The granddaughter of renowned philanthropist Tang King-po gave up a lucrative investment banking career to open a gourmet shop six years ago to pursue her passion for food. Today her store is thriving.
'All the people who love me love cooking,' says Belinda Wong Sheung-yu. 'Since I was small, I was allowed in the kitchen to 'help out' my favourite servant and mother in their cooking. To me, food is a way people express their love for me.'
The 40-year-old entrepreneur, who always has a warm smile, says she decided to venture into a retail business selling brands of gourmet foods rarely seen in the city because she wanted to devote more time to her passion for food. Her store boasts exquisite jams from Spain, different varieties of Japanese rice and various European hams and cheeses.
'When people travel, they may want to look at architecture or visit some tourist attractions. But I go to the food markets, restaurants and street-side eateries and see what people eat.'
Ms Wong invested all her savings in the store - even though she was unsure of how receptive the city's consumers would be to the uncommon and expensive merchandise she brought in from around the world.
'My family was opposed to my decision initially as they were worried that I would lose everything if the business failed.