Get To Know The Local Boss Babes Who Are Killing It With Their Businesses In 2021
These 7 awe-inspiring boss babes will give you a potent hit of motivation to pursue even your wildest dreams.
From revolutionizing industries one at a time to leaving a lasting impact on the lives they touch, the female entrepreneurs of Hong Kong—who make up 45% of the local entrepreneurial scene—have been single-handedly shattering gender stereotypes, making their mark in the business world on a global scale, and proving time and time again that it’s no longer just a man’s world.
7 awe-inspiring boss babes reveal more about themselves and the direction they’re steering their businesses in this year, which will give you a potent hit of motivation to pursue even your wildest dreams.
Sally Ryder
Founder & Director of RYDER Diamonds
An expert in all things diamond, Sally Ryder founded RYDER Diamonds in 2005 with a desire to revive the dying art of jewelry craftsmanship and create an unparalleled client experience that informs and inspires. With an artistic vision, a creative eye, and unique personal touch, Sally crafts jewelries that last a lifetime and are passed from one generation to the next, transcending time.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
Getting into the diamond and jewellery industry was actually a little by mistake and a little bit of fate. It came about when I was at university in Melbourne. I applied for a part-time sales job that had been posted on our university website, and despite lacking a background in sales, I found myself selling diamonds at a diamond trading company. That’s how I got my step into the industry.
What’s the goal for RYDER Diamonds in 2021?
At RYDER Diamonds, we have the unique opportunity to work with individuals and couples as they’re planning for momentous occasions and want to create a jewellery piece from our in-house workshop that signifies and symbolises the sentiment. This is a part of our business that we cherish and will continue to do in 2021.
Through my experience in the industry, I learned that clients find the process of buying a diamond complicated and confusing, and require an expert to point them in the right direction. Therefore, education has become a core focus for us, which we execute through a monthly complimentary Masterclass (online and in the showroom). Our goal is to educate and empower individuals to make informed decisions and truly understand the diamond buying process.
If you had to sum yourself up with a quote—your own or someone else’s—what would it be?
“The secret to having everything is believing you already do” is a quote that resonates with me deeply. When things are always ‘go, go, go’, this reminds me to count my blessings and feel a sense of gratitude for the things that I have and have been able to accomplish in my role as the Founder of RYDER Diamonds. It propels me forward with a refreshed, grateful, and motivated state of mind.
Natasha Moor
Founder of Natasha Moor Cosmetics
Inspired by the joy and confidence her clients channel post-makeovers, make-up artist Natasha Moor launched Natasha Moor Cosmetics with the sole aim of empowering women. From her gorgeous lipsticks that spread like butter on your lips to the black mascara that gives your lashes the perfect flutter, Natasha’s cosmetics ignite inner power that complements outer beauty.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
As a child, I wanted to be a photographer because I was always mesmerised by beauty and
would always want to do things that created a harmonious composition. I believe that I’ve still been able to actualise this in my role as a bridal make-up artist as I allot time during the session to take photographs of my brides before they head to their events.
What’s the goal for Natasha Moor Cosmetics in 2021?
My aspiration is to continue to empower individuals and advocate that make-up changes more than just how we look—it transforms the way we feel.
Through every Natasha Moor Cosmetics product, our goal is to reinforce that we, as individuals, can and should shine as our true selves without inhibition. I’d like to see our brand making a positive difference in the world by embracing women’s perceived insecurities and empowering th
I’ll continue to create products that make women feel beautiful, but also run campaigns that aim to inspire and influence in a positive manner.
We’re announcing several new shades and products in 2021, along with expanding our reach to markets we’ve not touched upon yet.
If you had to sum yourself up with a quote—your own or someone else’s—what would it be?
“No one is you and that is your power” is a quote that embodies what I believe in as an individual, make-up artist, and as the Founder and CEO of Natasha Moor Cosmetics. This quote advocates what I hope to achieve through my platform—being able to make someone feel empowered and indestructibly confident in themselves. It serves as a reminder that everybody has something wonderful to offer, and although they don’t see it in themselves sometimes, my hope is that every person that wears Natasha Moor Cosmetics is imbued to see and appreciate themselves wholeheartedly.
Sonalie Figueiras
Founder of GreenQueen & Ekowarehouse
A serial social entrepreneur whose mission in life is to make green choices easy and accessible to the masses, Sonalie Figueiras is well-deserving of her title as the ‘Green Queen’ of Hong Kong. Having founded Ekowarehouse, the first global B2B platform for certified organic products, and GreenQueen, the city’s most popular online ‘green’ platform that advocates sustainability, Sonalie is well on her way to creating a better tomorrow and leaving behind a legacy.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
Most people don't know that I’m actually an introvert. Too many people or too much social time makes me tired. I need lots of time to regroup by myself or with my immediate family.
What are the goals for GreenQueen & Ekowarehouse in 2021?
With GreenQueen Media, we've got an exciting year ahead launching new brand partnerships, a follow-up to our award-winning Asia Alt Protein Report, new dedicated industry newsletters, and more breaking news and content that moves the climate mission forward. With Ekowarehouse, we’re transitioning from a B2B platform model to a B2B e-commerce one and we’re going to be focusing on sustainable packaging and organic food.
If you had to sum yourself up with a quote—your own or someone else’s—what would it be?
"True gratitude for your good fortune in life is serving those without choices or voices: This is what I consider my responsibility and my mission in life." It’s my own quote!
Anthea Cooper
Founder & Designer of Anthea Cooper
Anthea Cooper takes inspiration from nature, her journeys across the world, and her Indian heritage to create versatile jewellery that effortlessly accentuates women’s individuality and natural beauty. Flaunting different natural stones in her pieces, Anthea hopes that those who don her jewellery feel confident in their own skin while having fun with what they do and what they wear.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
Ever since I was young, I’ve been obsessed with things being in the right place. Everything has a home, so I get quite upset if I find things out of place. I’ve had to let that go a bit after having kids and not let it affect my day.
What’s the goal for Anthea Cooper in 2021?
Our goals for 2021 are to grow our online presence, nurture our amazing customers. and to continue to be a sustainable and ethical brand by making conscious decisions in each and every step. Our manufacturer in India has been a great partner for this as well as our new shipping company. We love their biodegradable bags and attention to protecting the environment. Our customers are so important to us and we’ll continue to reward them with VIP status and events, as well as feature some of these amazing women, brands, and boss ladies who inspire us everyday. Most of all, we’re looking forward to releasing two new collections this year, so watch this space!
If you had to sum yourself up with a quote—your own or someone else’s—what would it be?
A woman that appreciates the beauty of the world around her, never too serious, and loves to bring positive vibes to the people around her, understands that, to be perfect, not everything is perfect and uniqueness is what makes a person the most beautiful. One of my most favorite quotes by Coco Channel is, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different”. This has been a natural mindset of mine as I’ve always been a little different and learnt to embrace my uniqueness growing up and now, with my designs.
Payal Shah
Founder & Creative Director of L’Dezen
Payal Shah’s exceptional diamond jewelries most certainly stand out of the crowd, just like the celebrities who wear them. Inspired by every form of beauty that captures her attention, whether it’s the afternoon sunset against the Hong Kong skyline or the Turkish dusk with its soft light blue hues, Payal’s collections for L’Dezen are elegantly perched between sophisticated, funky, classic, and out-of-the-box.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
Not many people know that I’ve created two apps before and sold one of them (one failed miserably). Although I love designing jewellery, I’ve a huge passion that lays in tech innovation, which would probably be the industry I’d have picked if I wasn’t doing what I am today.
What’s the goal for L’Dezen in 2021?
The goal for 2021 for L’Dezen is to move even more digitally and keep adding ways creatively to help make buying fine jewellery online more accepted and comfortable. This means I’ll be adding more items that have an easier price point as well as using tools, such as augmented reality, to create an in-store like experience. L’Dezen is also moving towards adding more lifestyle products and expanding from just jewellery as people resonate with the brand and not just the product. With the new products we add and jewellery, we’ll always aim to innovate flawless designs.
If you had to sum yourself up with a quote—your own or someone else’s—what would it be?
“She got that golden glow, the aura that pulls you in, and whole vibe that you can see through her skin. She’s spontaneous and sentimental. She will lift you up and hold you down. Match her energy and she will match it back with pride.” This is a quote a close friend wrote in honour of me on a special day. I absolutely love it.
Edwina Barrington
Founder of Rupert & Bird
Edwina Barrington is the mastermind behind Rupert & Bird, a vibrant collection of eco-conscious towels made from recycled plastic bottles. When her daughter Birdie was born, Edwina’s concerns about the worrying amount of plastic plaquing our oceans grew. To play her part in conserving our environment instead of letting the future generations deal with the ramifications of our actions, she invented these literal life-changing towels which make the perfect companion for busy city dwellers and adventurous souls.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
I’m a nerd at heart! (Or maybe people know this already?!). I was a chess champion in sixth grade and I’m a qualified Chartered Accountant. I love numbers! I’ve been working in management consulting for the last 13 years across Australia and Hong Kong. I’ve always been passionate about the environment and the idea for Rupert & Bird was born during my maternity leave when it became clear that we need to be more cognizant of the impact we make on the world for the next generation.
What’s the goal for Rupert & Bird in 2021?
Our focus for 2021 is to increase consumer awareness that being eco-conscious is accessible in everyday products and doesn’t need to come at a high cost. We want to ingrain how important it is to protect our stunning oceans and backyard. Plastics are a huge threat to the environment and our wildlife and we need to actively reduce our consumption. Rupert & Bird seeks to recycle single-use plastics, through the creation of our towels.
If you had to sum yourself up with a quote—your own or someone else’s—what would it be?
My ethos is “Nature is the new luxury. And it is priceless.” All the material things in the world are meaningless if we don’t have a world to use them in. We need to respect our environment, particularly our vast ocean which is our bloodline. A healthy ocean is essential if we are to keep our climate in balance, feed a growing population, support economic development, and protect habitats and treasured wildlife. This is the driving force behind Rupert & Bird.
Sarah Fung
Founder & CEO of HULA
Sarah Fung is the genius who is reinventing the concept of fashion in Hong Kong. Her company HULA, an online platform for pre-owned designer women’s clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, proves that you don’t need to break the bank and shop the latest trends each season to stay on top of your fashion game.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
I came from a very musical family and was surrounded by opportunities to sing or act (even though I’m a terrible actress). I used to model in my childhood and early adulthood when I lived in the UK, ranging from kids TV shows to Pop of The Pops in Italy, to then appearing in HSBC and Cathay Pacific advertising. I also entered into singing competitions and sang with my mother on stage as a small child, when she was an amateur pop singer and had her own band.
What’s the goal for HULA in 2021?
I’m looking forward to 2021 (as I do at the beginning of every year!), although last year was extremely tough and I know it’s going to be another challenging year ahead. However, I’m grateful that we survived 2020. We learnt so much during that process that we’re equipped and ready to face another year of challenges. We definitely came away stronger and more resilient. This year, our goal is to launch a new retail space in Central so that we can be more accessible, smooth out operations by engaging in more technology, grow our database and customer base, and make sure my team is happy and that they enjoy what they do!
If you had to sum yourself up with a quote—your own or someone else’s—what would it be?
“If life gives you lemons...make lemonade!”
