Asian Business Owners - A.B.O.

What does it really take to build a creative and sustainable business that feels true to you?In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I chat with Rowena Gonzales, founder of Liquid Interiors, interior design company in Hong Kong.Rowena opened up about her 16-year journey as an entrepreneur that started after she quit her job in corporate to leading a purpose-driven interior design firm.Things we talk about:Do you need to find your niche to succeed?Mastering your finances for steady business growthEmbracing sustainability and creativity as your business backbone🚨⭐️ Don't miss the announcement at the end of the episode about Women Entrepreneurs Network, a powerful support community for women entrepreneurs.To contact them:admin@wenhk.org+852 5687 3027Their websiteContent:(00:27) Meet Rowena: Founder of Liquid Interiors(01:04) Women Entrepreneurs Network: Empowering Women in Business(01:33) The Magic of Interior Design(02:27) Sustainability and Wellness in Design(06:51 From Corporate to Freelancing to Limited Company(11:47) Finding Your Niche & Saying Bye to a Business Partner(15:14) The Importance of Support Networks(19:00) Fireside Chat(21:08) Defining Success and Family Values(24:00) Mastering Finances for Business Growth(25:00) Communicating Goals and Team Alignment(28:31) Does Your Business Operates Differently After You Found Your Niche?(38:50) Exciting New Project with Sustainability Goals(41:00) Advice for Entrepreneurs👉 To find out more about Liquid Interiors:Liquid Interiors' websiteLiquid Interiors' Instagram

What if interior design could do more than look good? Discover the surprising shift that changed my guest’s business game. She redefined what wellness means — and one bold move turned everything upside down. Episode coming soon!

What if success isn’t about the noise around you — but finally listening to yourself?In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I sat down with Christian Mongendre, founder of Treehouse.From being a top athlete to launching one of Hong Kong’s most loved plant-based restaurants, his path is all about alignment, intention and growth.We talked about what success really means, especially when things get hard, about creating a business that reflects who you are, about health, food, intuition — and finding your own rhythm in a world that’s always rushing.Content:(00:45) Meet Christian: From Hong Kong to France and Back(02:00) How Do You Define Success?(07:42) The Journey of MANA and Treehouse(15:28) Fireside Questions(20:54) Navigating Difficult Times in Business(23:18) The Changing Landscape of Media and Sustainability in Hong Kong(25:55) Impact of Tough Times on Eating Habits(28:49) When Was The Last Time You Were Wrong?(32:42) Balancing Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine(38:45) Future Plans and Personal Milestones(41:16) Lessons Learned in Business(43:15) The Difference between Instinct & Intuition👉 To find out more about Treehouse:Treehouse websiteTreehouse on Instagram

What does it truly mean to succeed—on your own terms?Is it about growth? Values? Or something deeper?Don't miss this upcoming episode of Asian Business Owners!

In this special episode of Asian Business Owners, I share 3 powerful lessons from top entrepreneurs in Asia.From launching a fashion retail business to leading an auction house or building a sustainable beauty brand, these founders reveal what it really takes to succeed.You’ll hear:#1 How to turn uncertainty into growth — with Ariane Zagury, Founder of Rue Madame Fashion Group#2 How sharp thinking and the right connections accelerate your rise — with Jonathan Crockett, Chairman at Phillips#3 How keep trying and listening to the market leads to something sustainable — with Laurie Mias, Founder of MONO SkincareFollow my show if you enjoy this episode ✅Content:Ariane Zagury, Founder of Rue Madame Fashion Group (01:04) How She Found Her Voice In Retail(04:33) Starting With The Wrong Business Plan and Reaching ProfitabilityJonathan Crockett, Chairman at Phillips(06:41) Transitioning Back to Corporate Was A Big Win(08:51) Being an Entrepreneur: An Eye-Opening ExperienceLaurie Mias, Founder of MONO Skincare(10:19) Huge Misconception About Skincare(11:25) The Very Tough Product Development Phase

Listen to three powerful lessons from three entrepreneurs who joined me on Asian Business Owners to share their story.These aren’t just empty words — they’re honest and relatable insights drawn from real experience. Don't miss this special best-of episode, coming out soon!

This is a special crossover episode with Carmen, founder of the Asian Business Owners podcast and Rasheed, founder of the Entrepreneur Stories podcast.We sat down for an honest and unfiltered conversation about what it really feels like to start over.From leaving the corporate world to building businesses from scratch, we talk about how we found our voices and how we embrace uncertainty.You might relate to the highs and the lows — and the inner growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Let us know what you think... should we do a round two?Content:(01:24) Finding Your Voice: A Journey of Self-Discovery(03:22) The Truth About Wake-up Calls and Luck(05:21) How to Handle Big Transition Points(06:55) Moving Place and Adapting to New Environments(8:04) The Mental Health Struggles of Entrepreneurs(12:49) Starting a Podcast: Overcoming Our Own Limiting Beliefs(22:06) Podcast Content: Constant Improvement & Guests Selection(25:25) Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship(27:50) Reflecting on Loneliness in Entrepreneurship(33:04) Balancing Family and Financial Concerns(35:15) The Decision to Leave Corporate Life(42:33) A Piece Advice to Help You Find Your Voice(47:03) Being Comfortable With Self-Promotion and Personal Branding(48:38) How to Draw a Line Between Your Business & Your Personal Self?(51:17) What Does it Really Mean to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone?👉 To find out more about Rasheed:Rasheed's LinkedIn ProfileBanyan Workspace's website and InstagramRasheed's Podcast

A candid conversation about finding one's voice in the world of entrepreneurship. Overcoming fears, stepping out of comfort zones, reflecting on pivotal moments... Don't miss this special episode.

What does it really take to build a skincare brand from the ground up?In this episode of Asian Business Owners, Laurie Mias, founder of MONO Skincare — sustainability water-soluble skincare brand — shares her raw and inspiring journey.From leaving her old life behind to launching radical skincare prodcuts, she opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.Breaking into the beauty industry is a hell of a challenge that comes with lots of struggle but also rewarding wins. An honest conversation and inspiring story for anyone building a brand and dealing with change.Content(00:47) Founding Mono Skincare: The Journey Begins(03:35) Taking the Leap: From Paris to Hong Kong(08:19) Starting a Juice Business in Hong Kong(13:43) Lessons Learned from Mr Green Juice(17:57) Quickfire Questions With Laurie(21:28) The Common Thread to Laurie’s Different Project: Wellness(24:31) Founding Mono Skincare & Challenges in the Skincare Market(28:04) Creating Radical Skincare Solutions(31:49) A Misconception about Hydration(35:38) Early Struggles: Developing the Perfect Formula(36:52) Adapting to Market Needs(44:43) Future Innovations and Partnerships(48:30) Lessons for Entrepreneurs👉 To find out more about MONO Skincare:MONO's websiteMONO on Instagram