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新一期季刊隆重登場！

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GLOBAL

Fashion

Beauty & Wellness

LifeStyle

Watch & Jewellery

Joyce Yip

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The Mills Fabrica: Fashion of Tomorrow

Wendy Lam, founder of EzyGreenPak, isn’t your typical entrepreneur. Raised in her family’s garment factory in Hong Kong, she saw the environmental toll of packaging firsthand. “Growing up in the manufacturing environment… I have witnessed the pollution of the packaging since I was a child,” she recalls. This early exposure sparked her passion for sustainability, carving her path from a second-generation factory heir to a pioneer of eco-friendly innovation.Launched in mid-2023, EzyGreenPak represents Wendy’s mission to tackle industrial inefficiencies with sustainable solutions. The start-up specializes in water-soluble, non-woven fabric made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a biodegradable material known for its durability and versatility. But Wendy’s vision goes beyond products—she’s committed to transparency, using a digital platform to reveal each item’s environmental footprint. “I really want to tell our corporate customers where the product comes from,” she explains. For Wendy, EzyGreenPak isn’t just a business—it’s part of a larger movement to rethink how we value what we consume.Before founding EzyGreenPak, Wendy built a diverse career in sustainability, ESG and technology, working with start-ups in green tech and property tech, alongside global corporations. Her studies in international business management in Scotland introduced her to Western perspectives on sustainability, contrasting sharply with her father’s traditional manufacturing mindset. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as garment orders slowed, Wendy seized the chance to innovate. Partnering with the South China University of Technology, she blended heritage and ambition to reformulate PVA into a market-ready fabric, launching EzyGreenPak to promote her own sustainable brand rather than continuing her family’s OEM legacy.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/9_J7_A4337_fafbd5d850.jpeg" alt="9J7A4337.jpeg"><figcaption>&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Wendy Lam</figcaption></figure>Wendy’s philosophy hinges on a link between transparency and sustainability, forged by her childhood observations in the garment factory. “I have witnessed workers working very hard on a single product,” she reveals. “As a manufacturer, we only earn a little bit, but when we sell to a brand or retailer, they can sell it for ten times more.” This disparity drove her to create a system where supply chain realities are laid bare, empowering consumers and businesses alike.EzyGreenPak reflects this philosophy. Beyond its water-soluble packaging, Wendy and her brother—a programmer—developed a platform to track each product’s carbon footprint. “We can calculate the energy usage and water usage…and compare with the traditional plastic bag based on product end of life,” she notes, highlighting how their material sidesteps the long-term waste of plastics and the water-heavy production of cotton. This data-driven transparency meets a growing demand for accountability, a shift Wendy deems critical: “The market chain is changing… the new generation cares about that.”Her focus on transparency stems from a desire to connect people to the stories behind their purchases. “When you buy an item, you don’t really know the story behind the product,” she reflects. EzyGreenPak’s tote bags aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re tools to spark conversations about sustainability and labor. By merging tangible innovation with digital insight, Wendy ensures her start-up doesn’t just reduce harm but educates and builds trust, redefining what sustainability means in practice.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/5640495d_6798_49db_b342_4e57018ebadd_9b713ec19b.jpg" alt="5640495d-6798-49db-b342-4e57018ebadd.jpg"><figcaption>&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Wendy Lam</figcaption></figure>Overcoming Challenges: Transforming PVA into a Sustainable Solution Turning PVA into a durable, water-soluble fabric was no small feat. Wendy first encountered PVA in her father’s factory, where it was used as a transparent plastic garment bag. But its flaws were evident: “When the weather is very moist or humid, the packaging sticks together. It’s very hard for our workers,” she recalls. Seeing its potential, she partnered with Professor Cui Yuefei from South China University of Technology to reimagine it.The process demanded collaboration and persistence. The professor’s team reformulated PVA, while Wendy focused on scaling it for mass production. “Our role is more like a supporting role,” she explains. Unlike typical non-woven fabric equipment, their machines needed custom tweaks to handle PVA’s unique properties. Through trial and error, they crafted a long-woven fabric that balanced texture, strength, and dissolvability—a breakthrough that became EzyGreenPak’s hero product.This innovation wasn’t just technical; it was personal. “When the team experiments in the lab, it’s different from mass production. We help them to do the mass production to experiment if it is possible,” Wendy says, bridging lab research with factory realities. The result unlocked applications like shopping bags and food packaging, proving sustainable materials could rival traditional plastics. Her resolve turned a flawed material into a game-changer, cementing EzyGreenPak’s place in eco-innovation.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_17_180628_002_d6028c77b9.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-17-180628_002.jpeg"><figcaption>&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Wendy Lam</figcaption></figure>Championing Sustainability in a Fast Fashion World Wendy’s dislike for fast fashion stems from its inequities, shaped by her factory upbringing. “I don’t like fast fashion because they sell it very cheap… how much from the $100 will go to the worker?” she asks. She critiques how profits favor branding over fair labor: “It’s the same quality, the same material, but with a different logo, different branding, different marketing…and they will mark the price up.” This exploitation, alongside fast fashion’s environmental damage, fuels her mission.EzyGreenPak challenges this cycle by offering sustainable alternatives that last. Wendy’s advice to consumers is practical: “Buy what you need.” She recognizes fast fashion’s ubiquity but urges mindfulness—her goal isn’t to eliminate it, but to shift habits toward value-driven consumption, using transparency to expose the true cost of cheap clothing and promote options that respect both people and the planet.A Runner’s Resilience: Lessons from the Marathon Trail Wendy’s identity as a runner mirrors her entrepreneurial grit. A regular marathoner, she sees parallels between racing and building EzyGreenPak. “It’s the same concept… there’s always a long way to go, and you feel so tired—you always want to give up,” she reflects. This resilience sustains her through start-up challenges, from rejections to self-doubt.Running offers more than endurance—it’s a source of joy and clarity. “The happiest moment is not when you achieve the target, it’s when you almost achieve it,” she says. This mindset fuels her incremental approach to EzyGreenPak, celebrating small wins like client support or avoiding 500 tons of CO₂. She’s pragmatic too, setting a three-year target to assess success: “If I can’t meet the target… I would probably consider another alternative option… If I fail, I still have a story to tell.”Her love for running began with a challenge. “I’m the kind of person who likes challenges,” she laughs. “Once I have a target, I really want to achieve it.” Crossing the finish line brings pride—“I can’t believe I can do it”—a feeling she channels into her business. Whether on the pavement or pitching to clients, Wendy’s runner’s spirit drives her forward, proving that persistence can turn vision into reality.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_17_181112_002_df4281aad6.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-17-181112_002.jpeg"><figcaption>&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Wendy Lam</figcaption></figure>Bridging Generations: Family Dynamics in Entrepreneurship Working with family has tested and strengthened Wendy’s resolve. Her father, a traditional manufacturer, initially dismissed sustainability. “He doesn’t really think that sustainability or transparency is very important… making enough money to give the salary to the worker, that is their first priority,” she says. Convincing him took effort: “I had to brainwash my dad to tell him why this is important.”Their collaboration blends his expertise with her innovation. “My family has a background in production and experience in manufacturing,” she notes. Yet, tensions arise: “It’s not 100% happy all the time… we’re from different generations and there’s always a communication gap.” Wendy has since learned to treat him like a coworker—“more polite”—to keep peace.The joy lies in mutual growth. “They understand now that there’s value,” she says of her father’s gradual acceptance. This partnership, though rocky, is a testament to how family can evolve from tradition to transformation, bolstering Wendy’s vision with their factory’s legacy.A Legacy of Connection: Redefining Value Through Tangible Products Wendy envisions a future where everyday products become bridges between people, fostering appreciation for the labor and lives behind them. “My ultimate goal is to use a tangible product to connect people,” she says. This took root during a transformative chapter of her life: two months spent working in a Cambodian garment and accessory factory five years ago, shortly after graduating from university. Sent by a supportive boss, she stepped into a world that reframed her view on manufacturing and consumption.In Cambodia, Wendy experienced a stark contrast to Hong Kong. “When you go to Cambodia… even when you give them lunch, they were so happy,” she recalls. This gratitude struck her deeply. Coming from a bustling city, she hadn’t anticipated how modest gestures could carry such weight. “I did something very small… but they will see it as a very big thing for their life,” she reflects. These interactions revealed the stakes of factory work: “This job can help a lot of families… you see the real smile on their face.” For Wendy, it was a revelation—each garment stitched wasn’t just a product, but a lifeline supporting Cambodian families, their joy a testament to the ripple effects of her industry.Living among the workers, Wendy saw beyond the factory. “Some of the workers… they just want to earn money for their family. They also have a very touching story,” she says. As a consumer, she realized these stories remained invisible: “I’m wearing a jacket now. I have no way to understand who made my jacket for me… where the material comes from, the manufacturer, the worker.” This disconnect drives her resolve to bridge the gap. “Once you have experienced life in a Cambodian factory, you will see that one item can help a lot of families,” she explains, a lesson that underscores the core purpose of EzyGreenPak.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/IMG_8469_29779883a2.JPG" alt="IMG_8469.JPG"><figcaption>&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Wendy Lam</figcaption></figure>Beyond Bags: Pioneering Change Through Purpose This vision propels EzyGreenPak beyond bags. Wendy is exploring new sustainable materials, like transparent, plastic-free FSC paper for food packaging. “We want to expand our product category,” she says, aiming to reduce environmental footprints while amplifying human stories. Her digital platform, set to scale globally, will further this goal by offering transparency into production impacts. Reflecting on Cambodia, Wendy believes small actions can spark big shifts: “A very small step can change people’s mindset.” Her legacy isn’t merely in eco-innovation but in redefining value—turning purchases into partnerships between makers and users, inspired by the smiles she saw in a factory 900 miles away from home.Wendy’s journey with EzyGreenPak is a testament to purpose-driven innovation. From her garment factory roots to sustainability leadership, she has turned personal insight into action. “At least I’m doing something good,” she says of her impact. Challenging fast fashion and opaque supply chains, Wendy models resilience and transparency. As EzyGreenPak grows, her vision of products that connect and sustain lights the way for a greener, more equitable future.

Caroline Tam

English Editor 

From Factory Floors to Greener Pastures: Wendy Lam's Journey with EzyGreenPak

As one of this quarter's Impact Trailblazers, Chinachem Group exemplifies the power of corporate action to drive meaningful change. Deeply aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, their initiatives inspire a rethink of how businesses can shape a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient community.&nbsp;In this feature, we had the opportunity to speak to some of the incredible women who make Chinachem a true catalyst for progress—not just in Hong Kong, but on the global stage.&nbsp;<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Untitled_design_99e0e4cbaf.png" alt="Untitled design.png">Sustainability as a Core Strategy&nbsp; At Chinachem Group, community impact takes center stage through innovative initiatives that redefine corporate social responsibility. Chief Business Impact Officer, and JESSICA Most Successful Women Awardee Sylvia Chung offered insights into how the Group shapes its community-focused programs.&nbsp;"We strive to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. We create places where people congregate and enjoy shared experiences. Our dedication to integrating ESG initiatives into our operations ensures that sustainability is blended with our daily activities and decision-making processes. This commitment fosters a culture of responsibility and awareness within the community, ultimately enhancing our collective impact.” Sylvia explains, outlining the philosophy that drives the Group's community programs.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/1_864581581f.png" alt="1.png"><figcaption>Sylvia Chung, Chief Business Impact Officer</figcaption></figure>This vision comes to life through initiatives like CCG Hearts, a unique loyalty program that transforms traditional rewards into opportunities for community service. Members can volunteer while benefiting those in need. At Nina Park, the Group takes an unexpected approach to community engagement, using fossil exhibitions to inspire visitors to reflect on the relationship between people, nature, and time.&nbsp;These community-focused efforts are complemented by broader community engagement initiatives, such as the recent Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2024. Co- hosted with the Business Environment Council and Hong Kong Green Building Council, the conference drew more than 5,000 online and in-person participants, a 60% increase from the previous year. Under the theme “Integrating Sustainability Solutions towards a Resilient Future," the event brought together diverse sectors to address environmental challenges.&nbsp;Their CCG 3050+ decarbonization roadmap has already yielded impressive results, with a 32.9% reduction in emissions from their 2020 baseline.&nbsp;<blockquote>“We believe in the power of experiences to strengthen community bonds and inspire creativity.”&nbsp;</blockquote>This commitment to sustainability has earned Chinachem international recognition, including a5-star GRESB rating — making them the only non-listed property developer in Hong Kong to achieve global and regional sector leadership status.&nbsp;To Sylvia, these initiatives reflect the belief that positive change comes through providing platforms where ideas can be brought into action and communities can come together. Through investing in these impactful projects, the Group aims to promote social cohesion and inspire a sense of belonging, creating opportunities for growth while making meaningful contributions to the community they serve.&nbsp;Amplifying Impact Through Storytelling&nbsp; Storytelling is a powerful tool for communicating CSR and ESG initiatives. Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications (Media) Vanessa Leung, who brings valuable insights from her journalism background, shares insights into how the company crafts and communicates its sustainability story. "I focus on identifying angles that resonate with our target audience by understanding their values, interests, and concerns," she explains. "By crafting narratives highlighting our initiatives' real-life impact on individuals and communities, we create a more relatable and compelling message."She continues, "The REACT Campaign exemplifies Chinachem's innovative approach to environmental communication.” The initiative, which stands for Rethink, Exchange, Awareness, Cultivation, and Token (purposefully echoing "WE ACT"), tackles the challenge of making sustainability accessible and actionable. Recognizing that environmental concepts often feel abstract to many people, Vanessa and her team focus on creating tangible connections between sustainable practices and daily life. While recycling is widely recognized, the campaign broadens the public's understanding of environmental action by showcasing diverse waste reduction and sustainable living approaches.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/3_36c2d704d2.png" alt="3.png"><figcaption>Vanessa Leung, Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications (Media)</figcaption></figure>Vanessa understands the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life. A powerful example can be seen in the media coverage of "One Beat One World: Connecting Through the Drum.” The initiative's coverage has spotlighted how personal stories can transcend cultural barriers. In one particularly impactful moment, a mother and son from a minority community, who typically shy away from public speaking due to cultural norms, were encouraged to share their experiences on camera. Their story of finding connection through drumming resonated deeply with audiences, demonstrating how thoughtful media coverage can amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.Vanessa also shared another example, the Group’s collaboration with Mind the Waves, a charity founded by Olympic swimmers Stephanie Au, Jamie Yeung, and last year's JESSICA Most Successful Women winner, Camille Cheng. Through their experiences as elite athletes facing intense pressure, these accomplished swimmers bring authentic voices to discussions about mental health in the younger generation, empowering everyone to be the best versions of themselves, regardless of their age or background.Revitalizing Communities Through Culture&nbsp; Chinachem Group's dedication to sustainability goes hand in hand with its commitment to preserving and celebrating Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage. Avis Li, Manager of Corporate Communications (CSR), provides insights into how the company integrates cultural development into its community initiatives. Projects honor the past while fostering a sense of belonging for future generations.&nbsp;"At Chinachem Group, we recognize that culture and architectural conservation are vital to our CSR initiatives," Avis explains. "Our approach to cultural development and promotions is deeply integrated into our broader mission to enhance community identity and foster a sense of belonging among the people of Hong Kong."<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/4_3d3f7a92bf.png" alt="4.png"><figcaption>Avis Li, Manager of Corporate Communications (CSR)</figcaption></figure>A standout example is the revitalization of the Central Market, a Grade III historic building. Once a bustling hub in the city's heart, the site has been transformed into a vibrant community space that celebrates Hong Kong's unique character. Avis explains, “Through meticulous restoration, Chinachem has preserved the building's historical significance while infusing it with modern functionality, offering locals and visitors a space to connect, explore, and enjoy shared experiences.”“Similarly, Chinachem has embraced its role as a steward of cultural identity through projects like the Hing Chun Alliance, a 300-year- old Hakka village.” By supporting the preservation of this heritage site, the company is working to safeguard traditions that might otherwise fade away, ensuring future generations can connect with their cultural roots.Programs hosted at Nina Park, Hong Kong's first wood fossil park, provide interactive learning experiences that bridge generational gaps and foster a deeper understanding of natural and cultural history. “With over 4,000 participants joining tours and workshops since its opening, Nina Park shows how innovative design can combine education, recreation, and community building.”Beyond physical spaces, Chinachem actively engages communities through cultural partnerships. Collaborations with events like French May and the Gourmet Market bring international art and cuisine into local neighbourhoods, showcasing the company's commitment to blending global influences with local traditions.Through these initiatives, Chinachem demonstrates that cultural preservation is more than a corporate responsibility—it's a vital investment in Hong Kong's community. Avis shares, “Fostering inclusive spaces and celebrating shared histories ensures heritage remains a cornerstone of sustainable urban development. These efforts align with our broader mission to create places where culture, community, and sustainability thrive together.”Art and Connection in Everyday Life For Chinachem Group, art is not confined to gallery walls or concert halls—it's a powerful tool for fostering connection and inspiring communities. Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications (CSR) Yoko Kok shares how the company integrates art into its community-building initiatives, creating accessible and interactive experiences that resonate with people from all walks of life. "We are committed to making art accessible to al. We tend to present interactive and approachable art activities in our venues to engage and unite our communities," explains Yoko. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/2_269c2df5d2.png" alt="2.png"><figcaption>Yoko Kok, Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications (CSR)</figcaption></figure><blockquote>"Positive change comes through providing platforms where ideas can be brought into action and communities can come together.”&nbsp;</blockquote>"One such initiative is the collaboration with French May, which brought the innovative "Waterlight Graffiti" installation to Chinachem's venues." This cutting-edge art piece allowed participants to create glowing designs on an LED canvas using water, making art creation a playful, hands-on experience. "Complementing this was a series of French contemporary dance performances staged in open spaces where audiences could interact with dancers. These immersive events broke down traditional barriers between art and audience, transforming public areas into vibrant cultural spaces."Another highlight is the Group'’s sponsorship of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, which allows students from Tsuen Wan to explore drama through literature appreciation workshops. “These experiences nurture young talent and foster inclusivity by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds.”Such initiatives reflect Cninachem's belief in the transformative power of art. “By making art accessible, we encourage dialogue and connection among individuals and communities.” These projects underscore the importance of breaking conventional molds—art, as Chinachem sees it, should be a shared experience that strengthens bonds and inspires creativity. “Through interactive installations, theater workshops, or cross-cultural collaborations, we show that art can unify lives and foster stronger, more inclusive communities.”Text by Jeremy Chapnick

Building An Impact Community: Chinachem Group 

In the dimly lit top floor of SOHO House, guests gathered for the Rescued Feast, sipping sustainable cocktails while marveling at dishes crafted from would-be food waste. At the heart of this third anniversary celebration stood Carla Martinesi, CHOMP's visionary founder. Her eyes bright with passion, she addressed the elegant crowd: "The worst thing you can do is nothing at all. Even the smallest actions can make a huge difference."&nbsp;Carla's journey spans continents and cultures. Born in Hong Kong and raised in the Swiss Alps, she developed a unique perspective that would later shape her mission. While her childhood was marked by constant changes—different schools, languages, and friends— food remained her anchor. "Food was our only constant,” she reflected. "No matter where we moved, it always meant comfort and home."&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Copy_of_IMG_9130x1_fdf3c5d84e.jpg" alt="Copy of IMG_9130x1.jpg"></figure>Her deep connection to food naturally guided her professional path. After studying hospitality and F&amp;B management at prestigious Swiss institutions, Carla immersed herself in every aspect of the industry, from luxury hotels to intimate cafes. But it was 2020's lockdown that sparked her true calling. As COVID-19 threatened Hong Kong's restaurant&nbsp;industry, Carla found herself drawn to a larger challenge. "Hong Kong's environmental problems became impossible to ignore," she explained. “Coming from Switzerland, where eco-consciousness is ingrained in daily life, I felt compelled to make a difference.”&nbsp;This drive led to CHOMP's launch in 2021—an innovative app designed to address Hong Kong's mounting food waste crisis. Three years later, the platform has prevented over 10,000 kilograms of food from reaching landfills while helping restaurants transform potential waste into profit.&nbsp;CHOMP: A Revolutionary Solution to Food Waste&nbsp; At its core, CHOMP transcends being merely a tech solution— it's a revolutionary call to action for Hong Kong's F&amp;B industry. The app's premise is elegantly simple: restaurants list their surplus food at discounted prices, transforming potential waste into profit. "It's a win- win-win solution,” Carla explained. "Restaurants generate additional income, customers enjoy savings, and perfectly good food stays out of landfills."&nbsp;The app's signature "mystery box" feature emerged from a nostalgic source: Carla's childhood memories of Hong Kong's “lucky bags." "As kids, we'd eagerly buy these bags filled with random surprises,” she reminisced. "That same excitement now helps us tackle food waste." These surprise boxes enable restaurants to creatively package their surplus items, turning unpredictable inventory into an engaging customer experience.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Copy_of_IMG_9092x1_350413e58e.jpg" alt="Copy of IMG_9092x1.jpg"></figure>CHOMP's impact since its 2021 launch is impressive: over 250 restaurants have joined the platform, collectively preventing more than 10,000 kilograms of food from reaching landfills. However, the path hasn't been without obstacles. "In Hong Kong's hierarchy of environmental concerns, food waste often takes a back seat to issues like plastic pollution or housing,” Carla noted. "Changing this mindset has required persistent education and advocacy."The platform's success stems largely from Carla's commitment to community engagement. Through hands-on workshops and strategic partnerships with institutions like Hong Kong University and Soho House, CHOMP has evolved into a movement for change. "Our mission extends beyond surplus food sales,” Carla emphasized. "We're cultivating new habits and building a sustainable future.”This vision drives CHOMP's continued growth. "When you consider that Hong Kong generates 90 kilograms of food waste per person annually, even small actions matter,” Carla observed. "Using CHOMP once a month might seem minor, but these intentional choices create lasting impact."<blockquote>"Change begins with simple choices. Whether it's bringing your own shopping bag or taking inventory of your refrigerator before shopping— these small acts compound into meaningful impact.”&nbsp;</blockquote>The Rescued Feast: A Celebration of Sustainability The Rescued Feast stands as more than just a celebration of CHOMP's third anniversary—it's a bold statement about the future of dining. This innovative culinary event transformed what many would consider food scraps into an elegant gastronomic experience, revealing the hidden potential in surplus ingredients. "We wanted to create an upscale feast that challenges perceptions of food waste," Carla explained, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Copy_of_IMG_9138x1_729ca176f6.jpg" alt="Copy of IMG_9138x1.jpg">Under the skilled hands of Soho House's Chef Chris and Little Bao's May Chow, the evening came alive with possibility. The acclaimed chefs crafted Michelin-worthy dishes from imperfect vegetables, herb trimmings, and other overlooked ingredients, proving that creativity can elevate the seemingly ordinary. "Watching these chefs transform what most would discard into culinary masterpieces was nothing short of magical,” Carla reflected.The event's impact resonated far beyond its elegant setting. By saving 472 kilograms of food, the feast prevented an estimated of over 1000 kilograms of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. For the more than 200 guests in attendance, the evening offered a compelling glimpse into how sustainability and fine dining can seamlessly intertwine.The transformation of attitudes was palpable throughout the evening. "Seeing these ingredients elevated into beautiful dishes completely changed my perspective on food waste," one guest shared. This shift in mindset is exactly what Carla hoped to achieve, envisioning the Rescued Feast as a template for future dining experiences that challenge conventional attitudes toward waste.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Copy_of_IMG_9101x1_334cb080d2.jpg" alt="Copy of IMG_9101x1.jpg"></figure>For Carla, this event embodied CHOMP's core values: community, sustainability, and innovation. "We're not just discussing the problem of food waste—we're showcasing viable, delicious solutions," she declared. Energized by the Rescued Feast's success, she's already envisioning future events that will continue to educate and inspire change.Carla’s Entrepreneurial Insights The path to building CHOMP led Carla through an unexpected maze of challenges. "I thought I'd done exhaustive preparation—market studies, branding questionnaires, developer interviews," she reflected. “Then reality hit: I didn't even know the fundamentals of registering a business or creating app terms and conditions."The entrepreneurial path demanded she wear countless hats, often simultaneously. Carla pieced together solutions creatively, from seeking legal advice in online forums to collaborating with a retired lawyer who volunteered her expertise. “There's no definitive roadmap for building an app or business from scratch," she noted. "Success comes from asking questions and embracing community support."Indeed, community became CHOMP's foundation. "Our success stories are written by countless helping hands-friends, colleagues, and even strangers who believed in our mission," Carla shared. "The key is setting aside pride and being open about what you don't know."<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/Copy_of_IMG_9080x1_efc81518c2.jpg" alt="Copy of IMG_9080x1.jpg"></figure>Her work offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. "Our app went through six iterations before we got it right," she recalled with a knowing smile. "Theory and practice often tell different stories, and flexibility is crucial." Her golden rules? Build a strong network, seek help without hesitation, and view setbacks as stepping stones.In Hong Kong, CHOMP faces unique cultural hurdles. "Here, abundant food traditionally symbolizes prosperity," Carla explained. "Shifting this deeply rooted mindset requires patience and persistence." Yet, through CHOMP's success, she's demonstrated that sustainable practices can coexist with cultural values."We're still evolving," Carla acknowledged, "but each small victory brings us closer to our vision of a waste-free future."A Vision for the Future While CHOMP's impact can be measured in thousands of kilograms of food rescued from landfills, Carla's vision reaches far beyond metrics. Through initiatives like the Rescued Feast, she demonstrates how sustainability and innovation can harmoniously coexist, catalyzing a shift in both individual and corporate mindsets. "Change begins with simple choices," she reflected.<blockquote>"Whether it's bringing your own shopping bag or taking inventory of your refrigerator before shopping— these small acts compound into meaningful impact."</blockquote>Looking ahead, Carla's aspirations for CHOMP extend beyond food rescue to cultural transtormation, where waste becomes obsolete and sustainability becomes second nature. Her journey from passionate observer to change-maker stands as a powerful testament to the ripple effect of purposeful action-proving that meaningful change can start anywhere, from a bustling restaurant kitchen to your own home.Text by Jeremy Chapnick

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