal Tolani celebrates the best parts of Hong Kong with her quirky line of tees and greeting cards from 852prints
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Krystal Tolani, founder of 852prints, gets it done like a boss.
How I get it done: Krystal Tolani
How and why did you decide to launch your business?
I created 852prints for three reasons:
- I noticed that there was a gap in the market for cheeky, quirky cards and apparel that represented Hong Kong without looking overly touristy.
- I was in need of a creative outlet outside of my full-time job as an EdTech marketer.
- I wanted to learn more about graphic design and illustration and I knew the only way I’d stick it out is if I had a project.
I knew whatever project I’d undertake had to have a planet-friendly ethos. So wherever feasible, we try to source locally, produce in small batches, and/or using eco-friendly materials.
What’s been the biggest challenge on your journey so far?
Finding suppliers that align with our ethos. Where possible, we try to manufacture locally, in small batches, using planet-friendly materials and practices.
Currently, our greeting cards are printed locally on FSC recycled paper using eco-friendly inks and toners, in small batches. Our supplier even recycles their toner cartridges and provides vegetarian meals to their team twice a month. However, most of our retailers require us to package our greeting cards in a plastic sleeve for hygiene and safety reasons.
For months we hunted for bioplastic/biodegradable sleeves to package our cards in. All of our possible leads either required a prohibitively large minimum order quantity—and some of these materials only have a shelf life of 6-10 months.
In the UK it’s become more commonplace to sell greeting cards sans plastic, however, this practice has yet to become popular in Hong Kong. Which is something we’re trying to change!
What is your proudest achievement?
Selling out of Ride the Minibus (one of our newest products) within ten weeks of launching! My partners (@gethigh_hk) and I anticipated our initial stock lasting us between 6-12 months, and we were floored when we sold out days before Christmas.
What does the Launchpad community mean to you?
Running your own business can be so isolating. Knowing that there are other people navigating the same experiences and situations makes it feel less lonely. Plus you get the added bonus of sharing your own and hearing from other people’s mistakes so they and you don’t have to make them again! I’ve enjoyed connecting with this community of change makers and learning from some incredible minds.
Find out more about 852prints.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. The platform offers almost daily activities for members to connect, along with regular masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers.
