A certified Holistic Health Counsellor based in Hong Kong, Punam Chopra created SpiceBox Organics in 2012 to promote sustainable, fair-trade, and organic food production.
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 Punam Chopra, Founder of SpiceBox Organics, gets it done!
How I get it done: Punam Chopra
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
Back in the early 2010s, organic and natural foods were hard to come by in Hong Kong. So, I wanted to create a community where I can share my knowledge in health and wellness – hence the establishment of SpiceBox Organics. My team and I began hosting a series of cooking classes and workshops, educating the local community about being more health-conscious. We soon became a hub for organic kitchen staples, as we provided ingredients that aren’t only healthy, but also cater to special dietary needs.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
SpiceBox Organics has faced many challenges since its inception, but the support from our customers throughout the years gave us reason to keep at it! After launching our first location as a market in Sai Ying Pun, we quickly realised that there was a need for healthy cooked meals. We needed to enhance the brand experience, which led to the addition of a cafe concept to our brand. Following lots of research and experimentation, we were finally able to create tasty, wholesome meals, using the quality organic ingredients we stood by. We now have a catering department, and continue to create new, seasonal vegan and vegetarian dishes for our guests.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
Passion and love for what I do keeps me motivated. I started this business wanting to educate the community about health and wellness. I’m lucky I’m (still) able to do this everyday through the products and services I’ve created over the years.
How do you keep stress levels low?
I keep my stress levels low by practising yoga regularly, working out three times a week, and attending meditation sessions at the Art of Living Centre once a week.
How I get it done with Punam Chopra: Rapid fire
Favourite place(s) to work? I love working at any one of SpiceBox Organics’ locations, because I get to interact with our customers and make new friends!
What’s your work mantra? Do the work, and stay focused.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours? How to combat climate change challenges. Sustainable living is a true passion of mine, and I try to incorporate sustainable practices in every aspect of my life, including SpiceBox Organics’ business operations.
Your go-to self-care activity? Nice, long hikes always help me clear my mind.
One piece of advice to your younger self? I’d advise my younger self to be more disciplined. I find that following a disciplined routine daily is very beneficial to me, as I’m able to be productive and can accomplish a lot!
Find out more about SpiceBox Organics and get in touch with Punam Chopra on LinkedIn.
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. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring, and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check out our Instagram and join us!