We're all about women supporting women. And in Hong Kong, readers will be glad to know that the region is known for championing women entrepreneurship. An example of this is the establishment of the Women Entrepreneurs Network, which aims to empower and educate women entrepreneurs in Hong Kong to be successful in their respective fields.
In Mastercard's Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE) published last March 2021, Hong Kong ranked fifth in Asia Pacific for offering the most supportive entrepreneurial conditions for women and 15th out of 58 global economies, with a 2020 MIWE score of 65.8.
Whether it’s fashion, home and living, or for the love of wine, here are women-owned businesses in Hong Kong you should check out and support!
GnL Accessories
GnL Accessories is a brand with a mission to make "sustainable fashion, fashionable." Listed under the Women Entrepreneurs Network's (WEN) directory, GnL Accessories is a small business run by mompreneur Vinita Turakhia, who grew up in Mumbai.
GnL, which stands for "Genuinely not Leather," uses plant-based fabric in its collections, with its first line made from cork and teak leaf fabric. Its products’ materials are vegan, organic, cruelty-free, recycled, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. If you want to support a woman-owned business that's serious about sustainability, GnL Accessories should be on your list.
Liz Fry Design
Liz Fry Design is the brainchild of Elizabeth Fry. Also listed under WEN’s directory, it is a Hong Kong design company focused on celebrating the region's art community by partnering with local artists, all while upholding sustainable principles and practices. Liz Fry Design's lifestyle products are sustainable and environmentally conscious, while still being fun and vibrant. Its products range from bamboo cups and cutlery sets, cushion covers, and ceramics to tea towels, tote bags, umbrellas, and more.
HULA
Ever wanted to own a designer item, but couldn't justify the price or the environmental impact of buying new? Check out HULA, an online marketplace for pre-owned designer women's clothing and accessories. Its collection boasts of the hottest pre-loved consignment designer products, from luxury brands like Chanel, Balenciaga, Phillip Lim, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, among many others, at discounted prices of up to 95% off retail.
HULA was founded by Sarah Fung, who worked for luxury store Lane Crawford in Hong Kong for almost ten years before starting the sustainable fashion retail store. Before Lane Crawford, Sarah lived in the United Kingdom and owned her very own lingerie and swim label.
TOASST
If you're passionate about wine, then TOASST is right up your alley. TOASST is a Hong Kong-based wine subscription service company founded by American communication specialists Christina Lau Tam and Amy Powell, who met at a wine tasting at Michelin-starred Caprice at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Wine lovers at heart, the pair established TOASST to redefine the wine experience and make the alcoholic drink accessible to those who are passionate about it but are short on time. TOASST sources its wines from small producers the world over, as well as from up-and-coming wine regions and lesser-known varietals.
