Everyday is International Women’s Day when these Hong Kong women are out there slayin’! Read on and you might just find yourself a new girl crush. ;)
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 young female talents like Anisha Thai; creatives like Sophia Hotung; and incredible entrepreneurs in our Launchpad community like Jiwon Maxted Yoon – 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 2023, we’re listing more Hong Kong women who, we think, should get on your radar. #EmbraceEquity
Wanna express appreciation to your favourite women this International Women’s Day? Gift them a prize from our IWD giveaway on Instagram!
International Women’s Day 2023: Inspirational Hong Kong women
1. Sonia Samtani, clinical hypnotherapist at All About You
When’s the last time you thought about your personal and mental wellness? Sonia Samtani at All About You is working to make wellness climb your list of priorities. Having supported the Hong Kong community for almost two decades, Sonia is a seasoned mental health expert and has been working hard to promote conscious living, so that people can lead their lives with more peace and self-acceptance. You can find hypnotherapists and wellness practitioners – the likes of Sonia – at All About You, one of the top English-speaking wellness centres in Hong Kong. While the Centre isn’t a place seeking to “fix” you, it’s a place where you can learn to live mindfully through attending its personal development workshops, private sessions, and certified practitioner training programmes. Hear it from Sonia: therapy and wellness isn’t a fix-it pill – it’s a process of self-reflection, healing, and growth, as well as a commitment to a new lifestyle!
Find out more about Sonia Samtani and All About You.
2. Dr Ardyce Yik, doctor at Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI)
Not all doctors are created equal! Canadian-licensed naturopathic physician, Dr Ardyce Yik, has over 15 years of experience in treating women’s health conditions and complex health problems. In addition to her medical expertise, we’re fans of Dr Ardyce’s detailed and patient-centric approach to healthcare. By taking the time to listen, investigate all factors that impact wellbeing, and address the underlying causes of illnesses, she’s able to restore her patients’ health through holistic, individualised care. What’s more, Dr Ardyce is an author, blogger, and a working mum of three – talk about a wearer of many hats!
Find out more about Dr Ardyce Yik.
3. Jocelyn Tsao, family lawyer at Withers
Handling divorces and family disputes is definitely not an easy task, so kudos to Jocelyn Tsao for managing them like a boss! A family lawyer with 15 years of experience, Jocelyn is an inspirational woman in Hong Kong for advocating a more peaceful approach to resolving legal disputes. We like how Jocelyn prioritises both financial and emotional interests of her clients, by thinking out of the box and offering options outside of litigation to avoid costly and drawn-out legal battles. She also approaches all cases relating to custody and care arrangements of kids with a genuine intention to protect the children’s best interests. Who says lawyers need to be aggressive pitbulls?
Find out more about Jocelyn Tsao.
4. Flora Chan, holistic healer and wellness entrepreneur at Flo Jewellery
Empowering people to find their inner peace and infinite potential, Flora Chan has made it her business (literally) to help everyone on their wellness journey. A veteran wellness warrior in Hong Kong, Flora has introduced The Flo Wellness Garden, specialising in sustainable products, holistic healing services, and unique jewellery designs inspired by meaningful symbols. A sanctuary in the vibrant city, The Flo Wellness Garden also offers mindfulness workshops to create a community, so that you can start cultivating the seeds of hope and joy in your mind and body today.
Find out more about Flora Chan and Flo Jewellery.
5. Joyce Au-Yeung, entrepreneur and global corporate health and wellness leader
We think the most inspiring women in Hong Kong are those that inspire others to seek their own happiness – and this is exactly what Joyce Au-Yeung aims to do. Having amassed an incredible range of expertise as a corporate executive, lawyer, actuary, functional health coach, and certified pilates and yoga instructor, Joyce brings all her skills to her entrepreneurial venture, Happiness Factory. With retreats, workshops, and holistic wellness programmes, the platform guides participants along their path of physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, Joyce works towards making “wellness” affordable and accessible for all by building a community of specialists in holistic practices and connecting them to those in need.
Find out more about Joyce Au-Yeung and Happiness Factory.
6. Coco Alexandra Chan, holistic consultant
It’s always inspiring to see people channel their greatest hardships into their biggest strengths. Coco Alexandra Chan has done just that, and seeks to help others do the same. A former PR professional, Coco spent a lot of time running from her emotional baggage. After being told she had chronic anxiety, she transformed her life with aromatherapy and soul-work. Coco has now aligned her spiritual, physical, and mental well-being and aims to be a guide to others’ path to soul alignment. It certainly wasn’t an easy journey to get to where she is now, which is why we consider her an inspirational woman in Hong Kong.
Find out more about Coco Alexandra Chan.
7. Trixie Velez, founder of Defin8 Fitness
Let’s get physical! Trixie Velez knows that exercise benefits people not just physically, but mentally as well. She founded Defin8 Fitness with the goal of teaching people to be in tune with their bodies and use them with purpose. A true self-made woman, Trixie built Defin8 Fitness from the ground up by tackling everything from administration to cleaning. The creator of numerous fitness programmes with a breadth of knowledge spanning dance, pilates, cardio, and strength training, Trixie has become an award-winning, world-class fitness trainer. Her hard work has certainly paid off, as her business is now thriving with multiple trainers in her space and a loyal following amongst the Hong Kong fitness community, making her one of our Wonder Women of International Women’s Day 2023.
Find out more about Trixie Velez and Defin8 Fitness.
8. Anushka Purohit, CEO and co-founder of Breer
You can make a difference, one beer at a time – thanks to Anushka Purohit and Breer. While studying at HKU, Anushka wondered if some of the wasted surplus bread in Hong Kong could be used to make beer. With tonnes of leftover bread going to waste everyday, Breer was conceived to combat food waste through upcycling, and has become the very pioneer. Anushka’s passion for environmental sustainability has come a long way; after graduating in 2022, the sky’s the limit for her future!
Find out more about Anushka Purohit and Breer.
9. Tricia Yap, founder of Limitless
With a philosophy of a holistic and balanced approach to life, Tricia Yap believes in empowerment and helping individuals achieve optimal health on a cellular level. In doing so, she founded Limitless, a concept that combines personal training with integrative nutrition and functional medicine. As one of the most accomplished health and fitness experts in Hong Kong, Tricia has qualifications in strength coaching, nutrition, and functional medicine health coaching. Rejecting the focus fitness has on “transformations”, Tricia and Limitless focus on each individual’s full physiology, biochemistry, and lifestyle. On International Women’s Day 2023 and beyond, Tricia is here to help you focus on every aspect of your body and lifestyle, and in doing so, become a better you.
Find out more about Tricia Yap and Limitless.
10. Linda Morrison, founder of MiliMilu
Getting the whole family involved with sustainability was a driving force for Linda Morrison in creating MiliMilu. In fact, Linda’s own children were the ones that led her to building her own sustainable and ethically conscious brand. With a family that has sensitive skin, Linda sought to fill a niche in Hong Kong for clothing made of organic, recycled fibres. Sustainable fashion for the whole family is the goal for Linda, and with determination and firm values, MiliMilu has made her passions a reality, making her one of the inspirational women we highlight for International Women’s Day 2023.
Read about Linda Morrison’s journey as an entrepreneur in Hong Kong.
Find out more about Linda Morrison and MiliMilu.
11. Audra Gordon, founder of Beam Bold
We all need a little more colour in our lives! Audra Gordon is ready to provide electric, brightly coloured clothes from Beam Bold. Growing up on the islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Audra’s love for vibrant fabrics began at an early age. After becoming an expat in Hong Kong, Audra struggled with finding appropriate sizing for clothes. Caring about the environment, all pieces at Beam Bold are made to last with 100% natural fibres and extra seam allowance for changing bodies. Audra’s passions for colour, travel, the planet, and individuality all contribute to her successes and colourful future.
Find out more about Audra Gordon and Beam Bold.
12. Claudia Chanhoi, artist
Humorous, controversial, but also kind of cute – such is the art by Claudia Chanhoi. Inspired by her own experience in the modern dating scene as a heterosexual woman, Claudia explores the topics of gender and sexuality using art. While this gets her into trouble with Instagram’s community guidelines, she continues to push the boundaries and isn’t afraid to speak up – and we love her for it! This is why Claudia isn’t just one of our favourite NFT artists, but also a Hong Kong woman we love to highlight on International Women’s Day 2023.
Find out more about Claudia Chanhoi.
13. Yip Wing-sie, Music Director Emeritus of Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Whether it’s the hilarious ladies from Bitches in Stitches, or an elegant opera singer like Vivian Yau owning the floor, we just love it when women take over the stage. And nothing beats witnessing the charisma of Yip Wing-sie on the podium. Renowned as one of the most influential figures in the classical music scene in Asia, this Hong Kong conductor has won numerous global awards and led various orchestras over the past several decades. She is a pioneer in terms of bringing classical music to the masses (we adore her series of McDull concerts and recordings!) and she has always shown a lot of dedication to music education and the performing arts. Plus, the fact that Wing-sie won a battle against breast cancer back in 2016 just makes us admire her even more.
Find out more about Yip Wing-sie.
14. Sarah Garner, founder of Retykle
So many clothes, so little space – and way too much waste! Luckily, Sarah Garner and Retykle have come to our rescue. Retykle is a sustainable fashion concept that allows parents to recycle their children’s clothes by selling, donating, or swapping them with other kids’ apparel on the platform. This all started in 2016 when Sarah left the corporate luxury fashion industry and started her own business, fuelled by her passion to make a positive impact on the environment and community. Thank you, Sarah, for contributing to the planet (while also making second-hand shopping for kids that much easier)!
Curious about her secrets to success? Read our full interview with Sarah Garner.
Connect with Sarah Garner on LinkedIn and find out more about Retykle.
15. Sonalie Figueiras, founder of the Green Queen
If you’re looking for health food stores in Hong Kong, the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Central, or pretty much anything about food tech and the environment, Green Queen is the place for you. Yep, even we are giving them a pass! Founded by eco-activist Sonalie Figueiras in 2011, Green Queen has been numerously awarded for its social and environmental impact on Hong Kong and beyond. Shout out to Sonalie and her team’s commitment to advocating for greener, safer, and healthier choices for the public and for the planet.
Want to find out more about her journey? Read our full interview with Sonalie Figueiras.
Connect with Sonalie Figueiras on LinkedIn and explore Green Queen.
17. Nicole Denholder, founder and CEO of Next Chapter
#WomenSupportingWomen is what Next Chapter is all about. Based in Hong Kong, this rewards-based crowdfunding platform is open to female entrepreneurs across Asia. It was set up by Nicole Denholder, an Australian who lives in Hong Kong. After settling in Hong Kong and eventually leaving her job in finance and consulting, Nicole came up with Next Chapter. On International Women’s Day 2023, we’d like to shout out to her passion for female entrepreneurship and empowerment, as well as her determination to change the way funding systems work for women.
Connect with Nicole Denholder on LinkedIn and find out more about Next Chapter.
18. Inès Gafsi, co-founder of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide; country chair of Inspiring Girls Hong Kong
Last but not least is Inès Gafsi, best known for being the co-founder of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide (FEW) alongside Anna Wong. This platform has over 20,000 members throughout Asia, offering them a wide range of opportunities to learn, network, and market their own businesses. With a highly engaged community of strong-minded businesswomen, FEW has been uniting and empowering women in Hong Kong and beyond. In addition to her work at FEW, Inès is also the chairperson for Inspiring Girls Hong Kong, a charity that strives to raise the aspirations of girls (aged 10-18) and provide them with an encouraging environment in Hong Kong. The team organises programmes, talks, and other educational events to connect the children with female role models. When it comes to inspirational women in Hong Kong we’re paying tribute to on International Women’s Day 2023, Inès is definitely one of our top picks.
