Who are the women that have inspired you? Here are some stories from entrepreneurs in Hong Kong that hit close to home.
Whether it’s picking up a new skill, moving to a new country, or starting your own business, many of us may need a little nudge (or a big one!) from a special someone to help move us forward. And often, the women who have the biggest impact on our lives are the ones closest to our hearts. We asked entrepreneurs in Hong Kong about their personal heroines – women who’ve inspired them – and these are the heartwarming stories they shared.
Who are the heroines in your life?
Cristina Jaeger, Founder of herFinancialFreedom
Growing up, my mother instilled in me the importance of being financially independent. She left her job to raise our family, but she never stopped advocating for my education and career development. Her teachings have been a guiding force in my personal and professional life.
When I was going through a difficult breakup last year (after being in that relationship for 16 years), my mother’s constant reminders and encouragement were instrumental. Also, if I didn’t have the safety net of my financial independence, the decision to break up would’ve been even harder.
Therefore, I was inspired to start herFinancialFreedom. As a woman, I understand the unique challenges we face when it comes to achieving financial independence. That’s why I’m passionate about providing women with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
I want to honour my mother and all the amazing heroines who’ve shaped our world. I also want to invite all women to join me in taking steps towards achieving financial independence. Whether that means starting your own business, investing in your future, or pursuing higher education, I’m here to support you!
Nassim Secci, Founder of The Happy Space Company
I started my professional home organising business (The Happy Space Company) when I was pregnant with my second child. Although my husband was very encouraging, I felt pressure from myself and others to wait until my son was born to launch the business. Some well-meaning people were saying that I should “take it easy” or “enjoy the pregnancy” when I just wanted to jump in.
One day, I was listening to a podcast interview of Sarah Garner from Retykle, a successful Hong Kong business that I was a big fan of, and she mentioned that she started the business while pregnant with her second child. She described how she was even doing the pick-ups of second-hand children’s clothes herself, visibly pregnant, surprising many of her customers.
It was exactly what I needed to hear, and it inspired me to put aside the idea of not getting started. Today, The Happy Space Company is actually partnered with Retykle; we provide Retykle customers with mini organising sessions for their kids’ spaces.
Mandy Pao, purpose-driven brand coach, speaker, and strategist; Founder and Creative Director of EQ International
When we talk about the heroines around us, I can’t help but think of my mum and how much she’s inspired me. She’s the embodiment of kindness, hard work, and responsibility. She also taught me the importance of setting goals and pursuing them with dedication. Above all, she showed me how to be a good person – how to be kind, and how to take responsibility for my actions. Her unwavering support and love has been the backbone of my life.
My mum never pressured me to be successful in the traditional sense. Instead, she emphasised the importance of enjoying life, finding contentment, and cherishing every moment. She taught me that true wealth was based on happiness and not on material possession. Looking back, I’m grateful for all the lessons my mum’s taught me. She’s demonstrated that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Lenia Perez, Founder and Fashion Designer at Vipop
As a Venezuelan woman, Carolina Herrera is one of my biggest heroines. I’m always amazed by her style and elegance, as well as her ability to create stunning designs that are inspired by her roots. She has the power to reinvent herself and create a strong identity for her brand. Plus, she works hard to support the Latin American fashion culture. As the founder and fashion designer for Vipop, I try as much as I can to integrate my culture with our product curation, and help women feel confident and beautiful inside and out – just like Carolina.
Another woman that’s inspired my career is my mother, who’s always been a huge example of perseverance and hard work. Creative and artistic, she found her own company and was able to support her family while doing what she loved most. She also has the ability to adapt to difficult situations and overcome them with a positive attitude. I’ve vowed to continue her legacy and personal values with the work that I do. Being an entrepreneur myself, I’ve learnt from adversity and am continuing my passion in spite of the everyday challenges. My mother is one of the reasons why Vipop is where it is today.
