Save more and sow the seeds for a greener future

Starting your own business
Environmental protection
Saving money
Financial tips


As a small business, you really have to watch your budget, starting from as trivial as your product packaging. Eva, founder of an online store that specialises in handmade soaps, believes this approach does not only save money for her business, but, more importantly, also saves resources for the planet.

“As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, overconsumption and excessive packaging lead to a significant amount of waste.”

As a green entrepreneur, Eva’s sustainability philosophy is shared by her customers, who return reusable bottles and even collect clean wrapping papers for Eva to reuse again.

Challenges of starting a business

After leaving a tutoring centre, Eva started an online shop from scratch, with plans to offer handmade soaps, lip balms and facial creams. She encountered many obstacles along the way.

“I did try to set up a physical store to promote the brand. But the rent was so high that I had to give up eventually. However, a purely online business also means high delivery costs. ”

Space is scarce in Hong Kong, and high rental costs pose the greatest challenge for startups. However, an online shop can save on rent but it lacks the exposure of a physical stores. To further expand her client base, Eva promoted her products through Sunday markets and collaborations with schools and various organisations.

As for delivery, she would plan the route and time carefully, and try to deliver the products herself so as to get to know her customers better and gather feedback. Many of them have even become her close friends now.

Save for the Earth

Eva might not have a detailed business plan, but she has managed to realise her green vision.

“Why do I advocate handmade soaps? Because they can be used for a long time, and unlike consumables like shower gels and shampoos, they will not produce a lot of waste. We are consuming a huge amount of natural resources every day, and environmental protection means ‘saving’ for the planet. ”

It is everyone’s responsibility to consume less, choose wisely and recycle resources. As we explore green opportunities and promote sustainable living during the crisis, we are actually benefiting ourselves and our future generation.

A business driven by love

Many people dream of starting their own businesses and being successful, but Eva opened her online shop because she lost two precious family members.

“The name of my online store comes from my adopted dog, a Belgian Malinois. But when my dog and my father passed away eight years ago, I could not handle the grief. One day, my friend tried to cheer me up by taking me to a market, where I met a vendor selling handmade soaps. I found it practical and good for the environment, so I took some courses to learn the skills.”

Eva said she fell in love with it. “The process helped me stay focused and calm, healing the wound in my heart. As I made more soaps than I needed, I was encouraged by my husband to set up an online shop.”

Starting a business is not easy as budget control needs to be implemented stringently, but the rewards go far beyond money.

“It gives me a great sense of satisfaction that customers return again as they appreciate my products and support me as a friend. It also feels great to spread the message of environmental protection, and loving the Earth and other animals.”

While Eva’s products have enriched the lives of many, her dog and father gave her a priceless gift a long time ago: love.


More: My Money Story series

 

2 Jun 2020