Every day is International Women’s Day when these Hong Kong women are out there slayin’! Give it up for these unstoppable queens who are rewriting the rules and owning every moment.
Hear it from Beyonce: who run the world? Girls! Guys, we love you, but let’s be real: no matter our gender, we should celebrate International Women’s Day, not least because of the fact that we all came out of a vagina. At Honeycombers, we’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet and introduce to you talented female jewellery designers like Niyati Kapadia, fitness warriors like Tricia Yap, and incredible entrepreneurs in our Launchpad community – all of whom have been making the world go round since day one. But, there are still many more ladies out there who deserve to be recognised for their work. So, to honour International Women’s Day, we’re listing more Hong Kong women who, we think, should get on your radar. #AccelerateAction
International Women’s Day 2025: Inspirational Hong Kong women
1. Monica Browning, Founder of Courage Through Coaching
Monica Browning of Courage Through Coaching is our trusted ally in navigating life’s challenges. As a certified life and leadership coach based in Hong Kong and working with clients around the world, Monica is passionate about inspiring and empowering those seeking transformation in their personal and professional lives. From one-on-one coaching to group coaching to immersive retreats, Monica tailors bespoke programmes to guide individuals to greater clarity, courage, and confidence. Her 20 years of corporate experience, along with her training and education, have helped her support many on their personal development journey and self-discovery. We love how she takes an honest, warm, and holistic approach to coaching, valuing the unique strengths, values, and authenticity of each and every person that partners with her.
Are you also seeking direction, battling overwhelm, or wanting to multiply your confidence? This is your call to break free from stagnation and step into a life of fulfilment, ease, and freedom through Monica’s in-person and online programmes! Take part in one-on-one coaching, the “Calm & Clarity Retreat” (late Sep in Northern Thailand), or “Finding My Clarity” (in-person group coaching from Oct to Nov), and more to come in 2025.
Learn more about Monica Browning and Courage Through Coaching.
2. Sonia Samtani, Master Clinical Hypnotherapist and CEO at All About You Centre
When’s the last time you thought about your personal and mental wellness? We’re constantly inspired by Sonia to focus more on conscious living and self-acceptance – so we think you should hear from her, too. Besides being a licensed clinical hypnotherapist and the founder of All About You Centre, one of the top English-speaking wellness centres in the 852, Sonia Samtani is a speaker, author, therapist, and award-winning well-trepreneur. Having had almost two decades of experience as a qualified mental health professional, she’s impacted over 40,000 people worldwide with her progressive, evidence-backed, and transformative concepts. Through private sessions, workshops, corporate training, and hypnotherapist training, Sonia helps participants access simple, powerful tools to move from judgment to acceptance, and to live mindfully through self-reflection, healing, and personal growth.
Learn more about Sonia Samtani and All About You Centre.
3. Grace Choi, Founder and Creative Director of Yi-ming
We can’t be the only ones to admire the seamless fusion of traditional oriental elegance and contemporary style in modern-day cheongsam and qipao! With deep respect for historical roots and an eye for innovation and craftsmanship, Grace Choi established Yi-ming to reimagine the qipao for today’s wardrobe, proving its place in both cultural and fashion-forward narratives. As both a successful model and mum-trepreneur, Grace wishes to empower fellow women with her work, encouraging them to embrace their culture and express themselves through their clothing choices.
Inspired to be a cultural ambassador like Grace? Wear your love for Hong Kong on your sleeve (literally) with Yi-ming’s latest collection, “Urban Elegance.” The signature cheongsam dresses, reversible jackets, capes, and tops, are all meticulously adorned with unique patterns that showcase iconic spots of our city.
Yi-ming, 50A Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 3111 2268
4. Mandy Pao, COO of ATLAS Chiropractic
Mandy Pao, Chief Operating Officer of ATLAS Chiropractic, is a trailblazer in Hong Kong’s wellness scene, earning her the prestigious title of “Woman of Wellness” by the media. With a distinguished background in luxury fashion PR, including collaborations with global leaders like LVMH, Pepsi, Hollywood, UNESCO, Forbes, and more, Mandy has successfully channelled her expertise into the world of holistic health. Her passion for wellness is deeply personal, stemming from her own experience with burnout, which drives her mission to redefine corporate culture in Hong Kong. Mandy is dedicated to combating workplace burnout by integrating comprehensive wellness solutions into corporate environments. Her goal is to empower individuals to thrive both physically and mentally, enhancing productivity while fostering a healthier, happier workforce.
At ATLAS Chiropractic, a leading chiropractic studio, she advocates for holistic care and promotes lifestyle habits that support sustainable well-being in everyday life. Beyond her professional achievements, Mandy is a yoga enthusiast, an award-winning long-distance runner, and an animal lover. She truly embodies the balance she advocates for, inspiring others to prioritise well-being in every aspect of their lives.
Learn more about Mandy Pao and ATLAS Chiropractic.
5. Linda Morrison, Founder and Creative Director of MiliMilu Lifestyle
One of the pioneers of sustainable fashion for the whole family, Linda Morrison is the mastermind behind MiliMilu Lifestyle. Her curated collections are trendy, ethical, and eco-conscious, proving style and sustainability can truly go hand in hand. We love how she’s been able to bring together a community of conscious consumers and promote a greener lifestyle to younger generations. Her dedication to educating and empowering her community shows how small changes can lead to a big impact!
Learn more about Linda Morrison and MiliMilu Lifestyle.
6. Joya, singer-songwriter and technologist
A multi-lingual independent artist, Joya is a Google Women Tech-maker Ambassador by day and a singer-songwriter by night. Recognised as both a Spotify Radar and Spotify Equal HK star, her music pushes boundaries by blending fresh sounds with lyrics rooted in relatable themes. She writes about heartbreaks while bellowing her journey of healing and finding hope. “It’s always better to write from the heart,” she says. “The audience knows the difference when you’re sharing something personal, something authentic.”
2025 International Women’s Day is a special day for Joya, as she’s releasing her sophomore EP, Afterglow (which we’re already playing on repeat!). Featuring producers like Cody Fitzgerald and Lushroom, Afterglow intimately explores the temporary and permanent imprints people leave on us while reflecting on moments that linger, the good with the bad. We’re looking forward to her next listening party and her upcoming European debut!
Keep up to date with Joya on Instagram.
7. Victoria Allan, Founder of Habitat Property
An innovator in luxury property development, Victoria Allan has a shining track record of transforming complex sites into outstanding developments across Hong Kong, Australia, and Spain. Her intrinsic understanding of the industry, combined with strategic foresight, has led to the successful execution of numerous ambition initiatives. One of our favourite projects of hers is the revitalisation of Tung Fat Building in Kennedy Town. The historical tong lau sees the conservation of its legacy and beautiful facade with modern revamps, upgrading it from humble abode to luxury living.
Her upcoming Stanley House Project is also exciting to us. Owned and curated by Victoria, the remarkable waterfront development realises her long-held dream of creating a luxurious beachfront home in Hong Kong. Designed together with award-winning Australian architecture studio K.P.D.O., this will surely be an iconic mark Allan leaves in the city.
Learn more about Victoria Allan and Habitat Property.
8. Katy Chambers, Founder of Anaphe
We’ve loved Katy Chamber’s brainchild, Anaphe, since its conception in 2020. The sustainable label genuinely honours both the environment and the artisans who create its luxury silk womenswear. Adhering to Chamber’s vision of standing against fast fashion trends with impeccable quality and timeless designs, Anaphe’s pieces are thoughtfully made for every woman, incredibly comfortable to wear, and versatile for any occasion. What makes us love Katy more is her origin story; though her products could disguise her as an industry veteran, she actually made an unexpected bold shift into fashion from a previous life as an air traffic controller!
Her latest collection, “Reflections,” brings back popular past designs and prints highly requested by customers, whom Katy has dubbed her “ana’fam.” New essentials, including a bias-cut pocketless shirt, along with comeback favourites, will debut at its Singapore boutique at the end of this month.
Learn more about Katy Chambers and Anaphe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese celebrate Women's Day?
Yes, Chinese people celebrate Women’s Day on 8 March. Seen as a day to recognise and appreciate women’s contributions in society, it's widely observed with gifts, flowers, and events honouring women’s achievements.
When and why is International Women's Day celebrated?
International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March annually. It honours women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, while advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. It originated from labour movements in the early 20th century and is now a global day of recognition and action.
Why is Women's Day on 8 March?
International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March to commemorate the 1908 women’s strike in New York, where women protested for better working conditions and voting rights. The date was officially recognised in 1910 during the International Socialist Women’s Conference and has since become a global day for women’s rights and equality.
What is the theme for International Women's Day 2025?
The IWD theme for International Women's Day 2025 is "Accelerate Action", while the United Nations theme is "March Forward: For ALL women and girls." Both themes emphasise the importance of women's rights and empowerment, and call for increased efforts to achieve gender equality.
Why is purple the colour of International Women's Day?
Purple is the colour of International Women’s Day because it symbolises justice, dignity, and loyalty – values central to the fight for gender equality. Historically, purple, along with green and white, was used by the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK in the early 1900s, making it a lasting symbol of women’s rights.
