JARDIN DES FONTAINES: Infusing Global Charm into Lifestyle Elegance - Hong Kong Economic Times Exclusive Interview
March 19, 2021
Two millennial women met in an entrepreneurship class, boldly stepped out of their comfort zones to launch a Hong Kong brand during the peak of the pandemic in June last year. They founded JARDIN DES FONTAINES (JDF), a home décor boutique featuring their own designs and creations. Beyond admiration for their fearless spirit, their products exude a captivating, luxurious charm, rivaling high-end brands despite being a fledgling venture.
A Spark Ignited in an Entrepreneurship Class
Co-founder and CEO Yoyo Yau, with nearly a decade of experience creating variety and infotainment programs at a television station, honed her skills in diverse topics at Carpenter’s Lane. Her work on the show A Step Above, which covered properties and luxury homes, exposed her to a variety of home aesthetics, sparking her dream of owning a warm, refined home.
Yoyo hadn’t initially planned to leave her comfort zone until she met designer Mon Lim in an entrepreneurship course. The two hit it off instantly, and in June last year, amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, they decided to launch JARDIN DES FONTAINES. After three months of preparation, their online store opened with great success.
“The pandemic kept many people at home longer, and we heard feedback that many household items were neither practical nor aesthetically pleasing. We hope our small efforts can bring positive energy, helping people feel relaxed, delighted, and a touch happier at home,” Yoyo shared.
Effortless Style with Complete Collections
Were they worried about starting a business against market odds? Yoyo says she had few concerns.
“I’m not exactly young anymore, so doing this now ensures I won’t have regrets. If I didn’t act last year, I might not have had the resolve this year. I just dove in fully—whether it succeeds or fails, I’ll figure it out by doing it!”
Since their products launched in September last year, JDF started with seven or eight collections, adding new designs monthly, now boasting 12 collections. Drawing inspiration from global landscapes, travel destinations, and cultural motifs, JDF’s creations embody a breezy, vacation-like vibe. “Hong Kongers love to travel, not just for leisure but to immerse in local cultures and lifestyles. Our products are categorized by regions, showcasing distinct cultural elements and patterns. With our curated collections, customers don’t need to worry about coordinating items,” Yoyo explained.
Ideas Born in the Mind
Designer Mon Lim shared that the landscapes, traditions, and cultural traces of places—visited or yet to be explored—are the wellspring of their inspiration. The duo collaborates on selecting patterns and colors for JDF’s collections, with Mon bringing them to life through her designs. Each collection can take dozens of hours to create, a process they find rewarding and joyful. “We’re so passionate about this work that, aside from eating, sleeping, and showering, our time and minds are fully dedicated to designing,” Mon said. “The ideas were already brewing in our heads, so when we decided to start this brand, creativity flowed endlessly. The greatest motivation comes from our customers’ appreciation.”
Official Source : The Hong Kong Economic Times (hket)
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