How JARDIN DES FONTAINES Built a Homegrown Hong Kong Scarf Brand
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April 16, 2024
Introduction: The Limitless Possibilities of Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong
As a core city in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong stands out with its global strengths in finance, technology, and trade, as well as its unique “One Country, Two Systems” policy. These advantages make it a fertile ground for young entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. In the documentary Love in the Bay Area, host Telford Wong engages in a compelling conversation with Yoyo and Mon, founders of JARDIN DES FONTAINES, about their journey transitioning from different industries to launching a design brand rooted in Hong Kong’s cultural essence. This article delves into their inspiring story and explores how Hong Kong design is making its mark in the GBA.
From Creator to Entrepreneur: Yoyo’s Transformation
Yoyo, a journalism graduate, began her career in television. In 2018, she made a bold move to resign and pursue entrepreneurship. She founded JARDIN DES FONTAINES, a brand focused on original Hong Kong designs In just three to four years, JARDIN DES FONTAINES has expanded to over 50 partner stores in Hong Kong and the Mainland market, earning strong support from both Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area consumers.
Yoyo shared:
“I used to go to work every day wondering if life could be different. I wanted to be extraordinary.”
Her pursuit of something more resonates with many young Hong Kong entrepreneurs. The brand’s core strength lies in its efficient and distinctive designs—perfectly aligned with Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle.
HKTDC Design Gallery: A Window into Local Creativity
Located next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre at Golden Bauhinia Square, the Design Gallery Hong Kong is an initiative by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to showcase local design talent. JARDIN DES FONTAINES’ products are featured here, garnering both local and international attention.
Yoyo explains:
“Our designs are beautiful, unique, and efficient—this is our winning formula.”
From collections inspired by Hong Kong to designs incorporating city landmarks, the brand connects deeply with local consumers. Shared traditions like tea culture across the GBA make the scarves popular gift choices among Mainland Chinese customers.
From Cities to Daily Life: Where Inspiration Begins
The inspiration behind JARDIN DES FONTAINES comes from cities, architecture, streets, and everyday moments. Yoyo often strolls through gallery-lined neighborhoods in search of creative sparks. Together with co-founder Mon, they blend foreign architecture and scenic elements into their designs—fusing global perspectives with local sentiment.
Mon shared:
“I’m working on a new series inspired by foreign architecture and landscapes, infused with cultural elements unique to each location.”
This marriage of urban identity and personal emotion gives their products an authentic and heartfelt character.
Challenges and Opportunities on the Road to Entrepreneurship
Building a business is never easy. But through teamwork and market intuition, Yoyo and Mon have led JARDIN DES FONTAINES into the GBA market. Yoyo highlights that having distinctive, high-quality products is their core competitive advantage. Their designs not only resonate with Hong Kong audiences but also cater to Mainland Chinese preferences through localized design concepts.
Yoyo actively shares her experiences with aspiring entrepreneurs:
“Many young people dream of starting a business or returning to the Mainland. I hope my experience can guide them and help them go further.”
This open-minded attitude has earned her a supportive network and positioned JARDIN DES FONTAINES as an important player in Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem.
Conclusion: Telling Hong Kong’s Story Through Design
The journey of JARDIN DES FONTAINES reflects how the new generation of Hong Kong entrepreneurs can find their niche in the competitive Greater Bay Area. From concept and design to market expansion, Yoyo and Mon have proven that original Hong Kong design can flourish both locally and internationally.
Want to learn more, don’t miss the full documentary Love in the Bay Area.
Full Interview Transcript
[00:00:18]
Finally back home—Hong Kong!
[00:00:23]
As a highly open and international city within the GBA, Hong Kong is a global hub for finance, technology, trade, and aviation, renowned for its professional services.
[00:00:36]
With the added benefits of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, it plays a crucial role in GBA development.
[00:00:44]
Hong Kong is a cultural crossroads—a metropolis where city life and nature coexist.
[00:00:50]
Telford Wong: Everyone has different opportunities to explore and grow, and we love embracing new challenges.
[00:00:57]
In recent years, Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial scene has boomed—from tech startups to e-commerce and retail—but standing out globally remains a challenge for the younger generation.
[00:01:13]
Telford Wong: I met this friend while filming a show. She has a keen sense of timing in developing her career—she should be just inside.
[00:01:26]
Yoyo: Hello! Long time no see!
[00:01:29]
Yoyo, born and raised in Hong Kong, majored in journalism and started her career in TV. In 2018, she left her job to start her own business.
[00:01:43]
Yoyo: These are our products.
[00:01:45]
Derek Wong: So this is your entrepreneurial venture?
[00:01:47]
Yoyo: Yes, these are original Hong Kong designs.
[00:01:52]
The Design Gallery near the Convention Centre and Golden Bauhinia Square is run by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote local design excellence. The products here represent some of the best local creative talents.
[00:02:11]
Telford Wong: You’ve totally changed careers and are now fully immersed in your business!
[00:02:15]
Yoyo: Exactly. I used to wonder if there could be a different path for me.
[00:02:21]
Telford Wong: You wanted something more than ordinary.
Yoyo: Absolutely!
[00:02:25]
In just three years, Yoyo expanded to 14 retail partnerships in Hong Kong. She now looks to broader markets.
[00:02:39]
Yoyo sees new growth opportunities and believes the key to success lies in strong product design.
[00:02:49]
Yoyo: Design is crucial to us—our designs are beautiful, unique, and efficient. That’s our strength.
[00:02:59]
Telford Wong: That’s very Hong Kong—efficiency matters. There’s no time to be slow!
[00:03:04]
So how does she seize market opportunities? Yoyo’s product range has grown, many infused with distinctly Hong Kong elements.
[00:03:13]
Yoyo: This collection is well-received by both local and Mainland customers. In the GBA, the shared tea culture creates a resonance that makes our products great for gifting.
[00:03:29]
Designing creative, distinctive products that win consumer trust isn’t easy.
[00:03:39]
Telford Wong: These buildings are so unique.
Yoyo: This street is where I often walk.
Telford Wong: Really?
Yoyo: Yes, there are many galleries here—I like coming to look for inspiration.
Telford Wong: Gathering inspiration probably takes the most time.
Yoyo: Yes, but once we’re inspired, we get to work. It’s too much for one person, so my team helps. Come meet our designer.
Telford Wong: I thought you were asking me to help!
Yoyo: That works too!
[00:04:15]
Mon and Yoyo met through entrepreneurship. Once Yoyo shared her ideas, the two clicked and decided to build the brand together.
[00:04:25]
Mon: I’m currently designing a new collection inspired by foreign architecture and landscapes, integrating unique local cultures.
[00:04:37]
Telford Wong: You usually design home-related items, right?
Yoyo: Yes, home goods are part of our line.
Telford Wong: If I had to think of something for home, I’d start with my two cats.
Yoyo: Aww, how cute! You should try designing something!
[00:05:02]
Telford Wong: Let’s show the high-quality pieces first—and then the less polished ones for comparison. I’m sure you’ll agree.
[00:05:22]
Though just one of many entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, Yoyo is actively contributing to GBA development. She frequently shares her experiences with youth, offering direction and building connections.
[00:05:39]
Young Entrepreneur A: She gave us practical advice that will help with our future startups.
[00:05:47]
Young Entrepreneur B: She shared helpful information about copyrights, giving me confidence to expand my patent-based ideas in the GBA.
[00:05:56]
Yoyo: As an entrepreneur myself, I see many young people eager to start businesses or return to the Mainland. Since I’ve already taken the leap, I hope to share and support others on their path.
[00:06:08]
Yoyo dedicates herself to her work. Her favorite way to relax? Walking her dog by the seaside near home.
[00:06:20]
Telford Wong: Do pets like cats and dogs inspire you?
[00:06:23]
Yoyo: I like to add personal, heartfelt touches—like local elements and the people or pets around me—to make our designs warmer and more relatable.
Telford Wong: Looking back, do you regret leaving your old job to start this?
Yoyo: Not at all. Life only gives us so many decades—I want to make mine count.
Documentary: Love in the Bay Area
Host: Telford Wong Ting Fung
Interviewees: Yoyo & Mon, Founders of JARDIN DES FONTAINES
Official Source: Guangdong Radio and Television, Love in the Bay Area
Source Link:
https://www.cnbayarea.org.cn/news/special/wonderfulbga/content/post_1240988.html