17 minute read
LOCAL
From Historic Market to a ‘Playground for All’
Cheyelene Fontanilla reports on the revitalisation of Central Market
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the landmark. As a result, the ground floor toilets that face Queens’ Road Central will be demolished and replaced with a new entrance plaza, decked with seating, garden features, and more. It appears that the people have spoken, and plans are finally underway to bring the public’s vision to life.
Picture a building steeped in history, its walls having withstood the test of time, its floors having carried generations of Hongkongers, its doors shut for years. If you frequent Central, then you’ve probably walked through the old building that is Central Market – and it’s likely you’re thinking that introduction was a tad grand considering the structure as we know it today.
Back when it was established in 1939, the market had 255 stalls and an open atrium. Fast forward to today and the most we’ve seen of it since 2003 is the section that connects to the Soho/Mid-levels escalators. In the years that have followed, several ideas to transform the market have been proposed, including the addition of a swimming pool.
Now, the historic Central Market has taken a big step towards reopening after the Urban Renewal Authority handed management of the project to Chinachem Group. Noble Vantage, its subsidiary, will run the project and transform the three-storey site into a ‘vibrant, bustling place’ where people meet, socialise, shop and eat.
Branded a “Playground for All”, the first phase of operation will start during the third quarter of this year. The market will maintain its original structure, with plans to tap into its historical relevance. Creating a place that embodies the old Hong Kong’s sense of community, the new design is set to embrace the hustle and bustle of the city while providing a haven for people from all walks of life to gather and connect.
Chinachem executive director and CEO Donald Choi said the group’s plan involves more than simply building a new shopping mall. “We want to make full use of the building’s heritage, legacy and collective memory,” says Choi. “We believe that the project can not only unveil the history of the past, but actually showcase and lead the future.” This new, grand endeavour falls in line with Chinachem Group’s recent repositioning to create “Places with Heart”, as the revived Central Market will reportedly not only serve as an oasis in the center of the city, but as a hub focused on supporting local brands and startups.
Between 2009 and 2011, a Community Advisory Committee was put together to extensively survey the public in order to gauge what people wanted for the future of
1989
Renovations begin to form part of the Soho/ Mid-levels Escalators. Lifts and public toilets are added. The face of Central Market facing Des Voeux Road is demolished.
2003
Central Market closes.
1939
Four storeys are built in the Central Market’s current location. Designed in the Streamline Moderne style of that time, it opens with 255 stalls.
1994
A section of the Central Market, the starting point of the Soho Escalators, is turned into a mini shopping arcade.
2009
Central Market is handed over to the Urban Renewal Authority and removed from the Land Application list.
Well-behaved women rarely make history
Nicole Slater meets eight inspiring ladies taking on Hong Kong’s entrepreneur scene this International Women’s Day. Photography by Karin Bremer
Well-behaved women
Ellie Bradley Tanya Pakhomova
Founder and creative director of Atelier Lane Interior Design
Named after her small Victorian cottage on a tiny laneway in Sydney, Ellie Bradley founded Atelier Lane Interior Design in 2008 and has designed residential and commercial spaces ever since. She manages everything across the board, from project managing to briefing and even overseeing progress on a construction site (which she had to do after our glamorous photoshoot). She does it all while being a doting mother, wife, sister and daughter.
Starting a business has always been the goal for Bradley. Growing up, her father ran his own successful company for over 30 years, which inspired her to follow in his footsteps. “Anything else just wouldn’t have felt satisfying. I paid my dues and established my career working for other businesses and learning the ropes. My goal was always to create something that I could call my own and leave my mark.”
While Bradley’s determination and passion for design has aided her way up the ladder of success, her career hasn’t always been smooth sailing. “In the early years there was definitely a glass ceiling to break through to get the same opportunities and chances as men, to prove oneself and progress. I like to think that the perception that women aren’t as capable as men, has been firmly disproven now,” says Bradley.
While Bradley has faced many challenges getting to the position she’s in now, she believes that these formative experiences have helped her become tougher.
Since opening her Hong Kong office four years ago, Bradley has had the opportunity to meet and work with many success entrepreneurs in the city. “There are so many talented, driven and successful women here. Ironically, I think that it is partly down to them having to go the extra mile to overcome obstacles and consequently achieve much more,” she says. atelierlane.com
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
If someone says it’s impossible, do it yourself. Founder of iPedicure and My Perfect Body Hong Kong
Tanya Pakhomova started her career in the fashion industry, modeling for designer brands in Paris before moving to Hong Kong in 2010.
“I had a successful modelling career, I walked for many famous brands, but after visiting Hong Kong I decided to try something different,” she says.
After two years of living and working in the city, the Ukraine native spotted a gap in the beauty market and decided to open her beauty salon, My Perfect Body.
“I always dreamt of owning my own business, but I didn’t know where to start. After constantly giving my husband business ideas he said, just do it, don’t wait for the perfect moment.”
The professional beauty centre offers a range of unique treatments using new technology. These include anti-cellulite, postnatal body, slimming and deep detox treatments.
With a team of 15 employees, Pakhomova is very hands on with her business and spends most of her days training staff, scheduling meetings and organizing the day’s events, all while making time for her three children.
“Finding a good work/life balance has been my biggest challenge. We still live in a society where people think that mother’s should spend more time with children. It was hard not to feel guilty about being a working mum,” says Pakhomova.
Over the past few years, Pakhomova has been able to improve her balance, learning to work smarter rather than harder. While there are still some challenging days, she now leaves her work at the door. “When I’m at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week begins.”
While Pakhomova hasn’t faced many challenges as a female in the beauty industry, starting her entrepreneurial journey at a young age instilled in her a need to prove herself. But she has surpassed many people’s expectations and continues to prove herself with her exceptional work ethic and dedication.
mypb.com.hk
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
If I followed any advice given to me, I probably would have never become an entrepreneur. I am always ready to learn, however the last decision is always my own responsibility.
Smita More
Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Energy Healer and Yoga therapist
Having started her healing journey nine years ago, Smita More has earned an array of qualifications and titles including Certified Ayurveda Wellness Practitioner, Energy Medicine Healer, Yoga Therapist and Marama Therapist. Using ancient teachings, More provides her clients with holistic methods to nurture, revitalise and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Over the years she has helped hundreds of people recover from a range of mental and physical issues including kidney problems and depression.
With clients based in Hong Kong and around the world, including American and Canada, most of her days are scheduled around different time zones, guiding her clients over Zoom and other online platforms.
Having lived in Hong Kong for over 28 years, More has a deep understanding of the city’s work culture from her many locally based clients. “Women are expected to cope with work, socialise and look a certain way. This can be very overwhelming, but unfortunately there is still a stigma attached to seeking help,” says More.
While her industry differs from many others, More has always received a positive response from both men and women throughout her career, but knows others are not so lucky. “I have heard through friends and other women in the corporate world that there is a gender gap. The main comment I’ve heard is that women have to work twice as hard to be recognized for the same work,” she says. While it is difficult not to get frustrated by this, More strongly recommends her clients not to take this personally or let it knock down their own self worth. “Women are leaders and leadership comes from hard work. Believe in yourself, stand your ground and listen to your inner voice.” smitamore.com
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Be self reliant and independent, get a good education and know that you are just as good as anyone around you. Co-founder of May16
Working as a qualified solicitor specialising in litigation and intellectual property for over 20 years, Blanche Koo has always had a hidden passion for fashion and design. When her friend and business partner, Astor Chan reached out about starting an online fashion business, May16, Koo jumped at the opportunity.
She takes inspiration from her mother who also had a career in fashion design. “When I was young she taught me about different fabrics and materials, watching her sketch designs was eye-opening,” she says.
While Koo never envisioned herself as a business owner before, she has taken on the role of co-founder well, hosting team meetings and organising live broadcasts to showcase the brand’s clothing and other products. “It was not only about how I saw myself, it was about how other people saw me. My passion for fashion, recognition and encouragement from friends helped me realise that I should take on the challenge,” says Koo.
As a strong believer in power dressing, Koo advises women to, “dress in a style that does not only make you pretty and confident, but really reflects the position you have achieved or are working towards.” Whether that includes a well tailored pant suit or dress with matching accessories, she believes it can impose a powerful statement. “When we dress well and feel good on the outside, we are more likely to feel good on the inside, which boosts our attitude and self confidence,” she says.
Koo has had a very positive experience as a female entrepreneur in Hong Kong and is assured that women’s place in this city’s corporate world is only becoming more heightened. “Many women in Hong Kong are taking the initiative to build their own community and support each other. This is the motto for May16, to build a community which helps women of all ages to look best, stay pretty and confident,” says Koo.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Never give up on your passions or ideas. Execution is key.
Astor Chan
Co-founder of May16
As a well-known Asia Legal Expert lawyer and founder of her own legal consulting company, Astor Chan’s work ethic is admirable. But after working every day for over a year, Chan began to suffer from severe hair loss and was diagnosed with cancer. “Stress was definitely the key issue in my sickness, I insisted on having two days off every week after that,” says Chan.
Five years ago, at the age of 40, Chan decided to change direction and do something she was passionate about. “It was a big move to transform from a legal professional to the fashion and beauty industry,” she says.
Now as co-founder of fashion retailer May16, Chan takes care of the strategic and marketing management for the company, as well as its social media presence and interaction with customers. After five years of hard work, Chan has built a reliable customer base, consisting mostly of professional ladies.
“During my time in the legal profession, I noticed there was unconscious bias between women and men in the industry,” she says. “I attended a meeting with my male assistant in Kuala Lumpur. When we arrived, the CEO greeted my assistant immediately and asked his secretary to serve my assistant tea and ignored me.”
Chan now makes a conscious effort to get her voice out there and be a more caring and compassionate business owner. “As a female leader, I am empathetic and a great listener, I care about people. This helps me to build a close relationship with my colleagues and my customers.”
While Chan believes fashion and power dressing can pay a key part in boosting your self confidence, she thinks the most important element you can bring to the workplace is charisma. “Be confident when you speak, smile, stand and even walk. Be energetic in the workplace. Be a caring person. All these elements will make you more attractive and powerful,” says Chan.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Even though people may use the word bossy to describe a lady who speaks up, we should continue to because we have brilliant ideas. Hong Kong outstanding young entrepreneur
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Elaine Shiu’s entrepreneurial journey started early.
As chair of the Women in Society Association (WISA) at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Shiu is a strong supporter of women in business. The programme aims to bring together interested and likeminded women to help nurture their talent and provide guidance for developing their careers. Using her platform, Shiu hopes to inspire more women to follow their dreams.
Throughout her many career opportunities, Shiu has faced some challenging moments, especially during her time in the fashion industry. “I joined an international fashion show with my brand in Vietnam. A buyer was interested in the brand and made an appointment with us. Once he found out the company was run by a female, he turned the meeting down. Eventually he ended up signing a contract with us, but it took months of effort,” she says.
While she strongly believes that Hong Kong is ahead of its time for women in business, there is still a stigma surrounding it in Chinese culture. “In our culture it’s normal for a lot of women to put their family first and give up their dream, but it is possible to find a balance for both family and business.”
Following her next business venture, Shiu is taking on the pet technology business and is ready to create new roles for women in the male-dominated industry.
What advice would you give to female business owners?
Empowered women empower women.
Tracy Ho
Founder & Managing Director of Frame & Fame Personal Branding
Before founding Frame & Fame Personal Branding, many of Tracy Ho’s entrepreneurial friends advised her: “Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride.”
Ho had never imagined herself running a business before, but when her previous role as a corporate communication consultant and its round-the-clock work started to take a toll on her health, she decided to step back. “I felt stuck. I felt lost. Then, I hired myself a career coach to guide me to review what I achieved and where I envisioned myself in the long run,” says Ho.
She wanted to take on a career where she could unleash her creativity, build relationships and develop people’s potential. With encouragement and advice from her friends in the entrepreneur community, Ho decided to take on the challenge.
Ho believes everyone has a personal brand, whether they like it or not, but encourages her clients to think strategically and take charge of it. “Nowadays it is even more important for women to be aware and take charge of their personal brand for their career and life goals. While we are living in 2021, there are still many old-fashioned beliefs in society that women need to face and combat,” she says.
While Ho hasn’t personally experienced any difficulties as a woman in the industry, she has helped many women overcome this barrier. “Women are often required to pay extra efforts than their male counterparts, to assert themselves to get the income and respect they deserve.” Although Ho has a good mix of female and male clients, she states that a majority of female leaders come to her for executive presence coaching. “Through this coaching we work with these ladies in a one-on-one setting, to build stronger inner confidence, showcase their authenticity, speak with power and exert a greater influence in their workplace.” While she is more than happy to guide these leaders, Ho still believes Hong Kong can do better in terms of gender equality, “supporting ladies who are pregnant or those who need to take care of young children while running a business. More mother-friendly regulations and facilities would also be helpful,” she says.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t undermine your potential. Pave your path early instead of waiting for others to grant you permission to do so.
Tayma Page Allies
Growing up in the Caribbean and Africa, and having made Hong Kong her home, Tayma Page Allies embodies the international woman. Her entrepreneurial side kicked in when she first began teaching English in Lagos, Nigeria. Her business earnt her enough money to purchase a car and put herself through a postgraduate course at Warwick University.
Following an eye-opening trip to Beijing in 1985, Page Allies gambled on her sense of adventure and the “can do” attitude of Hong Kong. Instead of returning to London, she took a chance on Hong Kong, and hasn’t looked back since.
After three years’ organising fashion shows in China, she founded her own jewellery brand TAYMA Fine Jewellery, in 1991. Page Allies started off small in an atelier in Lan Kwai Fong, but soon expanded to a boutique in the Landmark Prince’s Building, rubbing shoulders with Cartier and Chanel. “I knew then that I’d made it,” she laughs.
Celebrating TAYMA Fine Jewellery’s 30th Anniversary this year, Page Allies has enjoyed positive relationships and friendships within the jewellery industry. “I’ve been lucky to meet some amazing women in the industry, and we all understand the hard work involved to make a business successful.” However, “I’d say that many men underestimate entrepreneurial women, that’s certainly one of the negative experiences I’ve had.”
During her 30 years in the jewellery industry, Page Allies states that every day has been different. “It’s never boring. Some days I’m researching a lecture or designing a new collection and then a client will pop in and the day takes a different turn. However, I can’t do anything without my cup of tea!”
While Hong Kong’s work and social scene can be demanding, Page Allies always makes time for her two Persian cats, Flossie and Coco, sitting down with one of her many books and unwinding after a long day of gems and jewellery.
What’s your best piece of advice?
You are your own best customer. Treat people as you would like to be treated and remember that reputation and integrity are key.
