We all know the Buddha to be a symbol of cultivating inner peace and faith, but why do we celebrate his birthday?
What are some traditions of the Buddha’s birthday?
Celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month in the lunar calendar, the main tradition is to visit the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island, which houses the big bronze statue of the Buddha. As Buddhism spread from India many years ago, many people believe in the Buddhist traditions. The holiday is meant to celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. The holiday is common in different countries across Asia such as Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. Traditions vary based on country and each country has its own spin on the holiday, but common traditions include bringing flowers, candles, lanterns to the monastery and spreading kindness and doing good deeds.
Where can one go on Buddha’s birthday to celebrate?
Celebrations vary based on the country, but most people celebrate at traditional Buddhist temples. There, people light incense and bring food offerings to the monks. Lanterns and candles symbolize the Buddha’s enlightenment. It is considered a public holiday in Hong Kong, but not necessarily in other countries such as the United States and Japan.
Where in Hong Kong can you go to celebrate?
In Hong Kong, Buddhist temples and monasteries bustle with activity. Walk by any one in particular and you’ll see lanterns lit to symbolize the enlightenment of the Buddha and decorated altars with offerings and incense. Some major events in Hong Kong take place at the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island, where the Tian TIan Big Buddha sits. This is where the most well known Buddha Bathing Ceremony takes place, a ritual where people pour water over a statue of the Buddha to show respect for his teachings. The Chi Lin Nunnery, in the Diamond Hill District, and the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery also host the same Buddha Bathing Ceremonies and Celebrations. Other ways to celebrate include eating vegetarian, and some of these venues even serve complimentary vegetarian cuisine on a first come first served basis.
By: Vivian Fong
Vivian is currently a university student in her last year studying holistic health and wellness. Besides her passions in yoga, nutrition and all things health and wellness related, she loves social media, blogging and writing because of the creativity, inspiration and connection it brings.
]]>Just because there are tighter restrictions, it doesn’t mean that Valentine’s Day is cancelled… it just looks a little different this year! Struggling to make last minute plans and reservations? The answer is actually right under your roof. We’ve got a few ideas that are not only COVID-friendly, but won’t even require you to leave the home!
]]>Have a picnic in the comfort of your own living room floor - kick off the shoes, bring out the picnic blanket, unpack your basket full of favourite snacks and booze, and play some tunes. Oops! Forgot your fork? No worries, you’re just 10 steps away! Talk about convenience, and an uninterrupted good time.
Roll up your sleeves and tie back long hair. Twist the dial and turn up the heat (or preheat the oven) in the kitchen with a cook-off or bake-off! If you’re making a veggie dish though… be sure to stop by the local wet market ASAP while they’re still there! Extra points for the prettiest presentation (girls, you know what to do). And hey, if you aren't too familiar with your kitchen, Black Sheep Restaurants have pre-packaged date nights for two, if you're so inclined.
Why wait until Easter to go on a scavenger hunt when you can scavenge for chocolates this Valentine’s Day? Besides, (Conspiracy) Chocolate and Valentine’s Day go better together anyways, am I right? So hide your heart-shaped sweets, and cute message or memento treats around the house for your Valentines, or galentines’, to find!
Grab some supplies from CN Square and Kwong Yick Art & Design Materials, and you can literally “draw me like one of your french girls”. Or for the less adventurous, you can challenge each other to draw unusual things (think pictionary with a twist), or paint and pass the canvas to your partner every 15 minutes to continue the piece. All while sipping on some lovely grape juice.
Why pay hundreds and thousands of dollars for a spa day, when your partner can give you one for free? Here’s what you do: grab some face rollers from the jade market, brew some tea from Sum Tea, turn off the lights and burn Night Light from WOODCO for a dreamy and mystical sensation, and relax.
Whether you actually want to learn more about wine or beer, or just want to get completely hammered, a virtual wine (for you classy people) or beer (for the lads) tasting can help achieve either (or both). Why not sample some local brews from Young Master, Black Kite, Craftissimo… (I can sense the smiles and nodding heads from the lads already). Best part is you can just pass out on the couch!
Coming to cinemas VERY near you: best seats in the house, no other people loudly talking during the movie, AND all the snacks you want! Step up your experience by getting into some comfy pjs (or if you want to be extra cute, pick up comfy matching tops from 852prints); set up a blanket fort with pillows, and hang up fairy lights for the magical Disney fairytale ending we all hope and dream for!
By: Constance Lowcock
Being born and raised in Hong Kong, Constance wishes to rediscover her home in a different light; by being immersed in the local happenings, exploring and experiencing new things and places, and expressing them through creative channels such as in her writing and art.
]]>Do you hear the dong dong chiang of the beating drums and clanging symbols? The biggest festivity and celebration in Hong Kong - Chinese New Year, is right around the corner, and it’s the roaring year of the tiger! Read on to find out more about all things Chinese New Year!
]]>Do you hear the dong dong chiang of the beating drums and clanging symbols? The biggest festivity and celebration in Hong Kong - Chinese New Year, is right around the corner, and it’s the roaring year of the tiger! Read on to find out more about all things Chinese New Year!
A festival marking spring, cleansing, and the start to the new year; Chinese New Year is our version of an old school fable that was passed down many generations, to give us the celebrations we have today.
In ancient times, there was a monster that hid in darkness, named Nian, that came out to eat livestock and people every new year. So before New Year’s Eve, the villagers would escape to the mountains to avoid Nian. But during one New Year’s Eve evening, a wise old man decided to confront Nian, because he learnt that the monster was afraid of loud noises, the colour red, and the smell of candles. And he was correct. The crackling of firecrackers, and brightness of the red lanterns and papers frightened Nian, and he fled into the night.
To make sure Nian never returned, the villagers began the tradition of lighting candles and firecrackers, and putting up big red lanterns and decorations every year to scare away Nian. And now, we keep the tradition alive as a sign of good fortune, and clearing out the old to make way for the new (year)!
That being said, the Chinese Lunar calendar doesn’t follow our mainstream calendar… so the new year doesn’t start until 21-51 days after January 1st (between January 21 and February 20, if you’re really counting).
If you needed an excuse to see your family, this would be it. The reunion dinner welcomes extended family and friends to sit for a feast.
EAT. What better way to celebrate festivities, than with food?
Running with the theme of good fortune, luck and wealth - the foods eaten during Chinese New Year could not be any closer to symbolise that! Before the feast, you will be greeted with an assortment of candy treats to symbolise a sweet and rich life. Then to the feast. Some popular dishes on the table include fish (symbolising longevity. And here’s to confuse the gweilos: “yu”, which means fish, also sounds like the Chinese word for abundance), dumplings (symbolising wealth), tangerines (good fortune and wealth - because it’s plump and gold 🤷🏽♀️), longevity noodles (it’s in the name), turnip cake (fun fact: “radish” in Hokkien is also a homonym for luck or fortune), and last but not least… nian gao (glutinous rice cake; considered to bring good luck and increase prosperity).
Receive or give (if you’re unluckily married or an older family member) red packets! The infamous red lai see packet - to be received with BOTH hands, and only rewarded if you recite as many Chinese New Year wishes to the red packet holder. But in all seriousness, did you know that the significance of the red packet is actually the red packet itself… NOT the money! To wrap the money in the red packet symbolises sealing happiness and blessings to the recipient of the red packet.
Other things to do include cleaning the house (of any bad juju), visiting family members, decorating the house in all things red, lighting up firecrackers, and watching the fireworks.
CELEBRATE! Expect it to be a loud and vibrant Chinese New Year!
By: Vivian Fong & Constance Lowcock
Being born and raised in Hong Kong, Constance wishes to rediscover her home in a different light; by being immersed in the local happenings, exploring and experiencing new things and places, and expressing them through creative channels such as in her writing and art.
Vivian is currently a university student in her last year studying holistic health and wellness. Besides her passions in yoga, nutrition and all things health and wellness related, she loves social media, blogging and writing because of the creativity, inspiration and connection it brings.
]]>
Having lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years, even I can say that there is still so much of Hong Kong I have yet to visit, or eat! Food tour company Humid with a Chance of Fishballs will take you through the hidden streets and alleys of Hong Kong to discover unique treats that your taste buds never even knew existed. Don’t be fooled, this tour is NOT just for the tourists, but for us locals to find new delicacies, and make new experiences!
Whether it’s hiking, camping, diving, surfing, beaching, or going to the gym, Rupert & Bird have created a range of eco-conscious, quick-dry towels made from recycled plastic bottles (22 to be exact, that were hauled from the ocean or landfill) that you can bring with you anywhere. Not only do these towels make a difference in your backpack with its lightweight, compact functionality, this gift makes a difference by reducing the amount of garbage in our oceans! A double win for the nature lovers out there!
While we say Hong Kong is a concrete jungle, we forget that it is a roller coaster of hiking trails too. Calling all hikers! HK Trail Map serves up a fun and beautiful way to keep track of those hikes you’ve conquered and the ones left on your to-do list! And of course a fan favourite gift, the enamel pins to tell the world which big feat you have accomplished!
A book that celebrates the stories and experiences of Hong Kong’s traditional tradesmen and women from fortune telling to face threading: Sunset Survivors captures stunning images, and interviews of the hidden faces behind the blood, sweat and tears of Hong Kong, to preserve the memories, and honour the foundation to Hong Kong’s cultural identity. It is more than just an addition to the coffee-table, but a tribute to the city’s growth and transformation.
From doing portraits of tourists at Star Ferry 10 years ago to being commissioned by the likes of Aerie, Tiffany & Co, and Apple – Kitty Wong has done it all. Her nostalgia-driven illustrations of Hong Kong constantly unlock memories we forgot we had – and who doesn’t love that!
Bad hair day or accessory, you can rep an 852prints hat looking swag, and not looking like a total tourist. Embroidered locally, we aim to support local businesses because if we’re completely honest… it’s too ma fan to get it done anywhere else! With designs all Hongkongers will recognise (and love), it is the perfect gift to wear out for any outside occasion.
By Constance Lowcock
Being born and raised in Hong Kong, Constance wishes to rediscover her home in a different light; by being immersed in the local happenings, exploring and experiencing new things and places, and expressing them through creative channels such as in her writing and art.
]]>Shopping for her can be the easiest (it’s the sentiment, really), and hardest thing (they have everything?!) on anyone’s Christmas list. But don’t worry, there are gifts that every lady in your life will love. So read on to find out what the women of 852prints have to say about your wishlist for her this Christmas!
]]>Woodco’s mother-daughter duo have mastered all things olfaction to bring us smells of Christmas, nostalgia, home, beach, sweetness, and all things nice in small pots of coconut wax candles. Handmade with organic ingredients, their candles are non-toxic, and can be refilled! Not to mention that their fall collection was designed by 852print’s founder, Krystal Tolani! This gift is heaven scent!
I’m no expert in flowers, but it’s safe to say that most of us enjoy receiving them, and enjoy admiring each petal’s unique appearance and colour. At Jack’s Flowers, the flower power is real! Not only are their flowers rare to Hong Kong, they can create unique bouquets to your budget, purpose, and preference of flowers and colours! So what are you waiting for, bud?
While the saying goes “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, what we REALLY mean, is jewellery in general, is a girl’s best friend. At Teal and Stone, their jewellery is contemporary, timeless, statement, classic, and affordable! From necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings - there will definitely be something that fits perfectly for her!
Do the women in your life dress like they’re always ready to hit the gym, go to yoga or head out for a trek? Siva Active reinvents activewear to bring fashion into function, and comfort into a consciously designed wardrobe fit to blend into everyday, essential wear. Combining performance fabrics into their athletic wear designs, not only will she be looking great, she will be feeling great too!
A must-have in any girl’s wardrobe is a piece of silkware. Silk keeps you cool in summer, and warm in winter, and looking fabulous all year round! As the winter draws near, Anaphe has you covered - made to be worn all day (and night), every day, they are made using sustainable fabrics and made to be worn for any occasion! A gift smooth as silk (literally).
852prints
Our tees add an 852 spin to closet basics that make her feel at Home Kong. Embroidered on soft, ring-spun cotton, they come in tapered and straight-fit styles that fashion an everyday look, while authentically repping Hong Kong! It’s the perfect “tell me you’re a Hongkonger, without telling me you’re a Hongkonger” gift.
By Constance Lowcock
Being born and raised in Hong Kong, Constance wishes to rediscover her home in a different light; by being immersed in the local happenings, exploring and experiencing new things and places, and expressing them through creative channels such as in her writing and art.
]]>Can you imagine all the lost sleep our parents can never get back raising little critters like us? At Beyond Sleep, sleep is sustainable, responsible and of course, comfortable! Their beddings and pillows are made with horsehair, cloud-like layers that diffuse pressure and regulate temperature, and breathable material to change the way you sleep! All the lost sleep won’t mattress anymore once you gift them back their beauty sleep from Beyond Sleep!
A handfelt, heartfelt gift for parents - but instead of the arts and crafts we once made as kids that didn’t quite look like anything except a mess, but our parents kept anyways because we made it, this gift is handmade with TLC, and made to be used! If you’re less into making ceramics yourself, no worries! Resident broke potter Dan Wu will sort you out!
“One person’s trash is another one’s treasure”. By reviving, reusing and recreating old items into repurposed, usable products, Michal aims to bring back meaning to items lost in storage, or abandoned by adding value to it, and encourages eco-friendly and unique products to be created!
A small gift can go the extra mile - especially when Sqwishful turns everyday, ordinary kitchen and home essentials into plastic-free, zero waste products that are better for you, and the earth. From sponges to dish brushes, these stocking stuffers make for a great gift to save the kitchen, and save the world!
Treat your parents to the perfect wine and dine experience with Savour Cinema! Paired with classic films and mouth-watering foods, you can book a private experience for your parents to have their perfect Christmas date night!
For parents to be, Milk it Baby is your one stop shop for non-toxic, eco-friendly, and beautifully designed bibs, bowls, and mats. We love that it's a family run business with roots in Hong Kong (how cute is that playmat!)
If a simple thank you is enough, why not put that thank you into writing with greeting cards from 852prints? With Christmas 852-themed cards ranging from nostalgic to cheeky, these cards are a great choy to the world, and a great gift for the parents out there whose love language is words of affirmation (and love a good pun!)
By Constance Lowcock
Being born and raised in Hong Kong, Constance wishes to rediscover her home in a different light; by being immersed in the local happenings, exploring and experiencing new things and places, and expressing them through creative channels such as in her writing and art.
]]>Trying to find inspiration for Christmas gifts this year? Look no further. We compiled a list of gifts for the men in your life.
]]>It’s not just you – gift shopping for men is notoriously difficult. Between “don’t spend your hard earned money!” from well-meaning dads and uncles, to “I don’t know, I don’t need anything” from significant others and guy friends, I often find myself resorting to exceedingly practical gifts, instead of spoiling the wonderful men in my life with something special.
Instead of giving your dad funky socks for the third year in a row because he mentioned his fondness for them once, in passing (oops) or giving your significant other an electric toothbrush (oops, again), here are some gifts that are sure to impress!
The ultimate drinking game for the Hong Kong kids - Ride The Minibus is the perfect gift for the drinkers out there who just need an “excuse” to take a sip, or down your drink. With 8 categories of 150 cards, you’ll be playing this game into the new year!
A gift for gin lovers, or just for the sh*ts and giggles because how can you not laugh every time you read their name out loud? Taken from the mutual tea-drinking culture between the Brits and Chinese, Jasmine green tea is the gift in their gin. Though distilled in the UK, the brand sources their ingredients from the steps of Sheung Wan, adding a flavour of culture steeped into their award-winning, FOK HING GIN.
What better way to appreciate Hong Kong’s beauty than by getting him a pair of Haishangs that he can wear in the Haishang (海上)? At Haishang, they want to raise awareness on plastic waste and the impact it has on our seas. So what they did was went and made their swim shorts from recycled plastic bottles?! This gift not only saves the environment, literally, it saves you from all the pier-pressure of what to get him!
What do you get when you cross a funky illustrator and a shop? NOSH Creates! This one-stop-shop has you covered in the tees, hoodies, caps, prints for home, and phone cases department - so take your pick!
Behind every superman is a crisp, perfectly tailored shirt. Made by the best tailors with the best fabrics, Milk Shirts elevate garments from casual to formal, dressed to impress, and ready for any occasion! He will sew be your kryptonite!
By: Vivian Fong & Constance Lowcock
Being born and raised in Hong Kong, Constance wishes to rediscover her home in a different light; by being immersed in the local happenings, exploring and experiencing new things and places, and expressing them through creative channels such as in her writing and art.
Vivian is currently a university student in her last year studying holistic health and wellness. Besides her passions in yoga, nutrition and all things health and wellness related, she loves social media, blogging and writing because of the creativity, inspiration and connection it brings.
]]>While we enjoy our once again allotted mid-week day off, it is important to remember the why behind it! With the many public holidays in Hong Kong, some may wonder what they mean, symbolize and how it is celebrated.
]]>Besides a day off from work, Hong Kong’s holidays have fascinating histories behind them and people who celebrate go all out. The holiday coming up is the Double Ninth (Chung Yeung) Festival.
Chrysanthemums are a symbol of the holiday as this time of the year marks the blooming of the chrysanthemum flower.
Where is it celebrated? When is it?
Commonly celebrated in Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam, The Double Ninth Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar.
What is it?
It is a memorial festival where families visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respect. However, it is not to be confused with the Ching Ming Festival, which is also a day to honor ancestors but occurs earlier in the year.
Why Ancestors?
Honoring ancestors is an important practice and tradition in Hong Kong and Chinese culture as ancestors are believed to have a connection to a higher power. By honoring them, it is shown to bring luck and fortune into the family. Having two holidays a year dedicated to ancestors shows just how important the tradition is in Chinese culture.
What do people do?
During the Double Ninth Festival, it is also common for friends and families to go hiking together, as climbing mountains symbolize climbing to a higher position in life and living longer. The cooler weather in Hong Kong around this time of year also marks the beginning of the hiking season, so hiking trails are sure to be crowded.
What about food?
As for food traditions, Chrysanthemum wine and tea are both common drinks as the festival takes place when the flowers are just about to bloom, as pictured above. Additionally, tea, in general, is a common beverage while families gather with one another. With Hong Kong’s prominent tea culture, the ever-so-popular “Hong Kong-style Milk Tea” which has also gained popularity worldwide, is common to see in gatherings.
Whether you take this as a day to self-care and recharge or spend time with family and friends, how you choose to spend the day is up to you. With such a cultural history and tradition behind the holiday, hopefully, this gave you more insight into what the holiday really means and how it is celebrated!
By Vivian Fong
Vivian is currently a university student in her last year studying holistic health and wellness. Besides her passions in yoga, nutrition and all things health and wellness related, she loves social media, blogging and writing because of the creativity, inspiration and connection it brings.
]]>As we enter the hectic holiday season with events and gatherings start to pick up, it is even more important to take time for ourselves and tune into our needs. After all, we show up better for the people around us when we’re recharged and rested!
]]>With that being said, listed below are six local Hong Kong small businesses that are sure to cover your self-care needs, ranging from candles and chocolate to crafts and candy. Whether just for you, a family member, or a friend, they are sure to have you covered.
PS. These also make excellent gifts for loved ones in quarantine!
Focusing on slowing down with the craft of sewing, the eco-friendly, conscious-consumption business sells beautiful DIY sewing kits containing all the materials needed to make a beautiful handmade product. From hoops to tote bags that you can make individually, they also offer private events or workshops. Visit their website here.
Photo taken from Instagram
A self-care guide wouldn’t be complete without tea! Sum Tea strives to include diversity, creating sumthing for everyone. Their mission is to create feel-good artisan tea that evokes joy and wonder. All their ingredients are natural, non-GMO, gluten-free and USDA certified organic. With beautiful, 100% paper-based packaging, they are extremely committed to sustainability. Shop their line here for everything from green tea to black tea.
We also had the privilege of working on Sum Tea's packaging for Amalfi Days and So Kyoto, seen above!
Photo taken from Instagram
A must have for any self-care session. Handcrafted in Hong Kong, Conspiracy Chocolate takes bean to bar through a careful, intricate craft.
They make their chocolate in high-quality small batches, bringing dedication and care into every single one of their creations. With no additives or nonsense ingredients, their chocolate bars are healthy, highly nutrient-dense, and a great source of plant protein. From the classic dark milk chocolate to extravagant flavours such as dark cardamom and raspberry timut, there is something for everyone’s sweet tooth. Shop their flavours here.
Photo taken from Instagram
With its minimalist eye for design, WOODCO is the place for handcrafted candles. They are a homegrown business adding their own spin on nostalgic scents. From “fresh sheets” to “safflower” the mother and daughter duo have created scents that will bring ease and calm into the home. They also offer candle refills through their program, “The Refillery”, where you can repurpose your empty candle jars by choosing any one of their aromatic scents. Shop their website here.
We also had the privilege of working with them on their latest fall collection. (We've told Natalie on multiple occasions that her candles could be sold as perfumes too – they're that good.)
Photo taken from Instagram
Need activewear for a self-care sweat session? Shop the GoodDays line! The Hong Kong based brand approaches sustainability through every angle, finding ways to repurpose waste. They pay close attention to fabric, manufacturing and packaging, making sure sustainability is optimized throughout the journey of creation.
The brand has a wide range of minimalist styles ranging in many different colors, from charcoal to peach. Tank top or legging, the choice is yours. With the ability to mix and match, these pieces are sure to enhance your workout performance whether it be yoga or HIIT. The brand also sells The “GuppyFriend” Microplastic Filter Washing bag to wash your workout clothes in. Washing synthetic fabric materials in this bag ensures that any loose fibers are gathered, preventing them from making their way into our water systems.
Photo taken from Instagram
A guilt-free gummy? With only 3.1g of sugar in the whole bag, no added sugars, and free from sugar alcohols, LeanSweets, a Hong Kong based company creates a new kind of candy. Just launched in September 2021, their two flavours, muscat grape and Kyoho grape have 90% less sugar than any other grape gummy on the market. Additionally, the gummy contains prebiotics, plant fibres that feed the good bacteria in the digestive tract that support their mission of educating the public about the importance of gut health. A perfect sweet treat for a day of self-care. Shop their flavours here.
Photo taken from Instagram
By Vivian Fong
Vivian is currently a university student in her last year studying holistic health and wellness. Besides her passions in yoga, nutrition and all things health and wellness related, she loves social media, blogging and writing because of the creativity, inspiration and connection it brings.
]]>Stumped on how to celebrate dad this year? Fret not – we’ve put together a list of unique, local gifts and experiences you can share with your pop this year.
]]>Give the gift of sleep this Father’s Day! Dreams are made of UltraHemp’s premier CBD sleep aid in a convenient capsule. Each softgel contains 25mg of their special blend of Superior Broad Spectrum CBD with added melatonin specifically designed to enhance your nights sleep.
With beaches and pools open and summer weather upon us, it's time to refresh dad's old wardrobe with a new pair of Haishang swim shorts. Made from recycled plastic (around 10 bottles per pair), these trunks come in Dim Sum, Carp Diem and Panda styles for both the classy and fun dads.
For the next set of gifts, these coasters are the perfect accompaniment. Tiny Island Map’s coaster is a genuine replica of the very plaque embedded in the manholes of Hollywood Road.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a case of beer. And after all, love is ale we need.
Young Master is the purveyor of some of the best beer in this city, and with HK’s notorious sweltering heat rearing it’s sweaty head, an ice cold one is all one can ask for.
Ho Lan Jeng (aka 65 peel) has come out with the perfect gift for dad’s who love trying out new beers. For their 5th anniversary, they have partnered with six local breweries for an Beer Box Set.
The box is only available at Ho Lan Jeng and it is a limited edition – so get yours while stocks last!
PMQ runs a ton of cool, creative workshops year round. Between their workshops, exhibitions, and pop ups, there is surely an experience you and your dad can bond over.
If you and your dad are fans of sake, the Sake Central tasting is a must go. Participants will get to taste all kinds of sake and learn about it’s history, too.
If you and your dad are the crafty type, there are some incredible workshops that you two can attend. Make and bring home a part of Hong Kong’s culture with a custom neon light sign with @neonlight.hk
If your dad is tricky to shop for, this watch workshop is perfect for you. You and your dad can customise and build your own watch at @watchmakehk
Mahjong has taken Hong Kong by storm! Like poker night but better. This Father’s Day, tick this one off dad’s Hong Kong bucket list item and really impress the locals!
Organise a private workshop for you and your family facilitated by performance psychologist Hiren Khemlani. Engage in fun activities and thoughtful discussions designed to increase intimacy and closeness. A chance for all dads out there to connect meaningfully with their kids and partner. The perfect bonding experience!
Is the way to your dad’s heart through his stomach? (because same)
Tell Dad you love him with these two eye-catching, colour-changing blue tea blends from Sum Tea. Hand blended with butterfly pea flowers, this tea is 100% natural and has no caffeine or sugar.
In need of spices, herbs, or teas? Look no further than Regency Spices. Their quality, price point, and delivery speed is unmatched.
Slowood has you covered for zero-waste & plastic-free groceries. We’re a big fan of their chocolate granola & selection of Kombucha. Don’t forget to bring your own containers, too!
Is your dad a foodie, but on a diet? If so, he'll love this 'Hong Kong Street Food' print from Hong Kong illustrator Kitty N. Wong. Signed prints in three easy to frame sizes. Made in Hong Kong!
Aptly named Bake Your Own, this workshop lets you bake your own cake. Book a baking session with your siblings and make your dad a cake baked with extra love. The baking sessions come in different levels, with instructions and ingredients provided.
If your dad loves chocolate, you gotta get him the Lisbon Chocolate Cake from @404_bakery for Father’s Day. They’ve got the best chocolate cake in town, it’s definitely worth a try!
Basque Burnt Cheescakes have become all the rage recently – and for good reason! They’re light, ‘not too sweet’ (aka the ultimate dessert compliment), and look utterly ‘grammable. @bbcakes also offers a gluten-free version, too!
Finally, what’s Father’s Day without a heartfelt, handwritten card? Pair your gift with a locally (and sustainably) printed greeting card with dad-humour sensibilities – we have a whole collection to choose from!
]]>Kristine Sage is a co-founder of KNOWSTATE, a digital platform dedicated to uplifting homegrown, underground talent in the city through writing and visual storytelling.
]]>Kristine Sage is a co-founder of KNOWSTATE, a digital platform dedicated to uplifting homegrown, underground talent in the city through writing and visual storytelling.
Sage and her business partner, Mart Samiento, have worked with up-and-coming artists like TXMIYAMA, Young Hysan, Dough-Boy, and Qoo.
We caught up with Sage to learn more about her entrepreneurship journey and some of the ways we can support the local artist scene.
We built Knowstate based on our passion for storytelling. Before this, we’d both separately been in the business of making stories ‘marketable’, often times sacrificing a lot of the substance for mass appeal, and we wanted to create a platform that is dedicated to telling stories ‘the way they deserve to be told’. No bullsh*t, no filters, no fluff. It’s very rebellious, but that is the nature of giving a voice to the people who aren’t heard enough.
Being in the business of creativity in a society that puts art on a very low stage, it's always a struggle for businesses to respect the craft for its real value. Ironically Hong Kong is also a very expensive city, so it's tough for creatives and artists to thrive here when big businesses only appreciate art when they can exploit it.
The work we do involves a lot of convincing businesses to feature the street scene as a part of their business model, so the most rewarding part of all our projects is seeing and witnessing the impact this make on the people they matter to. Sometimes, people just want to be heard, and when they finally are, it means everything. When we see people repping Knowstate, knowing what we're about without us having to explain, that really.. that feeling is indescribable.
That we should've done it sooner.
When a lot of our income relies on events, the social distancing policies pretty much voided our work opportunities.
Build your brand. Know your brand. Live, and breathe your brand. These big brands got to where they are for a reason, study that reason, and apply it to your own work. And then keep hustling, because they will notice.
In my personal opinion, the best thing that brands/artists can do is use their platforms wisely. Be honest, but also be careful. Especially at a time like this where people are very easily triggered, information is unverified, emotions are scattered, it’s important for businesses to relay truthful information, inspire positively, and instigate authenticity. When we have influential platforms, it becomes our responsibility, whether we like it or not. I think that’s important for all of us to remember.
Sometimes good stories fall into our laps, other times, we have to go out and search for them. The nooks and crannies of the city are filled with incredible stories, and it does push us to get out there. We really do try not to limit ourselves - the world is always bigger than the ones we’ve constructed in our heads.
Be present. Embrace your interests. If you like something, there is never going to be anything wrong with investing time, money, and effort in it.
Content is our product, and it’s not something you can physically touch or feel, so we needed to find something for people to remember us by. So we sought colours. No colour stimulates mental activity like orange does – it entices the appetite, and we wanted to integrate that with a thirst for knowledge. It’s an unsung colour, but it’s never failed to catch everyone’s attention. Lo and behold, the Knowstate orange.
Some of the most legit creative geniuses we’ve ever met are the ones behind the scenes – behind the heavy cameras, behind the insane edits, behind the witty copy, behind the clever graphics… any brand/company that has a good grasp of youth culture and an honest business model is worth praising. But if we had to name some: Goldthread & GoldfishTV, Gluestick Entertainment and Eaton Hotel is also putting out some really good stuff to uplift the scene.
]]>Jessica made the shift from corporate marketing into teaching yoga full time because she wanted to help others become the best version of themselves.
We caught up with Jessica to learn more about her career switch and her thoughts on mindfulness.
]]>At 27, Jessica made the leap from corporate marketing into teaching yoga full time. Jessica simultaneously brings both levity and a groundedness to each of her classes – a quality that allows her classes to feel inclusive to yogis of all levels and exudes nothing but #goodvibes.
We caught up with Jessica to learn more about her career switch and her thoughts on mindfulness.
I made the shift from corporate marketing into teaching yoga full time because I want to help others become the best versions of themselves, not just physically but also mentally. Yoga has done so much for me - by making me stronger, more resilient, and mindful in all of the ways - and it brings me joy to be able to the same for others by challenging them to explore and move to feel better in their bodies in a way that's informative but also accessible for all-levels.
I like to incorporate other forms of movement (such as strength training and mobility principles) into my classes for a well-rounded practice, sprinkled with a bit of lighthearted fun. :)
As a kid, I loved gymnastics and acrobatics because I was "naturally good" (read: flexible) at it, so it wasn't a surprise that I instantly gravitated towards yoga after my first class. I was a casual practitioner for the first 8 years of discovering yoga, but then I started to offer unsolicited advice to friends whenever they'd complain about their bodies being too tight, so that was when I felt like maybe yoga teaching could be a potential career path.
Still, it was only a "maybe someday" ambition, until in 2013 when my teachers (who I'd only practiced with online up until that point) came to HK to teach a workshop. After that weekend, I decided that they were *the* teachers for me, signed up for their 200 hour yoga teacher training in Sydney the next year, and quit my corporate job 10 months later to pursue my 2nd yoga teacher training in acroyoga. And as they say - the rest is history!
I think if you’re already thinking about it, then you’re probably ready to make a change. Don’t wait for the “right time” - it doesn’t exist, and you’ll never feel 100% ready, but don’t let the fear of failure be the reason that’s stopping you. If you give it a go and it doesn’t work out the way you want, use that as an opportunity to learn what *not* to do next time.
I actually didn't have any savings OR a plan for how to make yoga teaching a viable career when I quit my job - it was an impulse decision I made when the company I was working for denied my leave request for my second YTT. But I've been super lucky and have been presented with such amazing opportunities that I would never have dreamed of, which I'd like to think of as signs that this is what I'm meant to do. Obviously, there's a lot more hustling and self-accountability (which I struggle with daily) being a freelancer vs having an office job that pays you a guaranteed amount every month, but quitting my corporate job to teach full time is still the best decision I've ever made.
I think I spent a lot of years just *thinking* about wanting to teach yoga but not actually having the balls to do anything about it until I was 27. It's scary - making that leap from a stable office job into an industry that wasn't really considered a proper career (everyone's a fitness instructor/coach now but back in 2014 it wasn't really seen as a "real job" - my parents were so concerned!) especially without any savings or an action plan, but in hindsight I wish I followed my heart earlier, because I can't imagine doing anything else now! I'm truly a believer of if you're passionate about what you do and open yourself to the possibilities by putting yourself out there, you'll attract opportunities that align with what you want to do.
Because yoga involves being around other people and sweating/moving together in a shared space, the impact was instant as soon as COVID-19 hit. Private clients cancelled their sessions for two months, and studio classes saw attendance levels drop significantly.. until, of course, all fitness centers were mandated to close for 6 weeks.
It was definitely a stressful time when that first happened, because as a freelancer/contractor my livelihood depended massively on being able to teach classes, so no classes = no income. I had to learn to pivot, and started teaching live stream yoga sessions via Zoom, which are now my favorite classes to teach since friends from all over the world who wouldn't normally be able to come to my classes before can join me from their living room across time zones.
I've also been wanting to start offering video content for the last 2 years but was too scared to (hello, imposter syndrome), so this situation became the kick in the butt I needed to get out of my comfort zone and think about other ways to share my classes with others!
Definitely, I always notice how much more easily annoyed I am being back in Hong Kong after spending time away. When I first started yoga, I approached it as a purely physical practice and was actually quite dismissive of the ‘off the mat’ benefits because I thought that was only for spiritual hippies. But over time, I started to notice how it’s made me more patient and less reactive in everyday situations, and to be less attached to things, people, and outcomes, especially when it’s out of my control.
I’ve also learned to accept that we can’t control what happens to us, but instead it’s how we respond to every situation that gives them matters. I lost my dad last year to cancer, and while the old me might’ve focused on the sadness of loss, yoga has helped me process my emotions in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to just a few years prior, and I chose to see it as a bittersweet opportunity for connection and growth.
A great playlist, for sure. Music is a HUGE part of my life and helps me set the mood for my practice on the mat!
So many things! I love how everyone is so interconnected here so you’re always bumping into friends, and that you’re very likely to be only *two* degrees of separation away from a total stranger. Or that you can go from the heart of the city to the beach in 20 minutes. Being a night owl who lives in Kowloon, I also love that the city never really sleeps so I’ll always be able to find food even at 4am.
(Side note: I attended one of Jessica's lessons before I found out that one of my best friends did a YTT training with her!)
Caius Chung Video Production - the main reason why I've been able to finally make my long-term goal of creating video content a reality.
Prism Creative - design & branding studio run by my super talented friend Rosann who did my logo AND my latest tattoo design for me!
Crystalsabella - my friend Karen (who’s also a great brand consultant) recently started a new business selling the most gorgeous crystals for super reasonable prices.
Momentum - more than just a physio clinic, Kieran and the team live and breathe passion when it comes to wellness and healthcare; there's no one else I trust when I need a body tune-up!
You can find me at Flowga, Shan Studios, and Topfit teaching vinyasa-inspired classes! I’m also still offering two live online yoga classes (via Zoom) every Tuesday 5:30pm and Wednesday 9pm for those who can’t practice with me physically.
Find Jessica @jessicaleeyoga
]]>Celine is one half of Conspiracy Chocolate, a local bean-to-bar chocolate production house.
We caught up with Celine to find out more about her entrepreneurship and her thoughts on creativity.
]]>Celine is one half of Conspiracy Chocolate, a local bean-to-bar chocolate production house. Their bars are accidentally vegan and combine the Swiss way of making chocolate and the spices of the Mediterranean – a reflection of her and her partner’s background.
We caught up with Celine to find out more about her entrepreneurship and her thoughts on creativity.
We make bean-to-bar chocolate handcrafted in Hong Kong. Conspiracy Chocolate is born from a passion for the culinary arts. The conspiracy started with a desire to combine chocolate with herbs and spices traditionally found in cooking.
We started experimenting with chocolate by melting dark chocolate and infusing some spices into it. We soon realised we needed to learn a lot more about chocolate and went on a discovery of the bean-to-bar world. From there is took us about 8 months to learn and refine the process and develop our own recipe.
Bean-to-bar appealed to us because it is the concept of slowing down the production process and deconstruct it to make a chocolate that is tastier and healthier. In the same line as the craft beer movement and the renaissance of sourdough bread, chocolate is living a rediscovery for the ancient way of making it. In bean-to-bar, the cacao takes the centre stage, this is why the cacao’s origin and the time it takes to process it is so valued. The aim is to bring the most delicate flavours out of the cacao beans to make the most delicious chocolate possible.
I think the feedback from people tasting our chocolate is what fuelled us to continue. We also made sure to listen to our customers and friends to improve our chocolate and processes. We also got some shops reaching out to us to explore cooperation or selling and this was also a big validation.
We didn’t know how to start and had to learn some basic business skills such as importing cacao, finance and marketing. We were lucky to find that people around us were really willing to help!
We had a slowdown in orders from shops but we saw an increase in online sales. Seems like people are looking for healthy snacks when they work from home.
The flavour development process is our favourite part because we get to be really creative. Thinking about flavour pairings and how to put it into chocolate often keeps us awake at night. I can’t really give you the best flavour because it changes, but I particularly enjoy our newest release Chai because the warm spices go really well with our earthy and nutty chocolate. Otherwise I think Kashmiri is really interesting because of a back note of saffron. Our weirdest flavour was probably a CNY flavour we made with soy sauce-soaked sesame seeds and tangerine peel. It was weird but actually delicious.
We had in mind a packaging that looked different with some animals and plants but it is truly when we met our designer and friend Alison that the vision came to life. She met us over breakfast, Amit made us a mind-blowing Shakshuka and I think the food inspired her because she came back with the beautiful design we have now and we fell in love.
There is never only one solution to a problem. If you have the right intention and the ultimate goal in mind, you’ll find the way.
It’s a constant struggle between upgrading production capacity with time and machine, and growing sales. Looking back it is funny to think that we started with a rolling pin and a hairdryer! We still have a lot to grow in terms of production, especially since it is the two of us making it all!
We want to grow to every area in HK and develop some fun partnerships because we think that local brands can really help each other out!
(Krystal's note: I totally agree!)
The fact that you can be in a city, a mountain and a beach all on the same day.
Our friends Impact Berry, they do an awesome and responsible coffee. Miam Bakery for their funky sourdough, A Kissing Tree for their fresh, beautiful and delicious berries and our friends and partners Heavens Please for their high-quality CBD product
You can find Conspiracy Chocolate online or in a few select stores.
]]>Alexis is a Swedish serial entrepreneur based in Hong Kong. He’s the business whiz and the creative mind behind Squarestreet, Squarestreet KAFFE, and most recently, Tiny Island Maps.
We caught up with him about his latest venture, Tiny Island Maps, and picked his brain on entrepreneurship
]]>Alexis is a Swedish serial entrepreneur based in Hong Kong. He’s the business whiz and the creative mind behind Squarestreet, Squarestreet KAFFE, and most recently, Tiny Island Maps.
We caught up with him about his latest venture, Tiny Island Maps, and picked his brain on entrepreneurship
Hong Kong, Community, Craftsmanship and... maps
Like anyone would. I wanted to do something related to my new home (since 11 years) and suddenly it struck me that I could take something utterly practical and often overlooked, and turn it into something beautiful and at the same time meaningful. After all, we may live in Hong Kong, but it is our neighbourhood that we call home.
Feedback. Interest. The usual stuff. I also felt it myself before I even sold the first one. I just made sure that not only would the artwork speak to the customer, but the product itself had to be perfect as well. It’s easy to print digital on cheap paper, but I decided to go in the opposite direction, and make it hard and costly. But I think people can feel it.
None. Apart from never having enough time to make the maps I want. I’m lucky to be surrounded by very talented artisans that have helped me bring this project to life.
No idea. I’ll let you know once I get a chance to sell without COVID-19. It may have had an impact, but with little comparison it’s hard to know.
That grey maps don’t sell?
Be wary of gaps in the market, they might be there for a reason. Meaning, if no one is doing it, then maybe you shouldn't either.
It’s just amazing isn’t it, the amount of artisans that we have in this city. When the west has basically sold out and moved everything to cheap labour countries, Hong Kong retains so much craft knowledge, even with such close proximity to one of the worlds largest producers of cheap stuff. It’s an honour to work with these people, they make it happen more than me, I just do my part.
For the record, success for some people is a Ferrari, and for some it’s being able to do what you love. In my mind I’m successful, but it won’t seem so to everyone.
Don’t get me started. I want a bigger Swedish cafe, and I’d love to do kids toys, and maybe an electric motorcycle and … yeah, whatever.
Everything is possible in Hong Kong. There’s no mould. No standard. There’s only failure or success. There’s only try or don’t try. Eat or starve. Make money or go home. It feels closer to human nature.
Critical thinking. Logical assumptions. A Do-it-yourself sensibility perhaps. Swedish people are really quite creative and extremely good at just doing stuff themselves. Hong Kong is catching up and young people are getting better, actually much better than when I first came here over a decade ago.
Broken Fingers - Amazing hand-made leather goods
Shady Acres - Swedish owned bar
Squarestreet KAFFE - My cafe
Tiny - For their excellent HK miniatures
Conspiracy Chocolate - Pure dedication to chocolate
Alexis has generously shared an exclusive discount code with us. Use code TINY852 for 10% off site-wide! Code is valid until June 15, 2020.
]]>Natalie is the co-founder of WOODCO, a sustainable, homegrown candle brand.
We caught up with Natalie to find out more about her entrepreneurship journey and tips on sustainability.
]]>
Natalie is the co-founder of WOODCO, a sustainable, homegrown candle brand. The mother-daughter duo decided to turn their hobby into a business after receiving positive responses from friends, family and Natalie’s followers on Instagram. The pair launched their brand just before COVID-19 broke out, and despite setbacks, they have seen promising traction.
We caught up with Natalie to find out more about her entrepreneurship journey and tips on sustainability.
A Mother & Daughter duo handcrafted with love. All of our candles are made with a blend of coconut and soy wax, infused with fine fragrances and essential oils. Each one is accented with a wooden wick for a clean and cozy burn.
We are no "factory". Our approach is to keep it local, as we hand pour in small batches from our humble home studio in Hong Kong.
My mom is a very crafty lady. She comes from a fine jewelry background and she loves making art with her hands. One day, she ordered a bunch of candle making supplies and started playing around with it and giving them to friends and family. They loved it and told us to start selling. I posted it on IG stories and it started to gain traction (that was a very exciting moment for me). This was when we decided to solidify our brand and bring it to life!
When strangers started noticing and buying from me and then telling me how much they love the scent. It makes my heart dance!
Trying to make it as eco-friendly as possible, especially with delivering the goods.
I am trying to figure out what works best for me! My tips are recycle and reuse as much as you can. Buy second hand things. Donate or sell your unwanted things. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! Use a metal straw and always bring your own coffee cup! I find these habits easier and quicker to transition to.
We use a blend of coconut and soy wax because not only do they have great wax consistency (it burns slower and it gives off a powerful scent throw) it is also a cleaner alternative to paraffin wax candles because paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum oil. If you burn paraffin, it can create airborne chemicals that may put your health at risk if inhaled too much.
That it will all be worth it, but you’ll need to put in A LOT of work.
We started shortly before COVID happened. We joined a few fairs hoping to launch our product live, but it got cancelled. Other than that, we've been running our online store and thankfully delivery companies are still operating.
We’ve been collaborating with small businesses and entrepreneurs. We’ve just wrapped up a project with Janice Ng of AbsFocus with an invigorating scented candle. Lululemon is for a Mother’s Day campaign :) I’m also partnering up with my dear friend Melissa Bui, (fashion designer & illustrator) for a Summer series that will be launched next month.
We have the best of both worlds - a vibrant city with beautiful natural surroundings (mountains, beaches and old towns) It just gives us more reason to explore this small but diverse city.
Sunday Shred, an outdoor bootcamp community; Finesse Lifestyle Co, a personal assistant service, ANDRSN, a Rose florist; and @carrie.inked, a tattoo artist.
Natalie has generously shared an exclusive discount code with us. Use code 852PRINTS for 10% off site-wide! Code duration: May 15, 2020 - June 15, 2020.
]]>