We chat to some of Hong Kong’s most successful female founders about their road to success and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
One of the things that we love most about Hong Kong is the thriving community of women in business we have here. Our city plays host to a diverse array of female-founded brands, covering every industry and niche you can think of. While these incredible women make entrepreneurship look easy, we know that’s very far from the truth, especially when taking into account the added burden of gender stereotypes and discrimination that comes with being a female founder.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re chatting to some of Hong Kong’s most successful female entrepreneurs to learn more about their road to success and the challenges they’ve encountered along the way, including their personal experiences with breaking the bias. Keep scrolling for more…
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Queenie Fan, Co-Founder Of Cafuné
Spotted on the arms of celebrities like Lady Gaga, local brand Cafuné is making waves in the fashion world. At its helm is lifelong friends Queenie Fan and Day Lau, who are committed to creating timeless and sustainable pieces for independent woman. Here, Queenie tells us about her proudest personal achievement, along with the challenges that come with being a young woman in business.
What is your proudest personal achievement?
I think it would be finding my true self and establishing my self-identity as an independent woman. Growing up, I was always a bit quiet and timid. There were creative ideas and thoughts in my head, but I didn’t know how to express them. Studying and working in the US transformed me completely and moulded me into who I am today – confident, supportive and passionate. Looking back, I guess I had a strong will to find my voice since I was little, and I am proud of sticking to that determination.
What has been your greatest career milestone so far?
Having our first iconic bag Mini Basket Bucket worn by Lady Gaga was a pretty special moment for me.
What has been your experience with gender bias?
When you start your own business at a young age, people are not always willing to take you seriously – especially in the leather industry, which is typically more traditional and male-driven. It took us time and hard work to prove Cafuné’s potential and vision, and we are very grateful for all our partners who believed in us from the beginning.
How do you see the position of women in Hong Kong?
I think Hong Kong has come a long way in terms of gender equality, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement, especially in terms of representation and leadership opportunities in the private and public sectors. We also need to urgently ramp up support for working mums so they can still comfortably pursue their passion whilst balancing parenthood.
(Source: https://www.sassyhongkong.com/hong-kong-female-entrepreneurs-iwd-influencers/)
